Member Avatar for dmcgovern

The solution to the cmicnfg problem was posted in another thread: "You simply delete the Cmaudio key under Run from the registry. To do this: open regedit->HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE->SOFTWARE->Microsoft->Windows->CurrentVersion->Run. Now, in this folder you should see CMAudio. Delete it. This takes care of the problem. This will not hurt your computer in any way. What this does is prevent CMAudio from loading at startup. Sounds are still able to play after you delete this. If you sound card was working before you deleted this, it will work after. I don't know why CMAudio is loaded at startup because it doesn't do anything. Hope this helps! " Thanks gsrtonv.

The solution to the loss of audio wasn't. It appears to be caused by Windows Update misreading your AC97 on-board sound chip, and pushing down the wrong hardware update. Beware of Microsoft bringing hardware updates!

Solution is to go into My Computer Properties Device Manager, Sound etc controllers, Realtek AC97 audio, Driver, and roll back driver.

David

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cmicnfg.cpl is the C‑Media “control panel” component used by some on‑board audio packages. the RunDLL error happens when Windows is told to call that CPL at startup but the file no longer exists (leftover startup entry vs. removed driver). this explains why removing the startup entry stops the popup while sound problems can persist. (file.net)

the sound loss many report is usually a separate driver mismatch: Windows Update or a driver change can replace a working AC97/Realtek or C‑Media package with an incompatible package, breaking audio. ’s startup‑entry fix removes the error message; ’s driver revert restored audio — both are pieces of the same puzzle. if audio is missing, reinstall the correct vendor driver or restore the previous system state rather than relying only on the OS update. (pcreview.co.uk)

safe, practical checklist before making changes (backup first): create a system restore point and export the registry; temporarily disable unknown audio startup items (msconfig/Startup); check per‑user startup places and the Startup folder; uninstall any stale C‑Media package from Add/Remove Programs; then reinstall the correct driver from the motherboard/laptop vendor or the chipset maker. if the popup keeps returning, leftover INF/driver cache entries can cause reinstallation — removing those INF entries (carefully) and then reinstalling the right driver stops the loop. also scan the file with up‑to‑date AV tools because attackers sometimes masquerade as legitimate DLL/CPL files. (support.microsoft.com)

quick notes tied to the thread: if you don’t see the system startup entry (as said), check per‑user startup locations and msconfig (as suggested). always back up before editing or deleting system entries — that avoids trading a popup for a bigger problem.

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Member Avatar for denman

Hi David, ...thanks for that, ...it worked, ...I also found a note in run>msconfig>startup tab and zapped it:lol: ....Dennis
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The solution to the cmicnfg problem was posted in another thread: "You simply delete the Cmaudio key under Run from the registry. To do this: open regedit->HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE->SOFTWARE->Microsoft->Windows->CurrentVersion->Run. Now, in this folder you should see CMAudio. Delete it. This takes care of the problem. This will not hurt your computer in any way. What this does is prevent CMAudio from loading at startup. Sounds are still able to play after you delete this. If you sound card was working before you deleted this, it will work after. I don't know why CMAudio is loaded at startup because it doesn't do anything. Hope this helps! " Thanks gsrtonv.

The solution to the loss of audio wasn't. It appears to be caused by Windows Update misreading your AC97 on-board sound chip, and pushing down the wrong hardware update. Beware of Microsoft bringing hardware updates!

Solution is to go into My Computer Properties Device Manager, Sound etc controllers, Realtek AC97 audio, Driver, and roll back driver.

David

Member Avatar for main1

I don't see "Run" in the "CurrenVersion" folder.

Member Avatar for caperjack

gotta be there are you looking in the right place ,also check in start/run/ "msconfig" and see if it shows the CMaudio thare

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