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Windows Audio Service stops during bootup

Running XP MCE on an HP DV8000 - a few days ago, I lost my sound (got messages like "there are no active no mixer device available" when I clicked on the speaker volume icon in my system tray). I noticed that upon reboot, the sound DOES function during a part of bootup, but then stops working (i.e. I CAN click on volume icon and get the mixer panel during early part of bootup process, but then 30 seconds later, when I click on it, I get the above error message). I then monitored the Windows Audio Service during reboot (I kept pressing F5 to refresh every 2 seconds) and saw that the Windows Audio service Started, and then before bootup completed, the service STOPPED. I checked the event log, but found no relevant entries. I can start the Windows Audio service manually and that gets me my sound back.

Next step is to mess with msconfig and the startup programs to see if any of them are causing the problem . Also wondering if a HARDWARE problem might cause the service to stop (Device Manager does not show any problems though).

Anyone know what's going on here and how to resolve?

and235100

Try runninf the .vbs from here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

(Line)371. Restore Sound - Windows Audio Service

and235100

Any update on this, SAbboushi?

SAbboushi

ASKER

Hi and235100
Thanks for your efforts - I downloaded the .reg file but realized that although it may save me a few keystrokes each time I boot up, my post had to do with identifying and resolving (i.e. permanently) the problem.

and235100

Well - can you just use this as a pseudo-solution -

Do a startup script/logon script running this .vbs

Create a .bat logon script thus - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315245

Then create the bat file:

----------------------------------------------------------------------
@echo off
wscript.exe "C:\<path>\audiosvr.vbs" "your file.bat"
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Change "your file.bat" to the name of your batch file.

Hiding the script from view:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/176197

and235100

Sorry - you don't need a .vbs

The file from KK is a .reg (registry fragment)

You need to use the reg import command in your bat file:

e.g.

reg import audiosvr.reg

SAbboushi

ASKER

Thanks again and235100 - good idea, but I want a permanent resolution.

and235100

Okay - I am sorry - but the only permanent solution in this case could be a repair xp install:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

There is no real way of knowing whether this is a driver, or a Windows issue.

You may even then have to find alternate/updated sound/motherboard drivers...

SAbboushi

ASKER

Thanks for your thoughts on this - I am not yet convinced that the only resolution is a repair xp install - nor am I convinced that a repair xp install would in fact resolve the problem permanently (I would suspect it MAY, but I don't believe there is any certainty - especially since the audio service does in fact start properly but then terminates during bootup - which leads me to believe that something is conflicting AFTER the service starts properly). If I exhaust all other possibilities, then I will restore an earlier system partition image with a KNOWN STATE OF INTEGRITY). For less sophisticated users, I might agree that a repair xp install would be a good next step. Me, I have no confidence in the state of my OS after such a repair install. I appreciate your efforts though-

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and235100

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SAbboushi

ASKER

Thanks and235100 - you did a good job coming up with alternate suggestions. I've decided to restore a prior image and be done - points are yours for the help.

With Regards-
Sam

and235100

Sorry I couldn't help you to resolve the problem properly - I think you have made a good point - images are a great way of taking backups - nice and clean "restore"...

Thanks.