WINDOWS XP (SP 3) no audio on WMP

XP, SP3, NO Audio

[bkaye]

I have a new Dell Vostro 420 with XP, service pack 3. Problem: Picture ok, No AUDIO on Windows Media Player and the same on Nero Showtime Player.

Dell/Microsoft suggested I reinstall the OS - Big headache, lots of my time. What assurance would I have that by reinstalling, the problem will correct itself?

Anyone have any experience with this issue?

Thanks

BKaye

[kaled]

"Reinstall the OS" is a common suggestion and rarely needed.

1) Open the Device Manager.
Are there any "Other Devices" (i.e. unknown devices) listed?
What devices are listed under the heading "Sound, video and game controllers"?

2) Does sound work for information/error boxes etc?
3) Can you play sound effects from the control panel applet?
4) Can you play CDs?
5) If you have nothing that plays sound, could it be a hardware problem, bad cable/connection, etc?

Kaled.

[bkaye]

Hi Kaled
Thanks for responding. Good to have some assistance.

I can play CD's on WMP and Nero Showtime Player but no audio on DVD's - only picture. I am forced to the use Power DVD DX to play DVD's.

Sound Effects, error messages - OK

This is what is listed under:

Sound, Video & Games
ATI Function Drive for HD Audio ATI AA01
Audio Codecs
Legacy Audio Drives
Legacy Video Capture
Media Control Devices
Realtek HD Audio
Video Codecs

Could there be a setting, or just error in OS?

Thanks

BKaye

[kaled]

Assuming it's nothing as simple as something being muted, it may be a faulty codec. Try uninstalling and reinstalling Media Player (Control Panel\Add or Remove Programs\Add or Remove Windows Components).

Kaled.

[g1smd]

Whenever I get a file that does not play in WMP, I open it in VLC and it works fine every time.

[bkaye]

Definitely not a "muted" issue - I checked. I was told that the only way to reinstall WMP (in my computer) is by reinstalling the OS. Apparently its tied into it. I don't understand that but that was what I was told. What is VLC?

[kaled]

Media Player is a bundled accessory - it's not integrated into the OS. That said, I have my doubts that reinstalling it would fix a faulty codec but is would only take five minutes to find out.

You could also try downloading a copy from the Microsoft website.

Kaled.

[bill]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld bkaye.

It sounds like a codec issue to me as well. Check out the WMP FAQ about codecs [microsoft.com].

I was told that the only way to reinstall WMP (in my computer) is by reinstalling the OS. Apparently its tied into it.

You've been misinformed. You can uninstall it from the Control Panel as kaled instructed above.

Try uninstalling and downloading a new copy of WMP [microsoft.com]. It couldn't hurt to try.

What is VLC?

The VLC media player is a decent alternative to WMP. Often it will play files that won't open in WMP. You might like to have a copy as an alternative on your system.

[tangor]

You need updated/new codecs, particularly for DVD playing.

Second, check Windows Update for OPTIONAL HARDWARE updates. You might find a Realtec update (I did recently). Install that. REBOOT. Then test.

And some DVDs will NOT play in WMP no matter what you do.

[bkaye]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I went ahead and downloaded VLC and it works great. For some reason I thought I needed WMP? I have learned quite a lot and I appreciate it. This forum is more helpful than all the tech support I got from Dell and Microsoft.