How to Install Audio Drivers for XP

Computers with Windows XP require audio hardware and software to provide sound. The audio hardware may be in the form of a chip integrated into your computer's motherboard, or it may be in the form of an audio card. All types of audio hardware need specialized software, called "drivers," to communicate with Windows XP. Windows XP includes audio drivers for many kinds of audio hardware. However, if the driver for your audio hardware is not already included, you must obtain it. The manufacturer of your motherboard or audio card will be able to provide the driver you need. Once you have it, place it in a folder on your hard drive so that you can access it. You can then install the audio driver for your audio hardware in Windows XP.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button; then click the "Control Panel" icon on the Start menu. This will open the Control Panel window.

2. Click the "Switch to Classic View" link in the left-side pane of the Control Panel window if the Control Panel is not already set to classic view. When the Control Panel window is set to classic view, you will see the the "System" icon in the right-side pane.

3. Double-click the "System" icon. This will open the System Properties window. Click the "Hardware" tab in the System Properties window; then click the "Device Manager" button. This will open the Device Manager window.

4. Click to expand the "Sound, video and game" node in the Device Manager window, and locate your audio device. Double-click your audio device to open the "Properties" window; then click the "Driver" tab.

5. Click the "Update Driver" button in the "Properties" window. This will launch an update wizard. Follow the prompts in the wizard to install your audio driver and complete the process.

References

• Microsoft information on installing audio drivers in Windows XP and Vista

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish