No sound after Windows Security Updates

My HD recently started to sound funny, so I went out and got another one. I did a clean install with the new HD, took the files I wanted off of the old one (only things like docs and pics, no progs), and proceeded to install my version of XP Pro, which is 3 years old. I have all of the original CD's that came with my various components and I used them in the install, than updated as needed. The sound was working fine until I did all of the High Priority updates from Microsoft. Since there were so many of them, and since I didn't want to install them one at a time, I cannot pinpoint which update caused my soundcard to crash. I was getting a problem about "cmicnfg.cpl" or something similar, and didn't find anything here at the time.

I found a link (via Google) about removing the C-Media drivers, deleting reg. keys, etc but the uninstaller in the link is dead. Other people apparently are having trouble with this driver but I have not seen it specifically posted here. I did do the reg key removals as specified in the link and the "cmicnfg'cpl" error message went away.

After the HD install, I took a few days to D/L and install the updates; I did them in 3 groups of roughly 30. I did a system restore each time but to no avail. The sound card worked fine for the first couple of days. I tried removing/reinstalling drivers, I tried uninstalling and letting windows sense the sound card, and everything else I have come across.

I'll try to find the link that I referenced and post it to this thread.

I have an ECS 865 PE-A Mobo
WD 320 HD
XP Pro (legal not burned)
Realtek AC-97 Card
Pentium 2.88 Prescott
1 GB Ram

It doesn't matter whether I get the driver from the Mobo CD or from Realtek, neither of them work anymore. I get the feeling that there's an incompatibility issue or maybe my registry got really screwed up?

Help is greatly appreciated. Sorry about the book but not sure how much info is too much (or so my wife tells me!)

Edited: Link follows

http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread25517.html

 

This confuses me :confused

....when you stated earlier....

The file named 'cmicnfg.cpl' is the CMedia control panel program for custom audio settings, and CMedia and RealTek are NOT the same thing. Chances are, the RealTek is the built-in onboard audio adapter, and CMedia is an add-on PCI sound card. You have to determine which of the two you want to use. If you want to use the on-board audio, unplug the power cord, open the case, and remove the PCI sound card, reboot, and install the RealTek audio driver. If you want to use the sound card, go into the system BIOS right when you first power up and find the setting to disable the on-board audio; it is usually listed under Integrated Peripherals or maybe under Advanced BIOS Settings... all BIOSes are different so you may need to poke around a bit, or read the motherboard manual. After disabling the on-board audio in the BIOS, be sure to save your changes when exiting, reboot, and install the drivers for the sound card.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

[dlb]
:major

(If you're not using a sound card, then I'm REALLY confused and you'll need to clear up the situation with the two different audio chips mentioned; CMedia and RealTek AC'97)

 

A few people have been having probs with C-Media drivers installing themselves during Windows updates and crashing the sound card. I have both the drivers that came with my Motherboard (mobo) disk as well as the ones supplied by Realtek. I have an AC 97 card and it worked fine until I began updating XP after a new HD install (since my XP Pro disk is 3+years old but a legal disk and not a burned copy) I cannot get the sound working, no matter what I try. The link that I posted has the most accurate description of the problem. Hope this clarifies my post

 

Perhaps you can attach an Everest hardware report to a future post. Here's how: