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I have Windows XP (which I usually LOVE) on my HP Pavilion a820n desktop computer. I recently had to do a reinstall of XP, due to removal of an anti-virus software which (apparently) corrupted my computer. After doing a clean full reinstall of XP, some of my drivers are missing (most notably, my Audio driver). I went to the HP website, but their software could not scan my computer (apparently not XP friendly). So, I tried to do a manual installation of the driver - not an Update - the actual driver.

It will not install. I don't know what to do! Please help.

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Dani AI

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For : after a clean Windows XP reinstall on an HP Pavilion a820n, missing audio usually comes from one of three things — the wrong/incompatible driver package, missing motherboard/chipset INF, or onboard audio disabled so Windows never sees the right device. As requested, the exact installer error and the device Hardware Ids are the single most useful pieces of diagnostic data.

Needed diagnostic info (collect these before trying more installs):

  • Windows XP edition (32‑bit or 64‑bit) and Service Pack level (SP2 or SP3).
  • Exact installer error text (copy/paste) or a screenshot.
  • Hardware Id string from Device Manager: Start → Run → devmgmt.msc → expand Unknown devices or Sound, video and game controllers → right‑click device → Properties → Details → select "Hardware Ids" and copy the top entry. Example format:
PCI\VEN_XXXX&DEV_YYYY
  • The driver filename used (for example spXXXXX.exe) and whether it came from HP or a chipset vendor.

Practical troubleshooting steps that often fix this:

  • Install the motherboard/chipset INF drivers first (audio often depends on the bus drivers).
  • If the HP installer won't run on XP, extract the installer to a folder (archive tools can open many vendor EXEs) and install manually: Device Manager → Update Driver → Install from a list or specific location → Have Disk → point to the folder with the INF.
  • Check BIOS to ensure onboard/HD audio is enabled (enter BIOS at POST — HP often uses F10).
  • Verify the Windows Audio service is set to Automatic and is running (Start → Run: services.msc).
  • If the installer reports "not compatible with this hardware," use the Hardware Id to search for a vendor XP driver (Realtek/Conexant/IDT, etc.).
  • If driver hunting fails, a cheap USB audio adapter will restore sound without native drivers.

Having the exact error text plus the Hardware Id and XP bitness/SP level enables responders such as to identify the correct INF and give precise install steps.

Member Avatar for rubberman

You need to show us the actual errors that you are getting.

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