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No Audio Output Device is installed + Missing MMCSS

Anonymous
2018-07-08T06:31:19+00:00

Edit: After several hours of trying different things, my computer crashed and gave a BSOD. It restarted a few times, got stuck at preparing automatic repair, gave a few more BSODs before successfully repairing and booting, and suddenly, the audio is working again. I have no idea what prompted it, there is still no MMCSS service but everything else seems to be fine, do I have any reason to be concerned or should I take this as a fluke?

Hello, I'm a bit at my wits end so I hope someone can help me. The model I'm using is ASUS SF-314-52 if that is relevant.

I opened up my computer to find no audio working and a 'No Audio Output Device is installed' error above my sound control. Everything was working fine yesterday when I shut down the computer. There was a windows update available, so I installed that but nothing changed.

Following various guides and websites I've found that there is no "Sound, video and game controllers' section in my Device Manager.

The only related item is under System devices, Intel(R) Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) Audio Controller - it is marked with the following error: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

I've also discovered that I'm lacking the service Multimedia Class Scheduler, which is supposedly essential for audio? I see mmcss under regedit and System Drivers when I access System Information, but it's not under Services.

I have tried the following to no avail:

  • Restarting my computer several times
  • Installing any available Windows updates
  • Updating, then reinstalling the one audio driver available
  • Adding legacy hardware sound controllers and trying to update those (all give error Code 10)
  • Using the inbox High Definition Audio Controller instead (the bang disappears but still no audio)
  • Manually installing audio and chipset drivers from my manufacturer's website
  • Running sfc /scannow
  • Running DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • Running chkdsk
  • starting MMCSS from an elevated cmd prompt with 'net start MMCSS' (it says the requested service has already been started)
  • When nothing else worked I also reset my PC (while keeping my files)

None of these has worked, and I feel like I've run out of options of things to try and unfortunately quite desperately need the audio to work on this computer, so if any advice is available it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-07-08T15:04:20+00:00

    Hi Zarui,

    I appreciate the inputs and also for sharing details about the troubleshooting, your observations and some information about your computer. Let's drill down further to looking for a resolution. I have a few things that I would also like to clarify, in order for me to have a better understanding on the issue:

    • Have you tried reinstalling your audio drivers downloaded from the manufacturer website using the build-in admin?
    • Are you able to secure a backup copy of your personal files?
    • What is the version and build of your Windows 10?
      • You can do this by pressing the Windows button + R on your keyboard to open the Run box, then type winver and press Enter.
    • Can you please send a screen shot of the the version of your audio drivers on this thread?

    In the meantime, if you haven't tried reinstalling your drivers on the built-in administrator, I suggest that you perform that to see if this resolves your concern by following these steps:

    1. On Cortana, key in CMD.
    2. Right click on Command Prompt and click on Run as administrator.
    3. Afterwards, type net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter on your keyboard.
    4. Once it gets enabled, switch to the user profile named as Administrator.
    5. Reinstall your drivers manually.

    Note: Be advised that the built-in admin is not advisable to be used like a standard User Profile Local Administrator, as this is steps is best used for troubleshooting purposes only. To disable the built-in admin after troubleshooting, repeat the steps 1-3 and key-in this command instead "net user administrator /active:no" , then restart your computer.

    By doing this. we'd be able to isolate the issue further and also check the integrity of your current user profile and the system files.

    I'll be waiting for your response on your thread to assist you further.

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