How to Test a Sound Card

Sound cards may be the most problematic piece of computer hardware there is. Most cards install well and load their software as designed, but some are problems from the start. Test your sound card functions as soon as it is installed to make sure that the drivers are compatible, all the functions of the card work and that there are no hardware conflicts with the rest of your computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find the audio test file sent with the computer or sound card manufacturer. The file will test the capabilities of the card and ensure that everything works properly. If you can't find the file, then check the website of the manufacturer of both the computer and the sound card.

2. Test the playback of CD music. Place a music CD in your CD/DVD drive and play it. If you hear no sound, then the CD drive is having problems, the audio cable from the back of the drive to the sound card is missing or the sound card doesn't accept that kind of inputs.

3. Connect a microphone to the sound card input and test its capability to record your voice. There is an application under Start >Programs >Accessories > Entertainment that allows you to record sound. Start the application and test the sound recorder.

4. Open the control panel, Start >Settings >Control Panel. Find the Sound and Audio Devices icon and open it. Click on the second tab, "Sounds." Make sure your sound appears in the box in the top half of the window. Select a sound from the scroll box, click the play button and make sure it plays.

5. Check the System icon in the Control Panel. Make sure the sound device is listed and there are no yellow exclamation points showing.

[nicolejohn82]

on 9/17/2008 what if there are exclamation points showing