Audio Driver SOS - How to uninstall, then reinstall

Okay.....here's the sitch. Have an EliteGroup Computer System (model #GQ3121), which came loaded with Linux. Yuck! Had it 'stripped' off, by a pal, & reloaded w/Windows XP, Microsoft Office, etc. It's a bit of a 'hodge-podge' Frankenstein creation. Problem is, no sound. I investigated by going into control panel, & by pure luck, stumbled upon audio system previously loaded: CMedia Ac97 Audio Device . Yet, the properties panel indicates that there is no audio device detected or installed. Maybe stripping the Linux, stripped the audio driver too? Bare with me, I'm so infantile in this region. A tech guy at CompUSA told me to log online, enter into Google the 'computer manufacturer & model', & I'd get the compatible audio driver to download free. Well, it's 2:47am, & I've been attempting this since 10pm. Am I a knuckle head or what. I even visited Open Drivers.com, & managed to get even more confused about what to do. I pushed buttons & selected what I thought was the right driver to download & install, & it went onto my desktop! Then I received advice to uninstall whatever current audio driver I have before installing a new one. But how can I uninstall what doesn't appear to be active on my computer anyway? I'm a mess. I need a walk-through on this whole wacky endeavor. I would really, truly like to hear sound from my computer. I have limited financial resources & really feel that this is within my grasp to solve online, with a good guide that is. I will take copious notes, if someone would be kind enough to help me through this very confusing process. I'm exhausted & frustrated, but I haven't given up. FYI -- my computer has 1.50 GHz, 112MB of Ram, & is loaded with Microsoft Windows XP version 2002. Don't know much else about it. By the way, the pal who had it stripped of Linux & reloaded is not able to retrieve the CD used to load the XP.. So I'm working with that stipulation as well.

 

Did you try your motherboard maker's site? They probably can give you or find there a copy of the sound drivers, or do you have a motherboard CD aplications on hand? Sound drivers are buried there. Try DriverGuide.com

 

Most ac97 audio drivers are loaded with windows,the easiest way to ensure you have them is to first go to windows update at Microsoft.com and download all the updates that are there,these are also essential for keeping your computer secure.

Once you have the latest updates and have restarted your computer,go to control panel,system,hardware,device manager,sound,video and game controllers expand the box,does the ac 97 audio have a yellow question mark next to it?,double click the ac 97,post what it says about the device,then click driver at the top of the screen and post the date of the driver

Also double check you have your speakers/headphones plugged into the green socket at the back of your computer,also are you sure your speakers work,test a set of headphones to make sure

 

Rikky, cannot get anything from Microsoft Windows update. Apparently I receive a 'validation failure' warning. My loaded xp version is not from an authentic copy. So my updating is null & void. The website won't let me get any further than telling me that my version is either stolen or leaked, so take a hike. Also, I went into device manager & find NO ac97 available. Guess when I tried to uninstall it, it worked. Yes. the speakers are plugged into green slot & they are functioning with headphone. This computer clearly needs an active sound card. Haven't actually opened the computer yet to check motherboard manufacturer, but isn't it the same as the printed manufacturer & model # on outside, back of unit? I do have a motherboard auto installation support CD that came with original computer when it was loaded with Linux, but afraid to use it, thinking it'll clash with the current loaded xp & destroy stuff I had put on. Is this motherboard CD of any value to me? Thanks so much.

 

Thanks. I did try the motherboard maker's site, but ran into problems there. What is the motherboard CD applications? Is this the motherboard support CD? I did get one that came with the computer when it was first loaded with Linux, but of course it's stripped of Linux & loaded with Windows XP now. The support CD says AdobeAcrobat version 2.8 S. Auto installation. Am I gettin closer?????

 

No your way off,nice try though ,download this program,double click the system summary then save the file and attach the file with your next post,this will tell us what motherboard you have and onboard sound,then we will find the driver

http://majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id=92&file=11&evp=04045717579b6df6261b57be986462a1

 

also doubleclick the soundcard info,save that and post also

 

Okay R man, I clicked on the link ya sent me, & I got prompts to download SiSoftware Sandra. Do I want the 'full' program installed onto my computer? And once I go through all the steps of downloading, what's it's purpose? Will it scan my whole system & relay the summary info you asked for? I'm just really paranoid about downloading stuff I wasn't supposed to. I'm famous worldwide for that. Like I said, you're dealing with about an 15 month old, in computer years. Bare, bare, bare with me dude.

 

yes save the program to your desktop"or wherever is easiest for you to find",when it has downloaded open and install the program,DONT ever worry about downloading from major geeks,it has all been vetted and checked for spyware

 

I got into System Summary, but don't know the mechanics of how to save & attach it, while having the system summary report right on the screen in front of me, in order for you to get the file link. Also, nothing that says 'Soundcard' to double click on......are MCI Devices it? Sorry for the delay in getting back to ya. It's a beautiful, warm day here in Southern California & I've been tannin & swimmin!!! Trying to 'drown' my sorrows over this computer dilema, but I'm followin you R man, so lead da way!!!! Baby's startin to crawl.............

 

Problems solved. Shout out to Rikky for all the help.

 

NP well done

 

I have the same exact problem as DumbBrunette. Unfortunately, you did not post the solution. Can you help me out please?