Sound Problem

Just completed a XP fresh install. 147 MS Updates loaded and verified as loaded good. We won't go through the fun that was with all MS Update issues recently. One would think they are trying to drive folks from XP. Dell Site System check on Dell 9100 with Service Code xxxx and downloaded drivers identified. Device Manager shows all hardware devices green. The install was basically to wipe the Kids Puter and get rid of junk accumulated over the years. Other than being slow everything worked prior to install.
I boot the machine and the "Windows Song" starts and then stops. I'd say it makes it through about 4 notes. Driver data states "all go" and working properly.
The unit is a SB Audigy 2 ZS. I thought I'd post here to see if anyone had thoughts on the matter while I continue to drive blind.
Thanks in advance.

 

Update to original post. I'm not sure if I should be posting in Software instead but fell free to let me know if that is the case.
After the earlier post I went back and deleted all the drivers associated with Audio for the second time, did a reboot and let P&P find the devices and reload. Once that was done, I rebooted and noted the MS log-off tune play all the way through. I don't recall if that happened the first time or not and I just overlooked it. At restart, MS Welcome played the four notes and cut out. Went on-line to verify had no sound. Deleted the single driver for SB Audio, rebooted the system and had P&P find and reinstall the driver. Went back on line after that was done and watched Part 4 of "Hidden Secrets of Money", highly recommended for all that actually labor for a living, and had sound all the way through. Paused the video, increased volume with no ill effects noted. Once the 25 minute or so preso concluded I rebooted and have no sound again. I have a conflict somewhere and am chasing my tail. I'm thinking an IRQ issue and will keep digging but any suggestions welcome.

 

If there is a way to add to the original post I am not aware of it. I thought I'd add the IRQ List if it helps. I keep digging and think I found something but haven't a clue as to what it might be. It's IRQ 16 I think I'm having to deal with.

IRQ 0 System timer OK
IRQ 8 System CMOS/real time clock OK
IRQ 9 Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System OK
IRQ 10 Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) SMBus Controller - 27DA OK
IRQ 13 Numeric data processor OK
IRQ 14 Primary IDE Channel OK
IRQ 16 Intel(R) 945G/GZ/P/PL PCI Express Root Port - 2771 OK
IRQ 16 RADEON X300 Series OK
IRQ 16 Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Definition Audio OK
IRQ 16 Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) PCI Express Root Port - 27D0 OK
IRQ 16 Intel(R) 82801GR/GH/GHM (ICH7 Family) PCI Express Root Port - 27E0 OK
IRQ 16 Creative SB Audigy 2 ZS (WDM) OK
IRQ 17 Intel(R) 82801GR/GH/GHM (ICH7 Family) PCI Express Root Port - 27E2 OK
IRQ 17 OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller OK
IRQ 17 Conexant D850 56K V.9x DFVc Modem OK
IRQ 18 Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB Universal Host Controller - 27CA OK
IRQ 20 Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection OK
IRQ 20 Intel(R) 82801GR/GH SATA AHCI Controller OK
IRQ 21 Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB Universal Host Controller - 27C8 OK
IRQ 21 Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 27CC OK
IRQ 22 Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB Universal Host Controller - 27C9 OK
IRQ 23 Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB Universal Host Controller - 27CB OK

 

Well, sure they are - but not via XP updates. XP is obsolete, archaic, and a one of the greatest security threats to Internet users around the world. And you need to be planning your upgrade path to modern hardware and a modern operating systems - now! The April 8th End-of-Life support for XP will soon be upon us.

It is best to keep adding replies like you are doing. When you edit a post, no email notifications go out and the changes may go unnoticed. When you add a reply, a new notice of the new information goes out and that may trigger a thought in a helper.

I don't see this being an interrupt problem. If it were, you would see problems in Device Manager.

What do you mean you "Went on-line to verify had no sound"? What happens when you go through the Control Panel > Sound applet and try to play (Test) a Events sound?

Note when you let PnP pick up a device, it loads Windows generic drivers. Have you tried loading the drivers from Creative?

 

The greatest threat to Internet Users in the World is in Utah and Washington DC but I digress. We may agree to disagree on that one. I had just resolved my problem when I was coming back to let Admin know this one could be closed.
Somehow the Digital Only output to the speakers was getting set during the boot process. I'm still not sure why its happening but know what to do when the problem occurs.
I appreciate your time and thanks for looking into the post.

 

I wish it were that simple but sadly, it is common knowledge in security circles that badguys already have a stash of discovered but unreported vulnerabilities for which they have already developed malicious code to exploit. They are just sitting on them until after April 8th knowing Microsoft will not patch those vulnerabilities.

Plus, several of the major players in the anti-malware industry have already announced they will stop supporting XP when, or shortly after MS stops supporting XP.

So you can disagree if you like, but frankly, that would be a mistake. It is important to understand infected computers are used to attack other Internet users, often without the user of the infected machine realizing anything wrong is going on.

Since this was announced well over 5 years ago, and since new PCs and notebooks with modern, secure operating systems can be had for under $300 (refurbished PCs for under $200!), I would urge all remaining XP users to bite the bullet and upgrade now, before April 8th.

Alternatively, install Linux or remove any remaining XP systems from your network and the Internet so these systems do not become a threat to others.

*********

That does seem a bit odd but glad you got it sorted out. Thanks for posting the followup.

 

Its a quirk from SoundBlaster cards. When the sound stops working on first boot after the logo, you can just about bet every time that the software has moved it to digital output for sound, when speakers are almost always analog.

I had come in to post it, but the poster had already figured it out.

 

Where were you around 3:00 this AM Adrynalyne. I was needing a shot about that time. Again, thanks for the effort and time you all give.
As this one gets closed out and in reference to Digerati's suggestions I'd be curious if there is a good comparison within MG that gives me more insight into what Dig is saying. A CPU has always been nothing more that a tool for me and I've always had MS since they killed WordPerfect. I'd like to educate myself a bit.
Any reference is appreciated.

 

Sleeping. :zzz

I've used GNU/Linux off and on for the last 13 years. I don't know that there is a comparison here, but I can give you a general breakdown/overview.

First of all, as mentioned, XP is a ticking time bomb. Come April and thereon, it will be like a junky sharing a needle with those who have hepatitis....a lot of spreading infections and disaster.

The easy solution, if you hardware supports it, is to use Windows 7. Many things compatible with XP (sans drivers and lower level software) is going to work with Windows 7. When it doesn't, you can fallback on XP Mode for most things. This is free for Windows 7 Pro users, and is especially handy if said user doesn't have an XP retail license (which is many, OEM isn't transferrable and rarely works anyway).

That said...


GNU/Linux is a viable alternative to Windows with many. You get a free OS, and you can often find free alternatives for existing software. Likely the best place to start is a mainstream, easy-to-use distribution. I won't be going over switching windows managers or desktop environments, for that reason. The important thing to realize with GNu/Linux is that you will be investing time learning a new OS, and deep down, it is nothing like Windows.



Number 1 is Ubuntu:

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/

Another good one, that is possibly simpler is Linux Mint:

http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2489

I would recommend cinnamon version as it is going to be somewhat more familiar for Windows users.

Both of these versions are Live, meaning you can boot to the disk without installing and preview using the OS in a minimal form. That is the best way to try out GNU/Linux, because it does not delete anything off the hard drive and you don't have to commit.

What kind of software do you use? We can get a list of alternatives for you.

 

A little confused here - comparison of what?

Windows Lifecycle fact sheet - April 8, 2014 for XP.

badguys have already developed malicious code to exploit those vulnerabilities

If you meant a comparison of Linux alternatives, there are many and each has a slew of supporters. As mentioned, Unbuntu is very popular and I personally like LinuxMint. By sticking with the more popular versions you will have greater access to more experienced users.

Note the "CPU" is the main processor mounted on a computer motherboard. So I am going to assume you mean a "personal computer" is just a tool for you - and that is actually a typical perception.

As for always having MS since they killed WordPerfect - not sure what you mean there either. Note WordPerfect is not a Microsoft product. Did you mean MS Word? Also note that Corel took over WordPerfect several years ago WordPerfect is still in production and available, as noted here.