Digital/Analog Audio & Sound Drivers for Windows Vista

While Windows Vista may tout a “all-new and improved” audio stack with superb quality and resonance, it’s of no use if you don’t have the right sound card drivers for Windows Vista. The biggest problem with audio drivers for Windows Vista is with Digital Audio - most people can get their SPDIF or Digital outputs to spew analog sound - which just doesn’t work with hi-fi, digital speakers. NeoSmart Technologies has compiled a list of audio drivers for the most popular sound cards that experience trouble with Windows Vista, in hopes that our readers will find it useful.

  • SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio - Analog audio with the drivers works fine, but digital audio doesn’t.
  • Creative Sound Blaster Live! Series - No sound by default, Creative drivers won’t install.
  • Creative Audigy 1 - No sound by default, Creative drivers won’t install.
  • Creative Audigy 2 - No sound by default, Creative drivers won’t install.
  • Creative Audigy 4 - Creative drivers install but constantly stutter.
  • Creative X-Fi Series - Creative drivers install but constantly stutter.
  • SigmaTel HD Audio - Default Vista drivers don’t well in digital, bad bass
  • SigmaTel Integrated Audio - No compatible drivers; Digital N/A.
  • Other AC ‘97 - No compatible drivers; Digital N/A.

The last two entries do not support Digital Audio, and are simply a manner of finding the right drivers compatible with your chipset; making them at once the easiest to solve due to the lack of complications, and the hardest due to the large variety of AC ‘97 implementations.

NeoSmart Technologies is now hosting the more-popular drivers on our own server. If you find this guide helpful, please donate to defray some of our bandwidth costs.. If you need more help, please use the forums.

————————————

SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio

Microsoft Windows Vista build 5308 uses Windows Update (herein called WU) to get the latest drivers for the SoundMAX chipset. These drivers stutter, hiss, snap, crackle, and pop, nonstop and do not have support for digital audio. This is an improvement over 5270 where you had to find your own drivers, AND it was impossible to get digital audio.

  1. Download these drivers and extract them to a folder somewhere with WinZip.
  2. Open Device Manager (Control Panel | System | Hardware | Device Manager) find the entry for the SoundMAX, and update its driver with the one in the \SMAXWDM\W2K_XP\ directory that you just extracted.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Open Control Panel | Audio Settings | SoundMAX | Properties. In the ‘Other’ tab uncheck the first entry and check the second for digital audio. If you have analog speakers, leave both unchecked.
  5. If sound quality is not that great, try changing the Format settings in that last tab on the page. Try going up or down until it works out…. I have this card and was quick to replace it… Time to get a new sound card if you are still having issues :(
  6. Vista will tell you that Windows Update has found newer drivers. Ignore it or you’ll lose the sound!

Creative Sound Blaster Live! Series

This applies to all Live! products, including OEM Dell, Gateway, HP, etc. editions, 24-bit, 5.1, and the rest. Vista 5308 may or may not find drivers on Windows Update, but even if it does, they will not support Digital Audio.

  1. Check Windows Update. Recently, correct drivers have popped up on there that support all Sound Blaster cards with digital audio too! If you don’t find anything:
  2. You have two choices: SoundBlaster Live! signed drivers which work swell but don’t have support for digital speakers; and NGO HQ drivers which have a couple of bugs but support digital audio.
  3. If you downloaded our first package, open up Device Manager and point it to the location you extracted those files to and let it set it up (Hint: Emu10k1). If you grabbed the NGO HQ set, run the installer in Windows XP Compatibility Mode.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. In the audio properties in the Control Panel, enable digital audio by going to the tab called “Other,” and checking digital output box.
  6. Play with the “Format” tab to get the audio quality to your liking.
  7. You may need to restart to ensure that digital audio works after changing that option.

Creative Audigy I

  1. Check Windows Update. Recently, correct drivers have popped up on there that support all Audigy cards with digital audio too! If you don’t find anything:
  2. You have two choices: SoundBlaster Live! signed drivers which work swell but don’t have support for digital speakers; and NGO HQ drivers which have a couple of bugs but support digital audio.
  3. If you downloaded our first package, open up Device Manager and point it to the location you extracted those files to and let it set it up (Hint: Emu101k). If you grabbed the NGO HQ set, run the installer in Windows XP Compatibility Mode.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. In the audio properties in the Control Panel, enable digital audio by going to the tab called “Other,” and checking digital output box.
  6. Play with the “Format” tab to get the audio quality to your liking.
  7. You may need to restart to ensure that digital audio works after changing that option.

Creative Audigy 2

  1. Check Windows Update. Recently, correct drivers have popped up on there that support all Audigy cards with digital audio too! If you don’t find anything:
  2. Download the modified kX Project drivers or these stock ones from Dell.
  3. Run the kX installer, let it install and press OK at all prompts. It may take a while to complete.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. You will get an error message every time at boot, it is safe to ignore. If you want to get rid of it, remove kX Project from your startup list with a startup manager with a program like NeoSmart’s own Startup2Service.
  6. Open audio options in the Control Panel and enable/disable digital audio in the “Other” tab.
  7. Play with the “Format” tab to get the audio quality to your liking.
  8. You may need to restart to ensure that digital audio works after changing that option.

Creative Audigy 4

  1. Check Windows Update. Recently, correct drivers have popped up on there that support all Audigy cards with digital audio too! If you don’t find anything:
  2. Download the latest official Creative Audigy 4 Drivers for Vista here (yes, it does say X-Fi, but those are the ones).
  3. Extract them to a folder using WinZip.
  4. Open Device Manager (Control Panel | System | Hardware | Device Manager) find the entry for the Audigy 4 and update the drivers for it with the ones you just extracted.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Open audio options in the Control Panel and enable/disable digital audio in the “Other” tab.
  7. Play with the “Format” tab to get the audio quality to your liking.
  8. You may need to restart to ensure that digital audio works after changing that option.

Creative X-Fi Series

  1. Check Windows Update. Recently, correct drivers have popped up on there that support all Audigy cards with digital audio too! If you don’t find anything:
  2. Download the latest Creative X-Fi Audio Drivers for Vista from the official site here.
  3. Extract them to a folder using WinRAR.
  4. Open Device Manager (Control Panel | System | Hardware | Device Manager) find the entry for the X-Fi and update the drivers for it with the ones you just extracted.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Open audio options in the Control Panel and enable/disable digital audio in the Other tab.
  7. Play with the Format tab to get the audio quality to your liking.
  8. You may need to restart to ensure that digital audio works after changing that option.

SigmaTel HD Audio

  1. Download the SigmaTel HD Audio drivers from Dell.
  2. Extract to a folder with WinZip.
  3. Use device manager to install the drivers.
  4. Reboot. If needed check the “Digital Audio” option in the Sounds Control Panel.

SigmaTel Integrated Audio

  1. Download the modded AC ‘97 drivers here.
  2. Run the installer in XP compatibility mode and restart.
  3. If the installer fails, extract the drivers to a folder with WinRAR and install via the Device Manager.
  4. Restart your computer.

Realtek High-Definition Audio

  1. Download the Realtek hi-def Vista drivers from here.
  2. Extract them to a folder with WinZip.
  3. Install them by using the setup utility or manually selecting the drivers in the Device Manager.
  4. Restart your PC.

Generic AC ‘97 Solution

This will not provide digital audio. As far as we know the only AC ‘97 implementation that gives digital audio is the SoundMAX outlined above. As previously mentioned, this in only a matter of finding the right drivers. Here we will provide you with some links to the most likely compatible drivers as well as how to get them to install.

  1. Like always, make sure that if you are running an Intel chipset to first follow the steps above to update the INF files.
  2. Try one of these drivers, ordered by likelihood of success: ngoHQ modded AC ‘97, Realtek AC ‘97 Drivers, and the VIA Vinyl drivers.
  3. Attempt to run the installers in XP compatibility mode, if that fails or you do not have time waste;
  4. Extract the drivers then via the Device Manager use the extracted drivers to update the audio device.
  5. Restart your computer whether the selected driver worked or not.
  6. Repeat for each driver until you find one that works.

It is possible to obtain both digital and analog audio simultaneously from a single Realtek audio device by downloading and extracting rtkhdaud.dat to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\

————————————

Enjoy! Assuming you followed the steps above in the order outlined, and you don’t have a home-brew sound card you should be pumping that music and shaking the house, in Vista-defined audible bliss!

Do not post support requests below, they will go unanswered. Don’t be lazy, post in the forums instead.

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243 Responses to “Digital/Analog Audio & Sound Drivers for Windows Vista”


  1. 1 hamada May 14th, 2006 at 8:12 pm

    thanks you, i needed to this defination of sound card soundmax digital audio

  2. 2 wifiknight Jun 13th, 2006 at 12:02 pm

    Thanks!!!!!!

  3. 3 jay Jun 17th, 2006 at 11:04 pm

    I’m running the 5384 build of Vista BETA2 and I can’t get Audio no matter what I do.

    Have they botched all Audio support in this version?

  4. 4 Computer Guru Jun 18th, 2006 at 8:37 am

    It works for me with my old SB-Live! card (the original edition), and people have successfully used this guide for all the above-listed cards…

    Not sure what issue you’re having, but go ahead and post it here, and we’ll see what we can do ;)

  5. 5 Vj Jun 23rd, 2006 at 10:51 am

    Hi i’ve got a Soundmax integrated soundcard and a SB live! one. They both work but only allow sound through one port…none of the others work no matter what I put in them. I’ve got some other issues aswel regarding the running of the Beta on my system. My pc is fully compatible apart from drivers of course but it seems to be behaving strangely. I tried to switch to the Windows vista aero appearance setting to get the glass effects and whatnot and it changed the first time I did it.

    After a restart however it went back to the basic theme. I go back to the menu and change it back and it acknowledges this the screen goes dark etc etc so i click ok after applying my changes and when i go back into it it is still on the basic theme! I have had this problem with other areas aswel…my pc no longer recognises some of the changes that I make to it or chooses to ignore them.

    I am also the only user on my system and therefore the administrator, but it wont let me install certain things saying that I need to be an administrator. Also control panel selectively does not open about 1 minute after a restart, the display is cropped and it is only reading my graphics card as a 128 instead of a 256 and the performance visually has decreased alot! I know that was alot but if you could help it would be much appreciated!

  6. 6 Computer Guru Jun 23rd, 2006 at 10:59 am

    Hello Vj, I’m afraid NeoSmart policy is to only offer direct support in the forums, so if you post there we’d be glad to help…

    Sorry, but that’s the only way we can keep the info organized and searchable. Thanks!

  7. 7 Lakriz Jun 23rd, 2006 at 6:12 pm

    Hmm.. i cant install the SB live drivers.. the installation keeps freeze in the last part.. i have tried restarting and then update the drivers manually from the device manager.. but it still freezes then “installing drivers”
    I have a SB live digital 5.1

    Somebody knows something? :)

  8. 8 Computer Guru Jun 23rd, 2006 at 7:02 pm

    Hello lakriz, please use the forums for help: http://neosmart.net/forums/

  9. 9 WesWilson Jul 2nd, 2006 at 6:37 pm

    Is one of these configurations, the Gamer or DVD, a subset of the other? I notice the DVD package is bigger, and assume it will contain all the info I need for the Gamer configuration.

  10. 10 Computer Guru Jul 2nd, 2006 at 7:37 pm

    Hi Wes.
    The Gamer edition is broken and doesn’t install - it’s missing files. NST will be re-releasing NGO HQ’s version with a new (complete) installer soon…

  11. 11 Talia Jul 6th, 2006 at 2:38 pm

    Thanks! Your instructions were great. Your site saved me.

  12. 12 Jessica Jul 20th, 2006 at 1:53 pm

    How would I get the soundmax on to my computer?

  13. 13 Computer Guru Jul 20th, 2006 at 2:07 pm

    Hi Jessica,

    Just use the directions above, and if you’re having trouble, head over to our forums for some help!

  14. 14 Supernatural Sep 4th, 2006 at 10:27 am

    Thanks!
    Now i can hear again. :)

  15. 15 bossfn Sep 13th, 2006 at 7:05 pm

    You’re my hero. I couldn’t believe it when I read that creative is not supporting the Live! cards for Vista… I mean, how hard is it to make drivers for 5.1 sound on that card? I will never buy anything from creative again for this.

  16. 16 Computer Guru Sep 28th, 2006 at 9:11 pm

    *Links Updated*

    -New drivers for AC ‘97 chipsets have been added.
    -Intel Chipset section removed; no longer applicable.

  17. 17 ME Oct 13th, 2006 at 5:53 am

    How do you figure… I used the info that you had, to get my audio working on RC1, now i’ve got RC2 the problem is back again; and you’ve removed the only useful info i had on the subject…

  18. 18 Computer Guru Oct 13th, 2006 at 7:58 am

    Hi ME,

    I haven’t removed any links - just updated dead ones to point to working files.
    Only thing removed was the Intel Chipset drivers section, which is no longer applicable and has nothing to do with your sound drivers..

    Please post your issue at http://neosmart.net/forums and we’ll help you right away!

  19. 19 someguy Oct 14th, 2006 at 12:12 am

    yeah…SOundMAX driver ius perfect thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanksssssssssssssssssssssss

  20. 20 Idonthaveaname. Oct 16th, 2006 at 2:00 am

    where are the intel chipset drivers?

  21. 21 Peter Oct 16th, 2006 at 6:20 am

    [quote comment="6482"]where are the intel chipset drivers?[/quote]
    They aren’t needed anymore… See CG’s reply: [quote comment="6195"]-Intel Chipset section removed; no longer applicable.[/quote]

  22. 22 Marcel.eS Nov 20th, 2006 at 10:34 am

    And what the 5.1 option??? In the Sound Blaster 5.1 Live! drivers is only mono and stereo option…..

  23. 23 Computer Guru Nov 20th, 2006 at 4:31 pm

    Try the latest official X-Fi drivers for Windows XP.
    Yes, I know. X-Fi + XP != Live + Vista… but it worked for me.

  24. 24 Jaymes Nov 30th, 2006 at 12:03 am

    thank you!..i love you man..i been searching every where for a driver that would support sb live driver and I was about to give up and use my weak generic sound that come with the motherboard and the sound comes out only on one side until I found this site..a computer without any sound is like being deaf and that is not good..this site have given back my ears..thanks again

  25. 25 vineet Dec 17th, 2006 at 1:32 pm

    sound drivers for my IBM thinkpad are not compitable .

    pls send me the appropriate solution.

  26. 26 Afonso Jan 19th, 2007 at 2:30 am

    Hey… Please tell me. For SB Live 5.1, wich audigy drivers should i download for the 5.1 works??? Thanks… 

  27. 27 Computer Guru Jan 19th, 2007 at 8:34 am

    You should read the guide, it says quite clearly that you should use the ngoHQ drivers.

  28. 28 Roberto Jan 19th, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    Thanks to your hint, I am able to fully use my Creative SB live! Thank you 10,000 times!!!

  29. 29 Harry Barracuda Jan 24th, 2007 at 11:59 am

    Found a Sigmatel driver here:

     

    http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/SOUND-CARD/OTHER-SOUNDCARDS/Sigmatel-STAC-92xx-Driver-6105274V3.shtml

     

    Am just about to try it…. 

  30. 30 Computer Guru Jan 24th, 2007 at 12:15 pm

    Harry if that driver works and ours doesn’t please, let us know so we can add it to the article.

  31. 31 Katey Feb 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 am

    hey ALL

    i found that when you install sb live 5.1 xp drivers onto vista to make the sound card function, alot of games have a problem playing sounds. this seems like a driver compatibilty problem with directx 10.

    in the days of xp, you could reduce hardware acceleration of the card to correct this, however you cannot do this in vista!

    Just thought id inform you all!

    creative really are lame for leaving out sb live driver support for vista. i have mailed their support to suggest what a bunch of ***** they are…but have had no response yet. :)

  32. 32 Computer Guru Feb 3rd, 2007 at 12:03 pm

    Katey, you’ll be glad to know that using the drivers above (the ones from the kX Project or from NGOHQ), you won’t experience these types of problems with your gaming :)

  33. 33 gregory Feb 5th, 2007 at 6:43 am

    Editor’s Note: RadarSync is a fly-by-night gig with untested, non Vista-Compliant drivers — proceed with caution!

    You can also look at radarsync’s vista page for more vista drivers — they’re listed by manufacturer which makes it easy to find what you need.

  34. 34 MusicalParadise Feb 5th, 2007 at 1:43 pm

    I appreciate the support on this issue, but I will not be purchasing Windows Vista until the problem is actually resolved. I have a Creative Labs XFi Elite Pro card and it does not work with Vista and it seems neither do any other sound cards. I have one of if not their most expensive card and it is not supported.

    While you have listed Creative Labs site with drivers, the drivers available are mostly beta and the one for my card is not only beta but reduces the functionality of the sound card. Some of the most important features of the card are not available even with the driver.

    Not only that, The software for the card is not supported either.

    So, It would be nice if you would explain when a real fix will be out for the sound card problems. Until a realistic solution that will not impair the use of my computer (as I use my sound card in a professional capaity) is available, I will not purchase Windows Vista.

    I have a feeling that when people realize the extremely flawed sound compatability and capability of Windows Vista there will be a major backlash, unless it is fixed.

     

  35. 35 bbstaker Feb 11th, 2007 at 1:37 pm

    need help with sound card vista PLEASE

  36. 36 Dieguite Feb 20th, 2007 at 4:14 am

    KX RULEZ GUYS!!!!
    3 Hours googleing and i found the solutions! No more problems with my LIVE! and Im using the analogic port with my 5.1 system sound!
    Hughessssssssss!

  37. 37 Dieguite Feb 20th, 2007 at 4:16 am

    kXProject 3538l on google! ;)

  38. 38 Aeron Feb 27th, 2007 at 9:25 pm

    Hi,  I am having trouble with the integrated sound card in my Asus P5W DH Deluxe Motherboard  & Windows Vista.  I only get sound from tow two front speakers and center speakers.  Also the software disk that came with the Motherboard will not work. 

    Any help would be appreciated 

     Thank you,

    Aeron

  39. 39 My Feb 28th, 2007 at 4:42 pm

    thnk you

  40. 40 Claus Mar 3rd, 2007 at 5:25 pm

    i have installed the driver NQO

    but there is only sound in 2 speakers not in 5 speakers…And i cant select 5.1 surround

    WHY ???

  41. 41 Computer Guru Mar 3rd, 2007 at 5:35 pm

    ngoHQ doesn’t support 5.1 Surround Sound.

  42. 42 Claus Mar 5th, 2007 at 5:52 pm

    ———————— WORKS 100% —————————————
    Install kx driver and reboot.

    Make sure you install the right version. I had trouble with that att first. The working version is

    http://download.kxproject.lugosoft.com/downloads/kxdrv3538l-full.exe

    Make sure you uninstall old drivers first then reboot and rightclick on kx-icon next to system clock

    then select Effects -> surrounder+ where you can play around with settings to find what works for you.

    I finally have 5.1 sound with subwoofer working great! (I use 5.1 rear=front settings).

    ———————————————– WORKS 100%  ————————————————–

  43. 43 Computer Guru Mar 6th, 2007 at 4:56 am

    Thanks Clause, I’ve updated the kX link above to point to the newer version instead.

  44. 44 Mahmoud Mar 14th, 2007 at 7:42 pm

    Thanks

  45. 45 Computer Guru Mar 16th, 2007 at 10:51 am

    Update: The indie-hosted drivers (like the SoundMAX ones) have been mirrored here at NST.

    It’s going to be quite a bandwidth toll, esp. since they get downloaded over 1000 times a day, but we’ve had complaints from the people hosting the original mirror. If you have a dollar to spare for our hosting costs, please do so, it’ll be much appreciated.

  46. 46 April Mar 19th, 2007 at 12:18 am

    I am still lost cannot install soundblaster live 24bit . I have vista home premium. I get lost

    In the audio properties in the Control Panel, enable digital audio by going to the tab called “Other,” and checking digital output box.
    Play with the “Format” tab to get the audio quality to your liking.
    You may need to restart to ensure that digital audio works after changing that option.

    because tere is nothing in my audio properties. someone help.

  47. 47 djavier Apr 3rd, 2007 at 3:25 am

    thanx a lot…., your site saved me…,

  48. 48 DJ Apr 7th, 2007 at 6:59 am

    Hey guys! I have an IBM Netvista 8307-41U, and i recently installed vista, by default it installed the intel DB/DBM audio drivers for chipset 82801, however only the system speaker works (the one in the tower Case)

    Ive been to the Lenove website, but cant seem to get a real idea as to the correct driver to use to have my external speakes work. Is it a SoundMax or Some intel AC97 sound driver. I installed the soundmax drive and there was totally no audio, installed the intel one only internal speaker works.

    Help - I Need decent sound. Dont want to shell out to buy soundcard

  49. 49 Taesha Apr 13th, 2007 at 7:12 am

    Hello, my desktop having internal speaker. Would like to know how to activate it.

    Thanks.

    Taesha

  50. 50 Hitman Apr 17th, 2007 at 12:09 am

    Realtek AC ‘97 Drivers WORKS FOR HP DC7100!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

  51. 51 radu Apr 27th, 2007 at 9:55 pm

    ok

  52. 52 Sash May 5th, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    I have sound working onthe vista but because its digtal output cant seemt to control it at all?

  53. 53 Computer Guru May 5th, 2007 at 2:18 pm

    That’s the way digital output is supposed to be. You have to control it from the speakers/hardware themselves. The operating system’s job is just to send the music to the speaker’s control board - and preserve the quality the best it can.

    Otherwise, you’re back to analog audio.

  54. 54 Sash May 5th, 2007 at 2:36 pm

    well then how do I convert to analog? where do I change the settings. Also that means I have to connect the analog connectors right?

  55. 55 Sash May 5th, 2007 at 2:38 pm

    Also I dont understand why vista cant implement the mute or vollume up or down. Its not as if I am asking for other featured the mixer provides…

  56. 56 Computer Guru May 5th, 2007 at 2:53 pm

    It’s not just Vista. I’m in Ubuntu right now, and it’s the same thing. This is the way it’s intended to be: the operating system gives up all control of the audio stack. You can’t switch back to analog unless your speakers support it.

  57. 57 Sudarshan May 18th, 2007 at 5:03 am

    Hello,

    I am extremely in need of Soundmax drivers for Windows Vista Ultimate.I have PC with Intel 865GBF motherboard and Intel P4 2.8GHz processor.Can u help me to get it ?

  58. 58 Andrew May 22nd, 2007 at 6:03 pm

    So… A month ago I had the all too common issue with SoundMAX and Windows Vista (on a ASUS P5NSLI mobo), meaning that whatever I tried and did, I just couldn’t get the damn speakers to work properly (Front left and Front Right worked ok, but no subwoofer, no rear no nothin’). So after google-ing for an eventual solution, I came across this page. I downloaded the drivers and it worked… I reinstalled Windows, and after the updates and everything, the method presented here (that worked a month ago) failed to work. After some more google-ing I came across this page (http://www.notebookforums.com/thread188206.html) and stumbled upon these SoundMAX Vista drivers (http://rapidshare.com/files/16779749/AD1988_VISTA_61016030.zip) that actually work (albeit, in winamp I still had the stereo setup and no subwoofer). So i got this nice little plug-in for winamp (http://www.andrewlabs.com/downloads/out_atsurround_0.1.6.exe) and now everything works just fine. So if anyone had the same problem, here’s the solution.

    Cheers!

  59. 59 rhlblue May 23rd, 2007 at 5:16 am

    OK So I just installed Vista 64Bit Final Retail Version (Build 6000)

    now I have no audio on it….

    i tried to install the realtek ac 97 driver for Vista 64bit but the problem is that when i try to install it.

    Windows gives a msg…… “Unknown Publisher”

    and doesnt continues installation !!!

    so what driver will work on my Vista 64bit now ?

    My PC Specs :

    MSI P965Neo Mother Board (Supporting 9.1 Surround Sound)

    Intell Core 2 Duo e6300 1.86GHz

    1.5 GB RAM

    thank you-

  60. 60 Computer Guru May 23rd, 2007 at 6:10 am

    Grab EasyBCD and disable x64 driver verification first.

  61. 61 Ngo Nhat Quan May 23rd, 2007 at 1:27 pm

    Hey, I can’t to find out sound card for IBM ThinkPad Z60t in vista .. Where I can find it ?

  62. 62 Amin May 28th, 2007 at 6:00 pm

    THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I was soo mad because i couldnt hear anything from my computer for 4 months

    thank you soo much ill donate just because of this this website is the greatest

  63. 63 Computer Guru May 28th, 2007 at 6:37 pm

    Glad we could help, Amin.
    Looking forward to seeing your name on the Contributors List :)

  64. 64 Dimitrios May 30th, 2007 at 2:57 pm

    I  cannot  hear any kind of sound in my computer. There is surely no problem with my jacks….. I had WINDOWS XP  and now  i  have  WINDOWS  VISTA  home premium…..and  i cannot hear sound!!!!

    I have asus motherboard and besides i don t know which drivers to download and i don t know how to  go on if i have the right drivers!!!

     

     COULD  ANYONE HELP ME???????   please!!!!!!!!

  65. 65 pradeep Jun 2nd, 2007 at 7:43 pm

    i’m pradeep
    i have mercury 845 mother board with p4 2.4 processor
    i installed windows vista ultimated and i have 5.1 audio system to system
    but i’m not getting 5.1 audio settings will u please give me the drivers

  66. 66 James Jun 4th, 2007 at 4:55 am

    Thanks for the page and downloads.

    You helped me get a dell sound going again.

  67. 67 Rick Jun 6th, 2007 at 2:49 pm

    Hey guys I have a Creative Sound Blaster Live! v12. I’ve tried everything to get it working on vista and nothing. Is this impossible? 

  68. 68 senthil Jun 11th, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    I have asus motherboard. After installing windows vista i cannot hear any sound from my computer, the audio driver is not supported by the os.so can u suggest me where to download the driver.

  69. 69 Nictoe Jun 20th, 2007 at 6:38 pm

    All I’m looking for is the Vista Compliant SoundMax Driver version number: 5.12.01.5246…..and just where to find and download it.

  70. 70 Jason Jun 21st, 2007 at 9:08 pm

    I have an asus Z96J After installing windows vista i cannot hear any sound from my computer and i don t know which drivers to download and i don t know how to  go on if i have the right drivers. Can anyone help?

  71. 71 marie Jun 24th, 2007 at 8:23 am

    i have sound on vista, however when i try to get sound in yahoo chat i don’t. does anyone one know why?

  72. 72 Computer Guru Jun 24th, 2007 at 10:49 am

    Hi Marie,

    That’s probably a problem with your Audio I/O configuration in Yahoo! Chat.

    If you need help, open a thread in the forums.

  73. 73 Thiti Jun 25th, 2007 at 2:40 am

    Thanks.

  74. 74 April Jun 27th, 2007 at 10:39 pm

    please email me at omarchanceodiezoe@netzero.com . I need help installing a x-fi extreme audio sound blaster card on windows vista 32 bit. got the screen of death as well as windows could not boot.

  75. 75 Vigil Jul 1st, 2007 at 10:26 am

    How do i activate both analog and digital audio output at the same time in Vista ?

     

  76. 76 John Edwards Jul 1st, 2007 at 11:10 am

    You can’t - it doesn’t make any sense! How can you send both digital and analog audio to the same output device at the same time?!

  77. 77 Vigil Jul 1st, 2007 at 5:19 pm

    It worked absolutely flawless in Windows XP!

    I used both my headset and SPDIF at the same time so hardware wise it is no problem.

    Must be a driver or registry thing and should be solvable.

     

  78. 78 Computer Guru Jul 1st, 2007 at 9:54 pm

    That certainly is an interesting setup there, Vigil! I’d be very interested in seeing that work, the possibilities are almost endless.

    What sound card are you using? I assume both the headsets and the speakers are plugged into the same physical sound card (and the same jack?)?

  79. 79 Vigil Jul 1st, 2007 at 10:45 pm

    I am using the ABIT AW9D motherboard and the soundcard that comes with it (Realtek Audiomax HD audio). Don’t know the version of the Realtek sound chip though :/

    I am using my headset (Sennheiser PC166) in the analogue I/O of the soundcard and i have connected the digital output (SPDIF) to my digital surround receiver.

    When i used Windows XP there were signals out from both analogue and digital outputs at the same time so when i wanted to use the headset i just had to put it on my head and when i wanted to use my surround reciever i just turned it on. Now i must open sound settings in Vista to choose either of them.

    Maybe sounds trivial but i think that is very annoying.

    Any solutions?

     

  80. 80 Computer Guru Jul 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 am

    That seems to be specialized hardware - with two separate outputs. On my machine (and probably Edward’s too!) there is a single output which can be either digital or analog depending on what you neeed.

    Try these drivers: http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/SOUND-CARD/REALTEK/Realtek-HD-Audio-Codec-Vista-Driver-R169.shtml

    If they work (or don’t) please post back.

  81. 81 Vigil Jul 2nd, 2007 at 8:33 am

    Thanx! i will test those drivers.

    There is nothing special about my hardware. With my old Abit motherboard and the onboard Realtek 7.1 audio chip it was possible to have both with windows XP and the standard realtek sound drivers.

    I mentioned the problem to my friend who is a network technichian at work and he have the same problem. Before when he was running XP he also had sound at both outputs at the same time but after he changed to Vista he also have to choose.

    Don’t understand why some think it is impossible to split the audio signal to have sound output at both analogue and digital outputs at the same time. If i choose digital output in Vista i can open the analogue sound settings and mouseclick on the speakers to hear the test sound in my headset (analogue) while i listen to music on my digital reciever and vice versa.

  82. 82 Vigil Jul 2nd, 2007 at 10:05 pm

    Driver R169 and R170 doesn’t make any difference :(

    Still have to choose either of the outputs.

  83. 83 Vigil Jul 3rd, 2007 at 8:44 pm

    Just discovered!

    If i choose analogue output and start a game listening through my headset i can alt+tab out to windows, activate digital output and then start to listen to sound/music in my digital reciever, then alt+tab back to the game and voila! sound in both analogue and digital outputs at the same time!

    The trick is to always have both activated. Hope Realtek fix this in a future driver.

     

  84. 84 Vigil Jul 4th, 2007 at 5:22 am

    Got this answer from Realtek.

    “Hi,

     I’m sorry . We do not support “the analog and digital output at the same time” in Vista . Since Microsoft did not define it in Vista system .

    We can do it , but the analog and digital output device have to be Independent in Vista system . The is defined by Microsoft .

    Best Regards
    PC-Tech”

  85. 85 Computer Guru Jul 4th, 2007 at 5:29 am

    That sucks :(

    So it’s not a driver problem, it’s just that Microsoft wants you to buy two cards. Yay for Vista!

  86. 86 Vigil Jul 6th, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    I was very happy to recieve this from Realtek.

     

    “Hi,

     

    Please try to copy the attached file (rtkhdaud.dat) to C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers and then reboot system .

    It will open the “Analog and Digital output at same time function” in Vista system .

    Best Regards
    PC-Tech”

    And it works too! I am so relieved.

    Just install the latest drivers from Realtek and copy the enclosed file.

     

    Thank you Realtek, you are the best!

     

  87. 87 Computer Guru Jul 6th, 2007 at 3:11 pm

    Vigil, that is great news! If you email me that file, I can post it here for others to download. ComputerGuru@NeoSmart.net

    Thanks.

  88. 88 Vigil Jul 6th, 2007 at 3:32 pm

    Sure, i will do it asap!

     

  89. 89 Computer Guru Jul 6th, 2007 at 8:04 pm

    Thanks to Vigil, here is the file you need to get simultaneous dual analog and digital output from a single card if you are using a Realtek-based sound card/chipset:

    http://neosmart.net/downloads/guides/Vista_Sound/rtkhdaud.zip

  90. 90 Adrian Russell Jul 13th, 2007 at 12:20 pm

    Is there any way to get simultaneous analog and digital (SPDIF) from a sigmatel based system under VISTA?  I can’t seem to find one.

  91. 91 Vigil Jul 13th, 2007 at 1:48 pm

    I have no idea sorry.

    Realtek sent me that file personally so i can’t tell how to solve this matter for non Realtek based audiocards/chip.

    I hope Microsoft rethink and open up for simultaneous outputs in the future, maybe the next service pack or so.

  92. 92 viky Jul 21st, 2007 at 6:19 pm

    hai one tell the solution for me .. my computer is intel865gvsr mother board.. sound is not taking for vista.. sound driver for vista needed 

  93. 93 HerO Jul 22nd, 2007 at 9:42 pm

    Hey i have a 4.1 Creative Inspire m4500 sound system and i cant make it so that the rear speakers would work , althou when i test them in sound options in control panel they DO make sounds

     

    i am using windows vista ultimate and HD realtek onboard chipset thingy

     

    plz help this is driving me insane , thx in advance .

  94. 94 Rg Jul 22nd, 2007 at 11:45 pm

    You guys rock.  Dell Tech Support, Microsoft, ADI, could not resolve.  Followed the instructions for SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio, and now I am listening to XM radio on my computer!!!!

  95. 95 Vigil Jul 23rd, 2007 at 11:01 am

    Great news Rg!

    Glad it worked out for you.

     

  96. 96 hn Jul 23rd, 2007 at 7:53 pm

    Hello, question again regarding Intel MB (D965OT) with sigmatel audio chip.  Is there a solution for sending both digital and analog and digital (spdif) at the same time…?

    Any tips/tricks are appreciated.  Thanks. Regards. Hn.

  97. 97 Vigil Jul 23rd, 2007 at 8:09 pm

    Not to my knowledge sorry.

    As Microsoft for some reason doesn’t want simultaneously analog and digital audio output i suggest you contact Sigmatel or your soundcard manufacturer and tell them about the issue. Maybe they can help you.

    Good luck!

  98. 98 k.v.s.r.p.varma Jul 30th, 2007 at 4:01 am

    i require audiodrivers for my desktop pc with windows vista operating system’

  99. 99 Senorray Aug 1st, 2007 at 4:09 am

    any ideas for an external sound card compatible with vista?  thanks..

  100. 100 k.v.s.r.p.varma Aug 1st, 2007 at 5:36 pm

    hello

    i am using desktop pc , i installed windows vista in it from that time i m not getting any sound from my pc

    my pc : intel p4 dual core processor with Sigma Tel High definition audio drivers

     

  101. 101 udaya Aug 7th, 2007 at 6:13 pm

    i have intel 865 GBF MB, with a soundmax 4.0 or [5.12.01.3630_SM4_SF], is there any update for this driver. please do tell, if it is where can i download..

    or if u can,also tell me update for Intel_R__Extreme_Graphics_2_Driver (i have 6.13.10.3510_cert)

    version.

    waiting for your replly.

    thanks in advance.

    udaya

  102. 102 Computer Guru Aug 7th, 2007 at 6:27 pm

    For the SoundMAX use the driver in the article above.

    You get the latest Intel graphics drivers from the Intel site. They do not support Aero.

  103. 103 Oxyale Aug 8th, 2007 at 12:05 pm

    I’m going mad trying to figure out a sound fault on my motherboard. I have a Intel Desktop Board D865PERL, built-in ‘SoundMAX integrated digital audio’ feed. I use this to feed the system’s speakers. The problem seems to come from Windows Media Player 11. After starting up the machine it works fine, but if I quit/restart it a few times, or quit it to run my other games which produce it own sound. I often end up with silence. Even running WMP again won’t work, and the only way I can get the sound back is to do a full restart on my computer. On occasions I can get sound from WMP CLASSIC, which I also have installed, but I’d rather have WMP working correctly since I like the way it integrates with MS Messenger. I’ve checked and there are no reported conflicts with the sound card, and there are no new drivers that I’ve been able to find for the audio device on my machine. I’ve fiddled with the sound settings but they don’t work after the machine has gone silent. Any ideas what might be causing this?  Can someone help me please?? If you could, email me at Oxyale@live.com Or just write your reply here.

  104. 104 hansolocg Aug 13th, 2007 at 9:21 am

    How exactly does the thing with the Realtek-File work? Copied it to c:\windows\system32\drivers, but nothing happened, and i don’t see any new options anywhere. Where should the option appear?

    Or is it not working with the 1.72 drivers? Or maybe my installation is not correct? (I uninstalled the drivers included with the mainboard and installed the ones from realtek, but still have the “Gigabyte”-label at the bottom of “Realtek HD Audio Manager”). Or does it only work for the english version (because I’m german and therefore have a german version of Vista)?

  105. 105 Vigil Aug 13th, 2007 at 9:34 am

    Did you reboot the computer after installing the file ?

    The file doesn’t give you any additional options, it just opens up both analog and digital outputs at the same time.

    Install the latest Realtek sound drivers and then install the file, reboot computer and it should work.

     

  106. 106 hansolocg Aug 13th, 2007 at 6:19 pm

    Oh, hehe, too easy. Just didn’t check that, because in the mixer it still looked inactive.

    Well, seems like it already worked. Thanks :) 

  107. 107 Trung Aug 18th, 2007 at 9:44 am
  108. 108 wollivaya Aug 29th, 2007 at 7:02 am

    I have logitech x-530 speakers.

    i upgraded to windows vista and now all i have is no sound device installed.

    i have spent days/weeks/moinths hunting for logitech drivers and various other sound devices etc like the realtek etc etc.

    please help me someone out there !!

    also, upon installation, I have two 200gig hgard drives sata.

    one, is loaded with thousands of songs, photos, dopcuments etc etc and im not 100% which of the two i formatted as I decided to only do one and check it later.,

    how can i check whats on the pther drive without formating it onto vista or how can I go back to XP and keep originality on both drives?

     

  109. 109 os Sep 5th, 2007 at 12:20 pm

    i have abroblem the sound card sound max

    can any one help

  110. 110 Gregory Sep 9th, 2007 at 7:23 pm

    THANKS!!! btw damn, vista is the worst shit that ever happened to me

  111. 111 Tommy Oct 11th, 2007 at 8:14 pm

    Hi there.

     

    I installed the SB Live 5.1 generic drivers and am enjoying flawless sound. The problem I have is that the game port driver does not install - so no joystick :( I have been searching all over but all the drivers seem to have the same problem. 

  112. 112 Computer Guru Oct 11th, 2007 at 9:37 pm

    The hardware I/O subsystem used in the 5.1 for the Joystick isn’t compatible with Windows Vista. Not a driver-related issue.

  113. 113 Tommy Oct 13th, 2007 at 2:30 pm

    So sorry ????? must have phrazed it wrong. Did find the driver in the creative forums http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=Vista&message.id=13336&view=by_date_ascending&page=9 which I installed seperately and yay, sound and joystick.

    However my Saitek Cyborg 3d joystick works fine in Vista (Calibration 100%) but in games only the buttons work, no throttle or stick movement.

  114. 114 XPSDELL Oct 24th, 2007 at 4:42 am

    Hello, I have a Dell XPS Gen 2 notebook with the Sigmatel 9750. In the volume control panel with Windows XP it has the subwoofer volume slider. I’m currently running Vista and have tried several drivers from sigmatel as well as other manufacturers and do not have a subwoofer volume, I would really like to have this option but Dell won’t support this system any longer in terms of software development.

    Is there anyone able to modify the existing driver to get the subwoofer volume in Vista?, help would be greatly appreciated.

     

    Thanks 

  115. 115 Computer Guru Oct 24th, 2007 at 5:00 am

    Only if you can write your own drivers! :(    

  116. 116 Sergiu Oct 26th, 2007 at 12:27 pm

    Hi !

    You said

    “Like always, make sure that if you are running an Intel chipset to first follow the steps above to update the INF files. ”

    What steps?? I couldn’t find. I don’t want digital, i just want it to work. And i do have a chipset Intel on my motherboard

  117. 117 Eli Oct 26th, 2007 at 1:13 pm

    That section was in one of the old revisions for the guide - see CG’s comment for more info.

  118. 118 Nick Nov 2nd, 2007 at 2:06 pm

    I got Realtek chipset on my pc but the thing is i got analog suround speakers. and i also got a tv hooked up with a hdmi kabel. now i want them both active and giving me the same signal. how do i do that?! its driving me crazy! already tried the file above but my analog speaker wont function anymore then. please help!

  119. 119 bamm bamm Nov 10th, 2007 at 5:36 pm

    hey, i have a campaq that was windows xp home edition and installed windows vista premium, and when the process was through i noticed it said no sound device installed.

    what do i do??

  120. 120 Burhan Sartaj Nov 14th, 2007 at 9:05 am

    Hi there,
    I’m using Vista Business Edition 32 Bit Operation System.When I access the Sound Recorder,it says “An audio recording device cannot be found”.When I access the Sound option in the Control Panel, on the Recording tab,it shows “No audio devices are installed”.What should I do?

    Thank You and Have a Nice Day.

  121. 121 Computer Guru Nov 14th, 2007 at 9:46 am

    Commenting now C.L.O.S.E.D.

    Way too many people can’t understand the simply concept of posting support requests in the forums.

    Sorry but there is no other choice. There were plenty good & on-topicdiscussions and links, etc. but the signal-to-noise ratio is getting out of hand.

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