WIndows 7 64-Bit Conexant HD Audio Error

More Information in Error Message -

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Windows Requires a Digitally Signed Driver:

A Recently installed program tried to install an unsigned driver.  This version of Windows requires all drivers to have a valid digital signature.  The driver is unavailable and the program that uses this driver might not work correctly.  Uninstall the program or device that uses this driver and check the publisher's support website to get a digitally signed driver.

Driver: 64-bit High Definition Audio Function Driver

Service: Conexant UAA Function Driver for High Definition Audio Service

Publisher: Conexant Systems Incorporated

Location: C:\Windows\System...\CHDRT64.sys

___________________________________________

With that being said let my introduce myself, my name is Matthew and I am having some difficulties.

While using Windows Update, two important updates were prompted for me to install...

1. Conexant HD Audio
2. HDAUDIO Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP

Both of these programs do not register as having a publisher and are unknown? / foreign? to the operating system I am using which is 64-bit Windows 7.  Thus ... the sound device stopped working on the operating system after I installed these two software updates.  So I went into my device manager and got the above error.

Which ... Therein … Led me to contacting Carlo who provided me with the basic steps which are typographed below.  Following the steps ... I checked out first the “Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isn’t-working-properly “ article via the link (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly). 

Now, my first question is, am I having a hardware issue?  My Sound Device Hardware was working just fine before the software update I downloaded which was not compatible with the Driver?  I did try using Windows Update to automatically download and install the recommended updates … but that is what got me where I am in the first place.  The second option is to install software from the device manufacturer … but I do not know who/what the device manufacture is?  And I bought the computer from a friend who bought it off of CraigsList and the person on Craigslist said that they had rebuilt the computer, so I am unsure about that?  The last option was to download and update the driver myself and I went to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center and there was an option for Conexant but it was not listed in the Window’s Update options and for the Conexant Website … there is no download options for the software that it is recommending which is the “The AD1984A audio codec and SoundMAX software provide superior high definition audio quality that exceeds Vista Premium performance,” located  at this link (http://www.conexant.com/products/entry.jsp?id=598)

Carlo goes on to mention the following “You may work with a Microsoft Support Professional via e-mail, telephone, and for some products, chat. Please note that depending on how you obtained your software, you may be referred to your computer manufacturer as your primary support resource, or charged a fee to use the Assisted Support option: https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=14019&st=1&wfxredirect=1”

However I think that is how I contacted Carlo in the first place.

I also visited the recommendation Carlo made about “Microsoft Answers for Windows, Security Essentials and Windows Live: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx “

I looked up Conexant HD Audio and came back with one person who wrote “No Audio Conexant drivers emachine after Windows 7 install

Applies To: Windows | Windows 7 | Hardware and Drivers

I have an emachine W4670 that came with Windows XP it has a gateway 4800 series motherboard.  When I installed Windows 7 everything went great except for the Conexant Audio Drivers so now I have no sound. Is Microsoft going to put out a driver fix or does anyone know of one.  Thank you

And a support technician named Chris wrote back the following “A 64bit Conexant audio driver was never made for your machine. You'll need to install 32bit Windows 7 and then install the XP driver from the OEM's web page. Let me know if you can't find that and I'll see if we can get the XP driver posted to WU for Windows 7.

Thanks,

Chris”

(http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/no-audio-conexant-drivers-emachine-after-windows-7/74a3f355-3de3-4934-ae03-a9ecd846a7d1 )

And that was one of many confusing confabulations on the answers website.

Please let me know what you think … I look forward to a message from you soon.

Thank you.

-          Matthew

From: Microsoft Online Customer Service [*** Email address is removed for privacy ***]

Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2011 12:14 AM

To: Matthew W Miller

Subject: RE: SRX1152526554ID - Conexant High Definition Audio

Hello Matthew,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Customer Service.

I learned from your email that you are having problem with your hardware that is not working properly after installing a device driver in Windows 7. I sincerely understand how difficult this situation is for you.

As a Customer Service Representative, I can direct you to your support options which include Self-Help Resources and Assisted Support.

In relation to your concern, let me provide you a related article that might be of good help: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

In case these resources were not able to help,

The following are several ways you may obtain support to resolve your issue. Microsoft offers forums where you can post your question and receive an answer by Microsoft Most Valued Professionals and other users of the product. You can also check the self-help articles that are available in our knowledge base for known issues.

You may work with a Microsoft Support Professional via e-mail, telephone, and for some products, chat. Please note that depending on how you obtained your software, you may be referred to your computer manufacturer as your primary support resource, or charged a fee to use the Assisted Support option: https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=14019&st=1&wfxredirect=1

Posting your issue in Microsoft Answers for Windows, Security Essentials and Windows Live:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

Or searching for self-help articles and you may also try to click on the advance search tab for more search options: http://support.microsoft.com/ph/14019#tab0

I hope I was able to help you with your concern and find the right place to obtain support. Please feel free to write us back if you need further assistance regarding your concern and any Microsoft related issues.

Thank you,

Carlo

Microsoft Customer Service Representative …. Meet the new Windows Phone 7  

If you have any feedback about your Online Customer Service experience, please send it to my manager, Maureen, by clicking the link below. Please be sure to include the name of my manager in the subject field.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9685406

--- Original Message ---

From : *** Email address is removed for privacy ***

Sent : Wednesday, April 13, 2011 2:20:30 PM UTC

To : 126be401-77f3-4922-8011-2a987c51872a

Subject : Conexant High Definition Audio

Problem Description: I tired installing this software for an Audio Device ... and now the Audio Hardware will not work?  I just get a message from the driver saying ...

Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the drivers required for this device. A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source. (Code 52)

Operating System: Windows 7