Member Avatar for Invazn

Hey there, I just reinstalled Windows xp home and got everything working except my sound. I was wondering if anyone can help me. My sound card is built into the mother board. It is c-media ac97 audio device. When I go to check it in control panel --> System it has a yellow "!" beside it. I tried uninstalling it and then reinstalling it but still nothing. And I don't know which driver I need and where to get it if I have to get one. And for some reason Windows update is being weird to me I can't see the optional software I can get to see if the driver is in there. Help Please! Thanks

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Short, practical checklist that complements and ' replies for anyone who sees a yellow exclamation for onboard audio after reinstalling Windows XP.

First, identify the exact hardware without opening the case: run msinfo32 and note "System Manufacturer" / "System Model", or open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc) → right‑click the problem device → Properties → Details → Hardware Ids. Hardware IDs look like PCI\VEN_XXXX&DEV_YYYY — use those IDs to locate the exact audio codec/driver on the motherboard vendor or codec vendor site rather than a generic driver repository.

Install order and quick checks: install chipset/motherboard drivers first, then the audio driver. Verify the BIOS has onboard audio enabled (sometimes listed as "AC97" or "HD Audio") and that front‑panel audio connectors match the motherboard header (AC97 vs HD front-panel mismatch can result in no output). In Windows, confirm the Windows Audio service is running (services.msc) and that the XP volume controls and default playback device are unmuted and set to the correct output jack.

If Device Manager still shows a problem, note the Device Manager error code: code 28 = no driver found (install correct driver); code 39 = driver file missing or corrupted (uninstall device, remove driver files if possible, then reinstall). Use the hardware ID to pick the right driver package and use "Update Driver" → "Browse my computer" or the vendor installer. Avoid random third‑party driver sites — prefer the motherboard maker or the audio chipset vendor.

Final checks: test the hardware with headphones or a Linux live USB to rule out OS/driver issues; if the onboard codec is dead, a cheap USB or PCI sound card is a reliable fallback. Since official Windows XP update support ended in 2014, vendor archives are often the best source for legacy XP drivers.

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Member Avatar for ballies

hi there, what motherboard is it (Manufacturer, Model).
Do you have front panel audio connected (correctly), if not are the jumpers connected on the motherboard, normaly 2 jumpers are used to connect 4 pins if front panel audio is not connected

Member Avatar for Invazn

Ummm where would I find what kind of mother board I have? And I think its connected properly because I never touched anything inside before it stopped working...

Member Avatar for ballies

Ok, so the sound was working before it wll be drivers if you havent touched the inside.
Drivers availible from www.driverguide.com

To find the model of the motherboard you either check the model of PC, ie (Dell e550) or open the PC and look for the model number on the motherboard itself, ie (ASRock P4VMB)

I can upload some drivers if you would like but use at own risk!

Member Avatar for Invazn

Yay thank you very much. I found the driver I needed at the link you put.

Member Avatar for ballies

Glad to be of help, Enjoy your Weekend

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