Sound not working after few minutes, error "This device is being used by another application. Please close any devices that are playing audio to this device and try again".

Installed the Windows update distributed by MS yesterday and the problem has gone away.

The troubleshooting and clean boot procedures were more complicated than the old F8 and I was not comfortable applying them on my own.

Thanks for your help.

BDR

Hi,

Good to know that your issue is resolved. Please feel free to reply, in case if you need any further assistance or information on this issue.

Hi,

Thank you for the reply.

You may also perform a Clean boot (Which is Step 2 in Method 3) to identify if there is any conflict between third party applications. Check if it helps and keep us updated on the status of the issue, I will be glad to help you further.

HP ENVY m6-1225dx Notebook PC

Model = CND2500H9T

Only changes have been the automatic HP and Windows updates.

No changes initiated by me.

Problem occurs for both Users; one in a non-administrative user, 2nd user is administrator.

Tried the troubleshooting and driver updates (#1 and #2, above) and problem still persists.

 I'm a little intimidated by the safe boot procedures.  Is that the only way to identify the third party apps that are causing the conflict?

Thanks,

BDR

Hi,

For a better understanding of the issue, I would need more information from your end.

1. What is the complete model number of the Notebook?
2. Did you make any recent changes on the computer prior to this issue?

This issue could have occurred due to these reasons:

1. Due to incorrect settings.
2. Due to corrupted audio drivers.
3. Due to conflict between third party applications.

Try the steps listed here and check if it helps:

Method 1:

Let's first run Audio Troubleshooter and check if it helps.

a) Press the ‘**Windows + W’**key on the keyboard.

b) Type troubleshooterin the search boxand then press enter.

c) Click hardware and soundand click on ‘Playing Audio’.

Method 2:

If the issue persists you may try to uninstall and re-install the audio drivers from computer manufacturer website.

Step 1: Follow the steps provided below to uninstall the Audio drivers.

a. Press Windows Key + X and then click Device Manger.

b. Expand ‘Sound Video and Game Controllers”.

c. Right-click on ‘High Definition Audio Deviceand select ‘uninstall’.

d. Follow the prompt and restart the computer.

Step 2:

Now re-install latest audio driver from the computer manufacturer website and check if it helps. If Windows 8.1 drivers are not available, I would suggest you to install audio driver in compatibility mode.

http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Nav?h_pagetype=s-002&h_lang=en&h_cc=us&h_product=5296044&h_client=S-A-R163-1&h_page=hpcom&lang=en&cc=us

To install the Audio driver in compatibility mode, I would suggest you to follow these steps.

a. Download the latest Bluetooth driver for Windows 8 from the manufacturer’s website and save it on your local disk.

b. Right-click on the setup file of the driver and select “Properties”.

c. Select “Compatibility” Tab.

d. Place a check mark next to “Run this program in Compatibility mode” and select Windows 8 from the drop down list.

e. Let the driver install and then check the functionality.

Method 3:

I would suggest you to boot the computer to Safe Mode and check if the issue occurs or not. If the issue does not occur in Safe Mode, I would suggest you to set the computer in a clean boot state to check if there is any conflict between third party applications.

Step 1: ****I would suggest you to refer the article to boot to Safe Mode. In Safe Mode computer starts with minimal set of drivers and files.

Windows Startup Settings (including safe mode)http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-including-safe-mode****

Step 2:

If the issue do not occur in Safe Mode perform a clean boot and check.

Setting the system in a clean boot state will help to identify if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue.

How to perform a clean boot in Windowshttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135/en-us****

Note: After clean boot troubleshooting steps, refer to the section "How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot" in the provided link to return your computer to Normal startup mode.

Refer to the article for additional information.

No sound in Windows

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows/no-sound-help#no-sound=windows-8&v1h=win8tab1&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1&v4h=winxptab1

Hope this information helps. Reply to the post with updated status of the issue to assist you further.