How to Disable a Sound Card in Windows XP

Windows XP sound cards should be disabled when a new sound card is to be installed, or when it's incompatible with other hardware such as game controllers or video cards. The process to disable a sound card requires little experience with computers as all it takes is a quick change to the sound card options. Whether the sound card needs to be permanently disabled, or merely for a brief time, the steps to disable remain the same.

Instructions

1. Open the Start menu and click the "Control Panel" icon. Double-click on "System" from the Control Panel folder.

2. Open the "Hardware" tab at the top of the window and click the "Device Manager."

3. Click on "Sound, video and game controllers" to bring up a list of hardware. Choose the sound card hardware and then click "Properties."

4. Open the "General" tab and select "Do not use this device."

5. Click "OK" to confirm your settings and close the window.

6. Restart the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• The sound card can be enabled at any time. To do so, return to the sound card option screen and un-check the "Do not use this device" option.

References

• Microsoft Support: Disable Sound Cards