s046134, if you unzip your files, if you find a setup.exe, run that. If you just have an .inf file with some .dll files or something with no EXEs, then go to the Control Panel and step through the Add New Hardware wizard. Tell it to not search Windows Update. If it asks you if you want to install the Multimedia Audio Controller or something else, pick the Multimedia Audio Controller, otherwise install under "Sound, video, and game controllers". Tell it that you have the files yourself and wish to direct Windows to the files. Browse to that folder with the unzipped files when prompted and double-click on the .inf file. It should give you a list with your sound device listed (if multiple are present, pick the latest and one that has a "digitally tested" logo by it that looks to be right for your motherboard/sound card - consult your manuals for the right model if many are present or lookup your computer's model online to get its specs, whatever you have to do, but you MUST choose the right one!) and from there you should be able to "Next" your way done. If it says the software is not compatible with your hardware or some such error and doesn't give you a list, hit Cancel and find the right driver online for your sound card/motherboard.

I have a similar problem with the same motherboard:
I cannot see at all the onboard audio, so I cannot install drivers, what can I do?

please help me!

To find out what onboard sound device you have:

If it is a brand-name computer (i.e. Dell, HP, etc.) - I would advise going to the company's website under their support section, looking up your make/model of computer (i.e. Dimension 4500, Pavilion xf335, etc.) for its specs. Dell even has it where you can put in the service tag and download the driver from that (there may be a couple of different ones for each service tag - it doesn't hurt to use trial and error - just use the Add/Remove Programs to find what you installed that doesn't work and remove it from there before trying another (and reboot as prompted), so pay attention to the name it installs as (i.e. SoundMAX Audio, etc.).)

If you have a computer built from parts - consult your motherboard manual for what chip number/chipset your audio device has and use my link from my earlier post to download the driver. If you don't have the manual, but have the box, google the model of the motherboard to find out the sound device. If you have neither box, manual, and the board has no distinguishing marks to say what model it or your sound is, or you just can't see them, then I would recommend to get a PC auditing program that can tell you what your hardware is. AIDA32 is a good one (http://www.sofotex.com/AIDA32-download_L9326.html), Belarc Advisor (belarc.com) is another.

Good luck.

the motherboard is an ECS K7S5A v3.1 but the problem is that I cannot install drivers because winxp cannot see the soundcard at all, even with "?"

help!

I've formatted and the soundcard reappears, winz sucks!

just wanted to say thank u very much. was redoing a comp for my ma and was thinkin i might have to reformat just to get the new install, error free. glad i found this site.


bar

Thanks this worked like a charm

A few days ago while trying to get Skype to work properly (was dropping incoming words & sound), I was updating drivers via some driver software. The result was totally lost sound and not even a speaker in the taskbar next to the clock.
I found your site and read your very thorough procedure back on pg 1 of this thread. Thank you for your concern in helping evryone who is getting this cmicnfg.cpl message.
However, after proceeding through your instructions as carefully as I could, downloading the Realtek AC97 Audio file(s) (WDM_A401.exe) and installing it, I still have nothing.
Back in the Control Panel/Sounds and Audio Devices/Properties/Hardware the Realtek AC97 device status says, "This device cannot start (Code 10)".
The closest window is a patio door that I've been leaving open. But, I could miss and hit the frame.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Joe

The "Sounds and Audio Devices" section in the Control Panel isn't where you want to go. You want to look in the Device Manager (right-click "My Computer" and hit Manage, then Device Manager). If you have "Multimedia Audio Controller" under the Sounds, Game and Video Controllers section instead of Realtek x-y-z-whatever, then start your installer for the driver (the WDM_A401.exe file) and reboot. If it doesn't install correctly/craps out either during or after that, then you'll need to find another file. I posted directions on how to find your exact driver earlier in this post - obviously that driver isn't the right one if that is what is happening. Remove it from the Add/Remove Programs section. Using your motherboard's CD is best, if you have that. If you are having issues even after using the motherboard's CD (or manufacturer's driver from their website for your board/computer), then I'd recommend just doing a Repair Install if you have Windows XP SP2, if you have the CD. (It is different than a full install - you choose "Enter", F8 to agree to the EULA, then "R", when you boot from the XP SP2 CD, in that order. You'll have to enter the Product Key and re-activate Windows, so be mindful of that.)

Good luck.... Tom

Well, Tom, I finally got my sound back. I am not sure what actually triggered it back into action but it's working. Yea!
That's the good news.
Now the bad....
I still don't have a speaker in my Task Bar next to the clock.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
Joe