How to Install Sound on Windows XP

Audio capability in computers has become in integral part of the computing experience, or video, music and normal system alerts. In order to get sound to work on a computer running Windows XP, you must install a sound card, then install drivers appropriate for that sound card which are made for Windows XP. Any manufactured computer should come with a sound card already installed, so you may just need to install the software driver component.

Things You'll Need

• Speakers
• Sound Card
• Screwdriver

Instructions

Install the Sound Card

1. Turn off your computer, unplug the cords connected to it and use a screwdriver to open the case.

2. Find an available PCI slot on the motherboard. PCI slots are located near the back and bottom of the case. Chances are there will be a few other cards installed in PCI slots that have connectors that stick out of the back of the case.

3. Take off the slot cover. There will be a small metal slot cover over each unused PCI slot; use a screwdriver to take out a single screw and remove the cover.

4. Plug in the sound card. Align the card squarely in the PCI slot and push in down firmly so that it pops in to place and the back of the card is flush with the back of the case, taking the place that the slot cover. You can use the slot-cover screw to secure the card in place.

5. Plug the speakers into the appropriate port on the sound card.

6. Close the case. Plug the cords back in, and power on the PC.

Install Drivers for the Sound Card

1. Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Administrative Tools" then "Computer Management."

2. Click "Device Manager," and then click the plus (+) sign next to "Sound, video and game controllers."

3. Find your sound card in the list; right-click on it, and select "Update Driver." Windows will automatically search for and install a driver for the card if possible. If your card came with a driver CD, you can also use that to install drivers.

4. Search for a driver at the website of your sound card's manufacturer. If you cannot get a driver through Windows driver update, download and install a driver from the maker of your sound card. Use the information from the device manager window to search for drivers for your specific sound card. After downloading a driver, simply double-click the install or setup EXE file to begin installation.

5. Restart your PC after the driver is installed. Sound will not work until you restart.

Tips & Warnings

• If a new sound driver caused you to lose audio, find a new sound driver to install, or revert to the old driver.

• Any time you install a new sound card you will have to install a new driver to go with it.

References

• Troubleshooting Sound Problems in XP