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Playback device is suddenly not detected in Windows 7

Anonymous
2010-03-26T23:48:40+00:00

I have been using Windows 7 for a while, and I am quite satisfied with it. However, I turned on the computer today and noted that my speakers cannot be detected. Or, as 7 puts it, "No Audio Output Device is Installed". I was listening to Thriller on YouTube last night, the last time it worked, and have done nothing to my computer between then and now. As far as I know, no new updates have been installed. I troubleshooted the problem, which didn't help much. Rebooting the computer hasn't helped. Unplugging the speakers and plugging in headphones didn't help, and neither did rebooting after this. Thus, I am convinced that it's either a sudden problem with my computer hardware or with Windows. However, as I said, this developed after my last login yesternight. I'd appreciate anyone's help.

Thanks,

Alex

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2010-03-27T20:16:45+00:00

Hi,

This might be an issue with the drivers installed for the Sound card on the computer, I suggest that you uninstall and reinstall the latest drivers for the sound card on the computer.

Steps to uninstall and reinstall the sound card driver:

1.    Click on start button.

2.    In the search box type devmgmt.msc and then press enter.

3.    Select the sound card device and right click on it

4.    Now select properties.

5.    In the properties window, under Driver tab, click on Uninstall button.

6.    After the uninstalling the drivers restart the computer. This should automatically install proper drivers for it.

You may try searching for its driver in windows update or download and install the latest driver for it from manufacturer’s website.

For more information visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

If this doesn’t help then you may try performing System restore on your computer.

System restore will take your computer to pervious state when it was not facing such problem, this can be done by selecting the proper restore point.  

To restore the operating system to an earlier point in time, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type system restore in the Start Search box, and then click System Restore in the Programs list.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.

  1. In the System Restore dialog box, click Choose a different restore point, and then click Next.
  2. In the list of restore points, click a restore point that was created before you began to experience the issue, and then click Next.
  3. Click Finish.

For more information visit http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/

Similar issues:

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7music/thread/5a109e1c-5a93-431a-9243-a6d8e27f6a9c

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/fi-FI/w7music/thread/2027074a-0204-4f67-8508-3d24972eb60a

Hope this information is helpful.

Umesh P - Microsoft Support

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