System Sounds

Many of my system sounds have been dissabled [or changed]. It used to make the default mail notification sound when I recieved mail (Thunderbird) and if there was a problem starting a program it would make the critical stop sound, now it doesn't make any sound.

My system is working very well and I'm not sure if I should worry about this but maybe its a sign of something more serious...

I'm using WinXP service pack 2.

Thanks

 

To check your system sound settings, go to control panel, sounds and audio devices, and click on the Sounds tab.

If none of your system sounds work, follow this tip I wrote some time back:

Sometimes, you get issues when you have Sound Events set in the control panel, but they never work. Yet, you can play the file fine.

Cause: A corrupt registry entry at HKEY_CURRENT_USER

Resolution: Delete the Default value on the right hand side. The value is blank when it is corrupt, and when you delete it, the value rebuilds.

Reboot.

 

Thanks Adrynalyne,

(I thought I posted this last night?) when you say delete the defualt value on the right hand side, right hand side of what, the control panel? I tried that and it I can't delete anything in the control panel.

 

Thats not even remotely what I said

However, I noticed I missed a part in what I meant to say.

So let me repost it.

 

Open regedit for this next solution. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER.



Sometimes, you get issues when you have Sound Events set in the control panel, but they never work. Yet, you can play the file fine.

Cause: A corrupt registry entry at HKEY_CURRENT_USER

Resolution: Delete the Default value on the right hand side. The value is blank when it is corrupt, and when you delete it, the value rebuilds.

Reboot.

 

Adrynalyne, although I found your reply very funny - it was, how do I navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER?

Sorry, remember I'm only a Private (I'm not even sure I would qualify for the first class part)...

 

I'd post a screenshot, but I'm using a Mac at the moment.

When you open regedit, via start, run, you will have a tree of values. There are 5 main keys on the left hand side. One of them is HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Click o0n it once to highlight it (don't expand it). Look to the right, and you will be on the same page as me.

 

OK, I'm there

 

Here you go. The value on the right is the one to be concerned with. Notice how mine says (value not set). If yours says nothing, its corrupt. Back it up, then delete it. It will rebuild.

To back up, right click on HKEY_CURRENT_USER on the left hand side and choose export.

 

What do you use for screen captures?

Sorry got distracted--Mine says Restore Driver Defaults that's the file I should back up then delete? I have heard horror stories about registry edit so I have stayed clear...

 

Looks closely. We are talking about the Default value, right?

Here is a zoom in.

If we are talking the same thing, then it should ONLY say what mine does. you are right o be nervous here, this is a sensitive step.

But if we are talking the same thing, and you have backed the key up, it should be ok, but do be careful.

 

I'm using a program called Graphics Converter that comes free with Apple Pro machines to edit it.

I used Prnt Scrn button on the keyboard of my Windows machine for the original screenshot.

 

Thanks Adrynalyne that resolved my problem.

I hit the Prnt Scrn button and nothing happens? Does it save it to a file somewhere?

 

To the clipboard. Then use something like mspaint and "paste" it in.

Glad that fixed you up, by the way