Windows XP Sound Card Tutorial

It's easier than it sounds.

To play music on your CD-rom, you need a sound card and speakers attached to your computer. For your convenience, Windows XP makes this easy to do. The Windows XP Media Player sends the signal to your sound card where the signal is picked up by your speakers. If your sound card isn't working, there are a few steps to follow to help you find out why.

Sound Card Basics

In some instances the sound card could be already built-in to your PC. If you have a laptop or notebook, more than likely your sound card is a plug-in card. Generally, Windows XP is responsible for determining if there is a sound card in your computer and if a driver is installed along with it. These two items must be installed to play CD's or video games on your computer. Usually the driver installation process takes place automatically. However, in some instances, the driver will have to be installed manually. The driver and sound card can be viewed in the Control Panel. Choose "Sound," Speech and Sound Units." Then, click on "Sound and Light Units." The name of your sound card should appear in the different dialogue boxes, such as the Sound Unit tab.

Play Music Through Sound Card

If you don't have a USB microphone or a webcam with a microphone, you can configure your music to play through your sound card by following these steps. Double-click left on the speaker icon. The Play Window Control should appear. Select Options and then Properties. Look to see if your sound card is chosen as the mixer device. In most cases, it will be. Then, choose "Recording." When a series of boxes appear, you should only choose "Stereo Mix." A small volume box should pop up. Choose "Stereo Mixer," turn the volume slider to 75 percent and uncheck any boxes that say Mic. Restart your computer, so the changes can take effect. If you don't hear background noises while you play your music, then your audio has been set correctly.

Edit Sound System

Window XP deploys different sounds commonly associated with certain programs. For example, the Windows theme plays every time the program begins or your close a program. Usually the sound is heard through the built-in speakers. But, when the sound card and speakers are connected to your computer, these system sounds will be heard through the speakers. This can be annoying if your computer is situated in your living room. If turning off your speakers presents a problems you can configure Windows XP to turn them off. This means that only music, games or radio will be played through your speakers. Open the "Control Panel" and click on "Sound, Speech and Audio Devices." On the second tab, click on "Change the Sound Scheme," which is associated with programs and events. You can also turn them off by selecting "Mute." Restart your computer to save the changes.

Resources

• Karbosguide: Windows XP Beginners Tutorial
• ICUII Co. UK: How To Play Music Through Soundcard