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How do I get to Device Manager on WinXP SP3 to fix a sound problem - No Playback Devices?

Anonymous
2012-05-29T05:10:33+00:00

(1)  I cannot get to Device Manager by following the Help guide on my system.  The steps to follow do not match what my Windows is actually showing me and I cannot get there  The only way I can get to it is to use a link on the Help page directly.  Even when I do this, the Help guide steps still do not match what I am seeing on MY screens.  Is there possibly an update to the Help Guide to match my system?

(2)  I need Device Manager to find out what happened to my Audio Device.  I have no sounds from my speakers.  This suddenly happened when my wife was using the computer.  I have no idea what she may have been doing at the time. 

Start/Settings/Control Panel/Sounds and Audio Devices Properties shows "No Audio Device", hence 'Device volume' is greyed out.  Audio tab shows "No Playback Devices".

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-29T05:41:44+00:00

    The quickest way to bring up the Device Manager is:

        Start  -> Run -> "devmgmt.msc"

    If it detects the sound hardware but there is a problem with a driver, you will likely see a yellow "!" appear by your sound device.

    If it was working and suddenly stopped, you might try performing a "System Restore" to a point in time when it was working:

    "How to restore Windows XP to a previous state"

      < http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084 >

    HTH,

       JW

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-30T04:04:19+00:00

    Gateway Model  (AK) MFATXGEM AGB 5310S

    Intel X86-based PC

    Windows XP Home Edition SP3

    Internet Explorer 8

    Theme:  Windows XP (Modified)

    Classic Start menu

    Question:  Isn't the Help and Support section part of WinXP?  Why would the model of the PC matter?

    Also, I did a restore and got the audio situation cleared up.  Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-05-29T19:28:32+00:00

    I cannot comment on the Help and Support guide not matching what you see because that's about all the information you've given us to go on.  Some specifics would help a lot.  Many times it is due to "help and support" assuming that you have the default settings when in reality you have changed your preferences to a "classic" setting or similar.

    HTH,

       JW

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-05-29T15:05:37+00:00

    The model and manufacturer of your computer would be very helpful in pointing us in the right direction on how to help you.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-05-29T14:02:57+00:00

    Ok, I'll give that a try.

    What about the Help and Support guide giving me directions to follow that don't seem to match my machine?  I follow the steps and it tells me to do something but then I get to a point where I can't find the next thing it wants me to click on.  It's like the directions are out of date or something.

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