After installing Vista SP1, you may experience one or more of the following sound problems. The sound behavior changes because Vista SP1 updates system files and many device drivers in your computer to improve device reliability.
Symptoms
After installing Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1), you may experience one or more of the following sound problems:
• There is no sound when playing an audio file or running a program that contains audio components.
• In the notification area, the speaker symbol next to the clock may display the following message: No audio output device is installed.
• The sound controller in the Device Manager displays a yellow exclamation point.
Reason
The reason why the sound behavior changes is because Windows Vista SP1 updates the system files and many device drivers inside the computer to improve the reliability of the device. To do this, the service pack will reinstall a large number of device drivers at the end of the installation process. During this process, some older drivers may experience problems with the installation failure.
Note: We recommend installing the latest drivers for your hardware before installing Windows Vista SP1. This will help to avoid the problems mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.
Solution
To resolve this issue, use the following methods in the order listed. After trying each method, you should determine if you can hear the sound. To do this, you can play an audio file using a program such as Windows Media Player.
Note: Remember to increase the volume of the computer speakers and program volume controls.
Method 1: Restart the computer
After installing Windows Vista SP1, you must restart your computer at least once to ensure that all related procedures have been completed, including the driver installation process.
After restarting your computer, make sure you can hear the sound.
Method 2: Reinsert your computer speakers
Most sound cards that are compatible with Windows Vista have a feature that detects the audio jacks plugged into the speakers. You may need to unplug your computer speakers from your sound card and then reinsert them into their original ports. This process allows the audio detection function to configure the output device.
Method 3: Verify that the default output device settings are correct
After installing Windows Vista SP1, you may find that the default output device (also known as the "play device") has changed.
To set the default device, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, type a sound in the Start Search box, and then click Sound in the search results at the top of the Start menu.
2. Click the "Play" tab. A check mark appears next to the default device. For most users, the default device is a "speaker."
Figure 1 Verify Default Output Device
3. Click the item you want to set as the default device, and then click Set as Default.
4. Click "OK" to save your settings and close the "Sound" dialog.