How do I install sndrec.exe files so I can use the microphone?

The properties of your sound recorder should be
start -programs -accessories - entertainment- and right mouse click sound recorder and select properties.
It Should read
%SystemRoot%\System32\sndrec32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32

WARNING I am GOING TO HAVE YOU GO INTO THE REGISTY> FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY. YOU SHOULD NOT GO INTO THE REGISTRY IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE. A MISTAKE IN THE REGISTRY COULD CAUSE YOUR SYSTEM TO NO LONGER FUNCTION.

open up regedit by going to start - run - type regedit and click OK
then click on edit - find
in the box type in sndrec.exe

this will search the registry find entry with sndrec.exe and edit the entry from sndrec.exe to sndrec32.exe

Hitting F3 will take you to the next instance of this in the registry so you easily search for the next entry,there should only be 3 or 4 entries.
when you are done just close out by hitting the X, logoff the PC, Log back in and you should be OK.

You should have it... you just need to get it out from where it is buried...

Click start > run
type in "cmd"    (without quotes)
click ok
 
You are now at a command prompt

Type this in EXACTLY

expand c:\i386\sndrec32.ex_   c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Entertainment (NOTE the underscore after .ex_)

Now the file is in the right place.

Now... navigate to where you just put it:
c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Entertainment

right click on it and select "Send To" > "Desktop (create shortcut)"

now go the the shortcut on your desktop and left click the shortcut for the recorder.. HOLD THE LEFT MOUSE BUTTON DOWN... and move it to start>programs>accessories>Entertainment and let go.

TADA!!!  If you want, change the name to just Sound Recorder before you ove it, else it will say Sound Recorder Shortcut

DANG IT!!! my apologies. If you haven't done it yet... do this instead. If you have... no problem, won't hurt anything. The file should be expanded to the system32 folder. I got distracted....

expand c:\i386\sndrec32.ex_ C:\windows\system32

Now... navigate to where you just put it:
C:\windows\system32
right click on it and select "Send To" > "Desktop (create shortcut)"

now go the the shortcut on your desktop and left click the shortcut for the recorder.. HOLD THE LEFT MOUSE BUTTON DOWN... and move it to start>programs>accessories>Entertainment and let go.

TADA!!!  If you want, change the name to just Sound Recorder before you ove it, else it will say Sound Recorder Shortcut

To Flubbster:
I am in the process of doing your 2nd solution.  When I go to Windows\system32 there are two files there:  one is Sndrec  (File type: ex_ file) and the other is Sndrec (File type: application). Which one do I move to the desktop?

Application... right click and send shortcut to desktop, then drop it into Entertainment.

curious tho... sndrec... not sndrec32?

If you do a search of your system for sndrec32, see if you find it. If you find it in c:\i386, then when you expanded it you left off the 32. If you find it in the dllcache subfolder, you can just copy it to the c:\windows\system32 folder and create and move the shortcut as above.

Gotta go for a couple of hours... good luck!

moved my comment from the other question.
How do I install sndrec.exe files so I can use the microphone
On the rear of your tower is three sockets audio in audio out and microphone.
Try a system restore.
Go to start all progarms accessories system tools system restore.

Can you restore the real player icon to the accessories then Entertainment, Sound Recorder, from the deleted bin?  
I would have r/clicked this icon and looked where it is located, maybe it only changed the icon, before removing real player you should take all the file associations for audio off.
try using winamp to put the icon back.

Start> Run>  type in > sndrec32.exe  < press enter

Is it simply hidden on the taskbar, r/click any empty space between the clock and an icon, Customise Notifications.

in control panel audio and sounds tick>> to place a volume icon on the taskbar, untick it. " UNTICK IT"<<<
reboot then tick to place it there. Sometimes this fixes it.

The correct proceedure using your search assistant look for sndrec32
look at the directory to find c:\windows\sndrec32.exe<< click onit

Use the windows inbuilt help from start Windows help.
fixing a problem

Running a system file checker sfc /scannow
There is a lot of suggestions here even though it didnt fix it for this person will save typing them up
http://www.d-a-l.com/help/archive/index.php/t-42825.html

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/restoresounds.reg

Flubbster and Merete:  I have to stop for this evening.  Will continue in AM.  I do believe Flubbster is on the right path. Thanks to you both.  Hope you'll be there for me tomorrow.

Back again.  Flubbster...did all as you said to do and I now have Sound Recorder under Entertainment in the Accessories folder.  When I click on it, the Sound Recorder does not work.  So I went to the Control Panel and clicked on Sounds...For the Audio and Voice portions, it states, "Windows cannot execute Sndrec.exe, go to control panel and install."  I went to the control panel to Add/Remove Programs, then to Add/Remove Window Components, but it wasn't there. I do not have my XP Pro disc as the program was preloaded when I purchased the computer. I called the OEM, Gateway, and they had no solution, they could not send me an XP disc--just a restore one.  I do NOT want to restore.  If I received someone else's XP disc, could I copy it from theirs, or is there another solution.  Thanks again.

Did you try to do a search for sndrec32??? You need that one, not justsndrec. Do a search for it. If you do not have it, then use any other computer and go to c:\windows\system32 and copy the file from there. Just make sure that you have the one that has 32 at the end. Place it on a floppy disk or memory stick. You should delete the shortcut you placed on the Entertainment folder and create a new shortcut from the new file. Use the same directions. Use a friends pc... a neighbor... anything that is running a system other than windows 98 as 98 only has the same one you already have. First tho... do the search because it might be buried in either a .cab file or csome other compressed file.

I did locate the sndrec32 and that is the one I am presently using.

Is it working then" According to the error message you posted..."Windows cannot execute Sndrec.exe, go to control panel and install."  That says sndrec. If you found it, make sure it is in the right place.

sndrec32.exe  should be in c:\windows\system32

then, check the shortcut that is in the entertainment folder here:
c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Entertainment

right click on the shorcut, and verify that the target is c:\windows\system32\sndrec32.exe

Everything is exactly as you stated above..all OK.  BUT when I go to use the Sndrec...it does not record or play back.  I then went to the Control Panel and check Sounds......For the Audio and Voice portions, it states, "Windows cannot execute Sndrec.exe, go to control panel and install."  I went to the control panel to Add/Remove Programs, then to Add/Remove Window Components, but it wasn't there. I do not have my XP Pro disc as the program was preloaded when I purchased the computer. I called the OEM, Gateway, and they had no solution, they could not send me an XP disc--just a restore one.  I do NOT want to restore.  If I received someone else's XP disc, could I copy it from theirs, or is there another solution.  I hope I have stated this OK.

ok... I need to be clear on this

go to c:\windows\system32 and find the file
look at is CLOSELY!

tell me EXACTLY what you have in there:
is it...
sndrec.exe
sndrec32.exe
sndrec.ex_
sndrec32.ex_

NOTE:  TWO OF THESE HAVE UNDERSCORES

What does it say in your c:\windows\system32 folder?

I am wondering if for some reason you need sndrec and not sndrec32

do you have that?

also... download and run this. Say yes to merge it to your registry

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/restoresounds.reg

sndrec32     129 kb    ex_File
sndrec32     129 kb    Application

Also:  SndDrv32ds_d.ods   1 kb    ods file

I do not have a sndrec file....I

Do me a favor... do you have any antivirus stuff running? When is the last time you ran a scan? I don't like that file... sndrv32_d.ods

try searching online for it. The only results I get are virus ones... not good.

go here, and run this online one. It will also repair anything and it is free.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Will do and let you know what happens.  I do have Norton SystemWorks, Registry Mechanic, RegSupremePro and SpyBot. I do try to keep a clean computer.  I ran a Norton SystemWorks scan 2 days ago.

Well... that's a bummer the points got knocked down on this... I've been really trying hard to help you.

I want you to do another search for the following file:

sndvol32

you should find 3 different ones.

If so, tell me where they are.

@ForestDenizen...

Please restore the points for this question to their original value and delete the duplicate question. That question was inadvertently started as a comment to my trying to help him. I have been doing a great deal of work with this asker and it is unfair to me that you would reduce the points on this question before understanding exactly what happened. The asker made a mistake, and by his own admission did not intend to start a new question.

To Flubbster:
I am in the process of downloading TrendMicro...since I reside in the "boonies" we only have dial-up, which will take me 3 hours to download.  I will get back to you as soon as it is completed.  I believe I can work while it downloads so I will seard for sndvol32.  
BTW, I, too, believe this is a 500 pointer and have stated this also.

Hi guys, I have made a request to have the other question deleted and restore the 500 to this one since I even moved my comments here.
Regards Merete

I searchedfor Sndvol32----this is what I found:
sndvol32.CH_        c:i386       9 kb
snvoll32                 c:i386     56 kb
sndvol32.HL_        c:i386       2 kb
sndvol32.CH_       c:\windows\i386    9 kb
sndvol32               c:\windows\i386    56 kb
sndvol.32HL_        c:\windows\1386   2 kb

@Merete... thank you for your help  :)

You don't have to d/l trend micro. You can run  it online from the page I posted.

couple of thin gs... I don't understand why you have two i386 folders. The usual place is in the root, which you have. You have a second in c:\windows\i386, which I have never seen. Doesn't mean it is bad, just that I have never seen it.

Now... the CH_ and HL_ are the compressed help files. From what you typed, it does not look like the sndvol32 file is compressed. If that is the case, please copy one of them and place it in your c:\windows\system32 folder.

Also, pls post make and model of your pc. I think it might be beneficial to download the OEM audio drivers for your system. If it is a dell, post the service tag. If you do not want to, provide as much info as possible so I can find the correct driver.

gonna go eat...

c:\windows\i386, is quite common flubbster I have a copy of this same directory
this is used to run a system file checker instead of using an XP disc.
 Is also used to as an alternative boot if the OS fails.
I've read thru everything here a system file checker is one solution.
If you get a chance MLDraper too look at my suggestion
Merete

I agree.. running sfc would be great. I thought he had already done so based on your comment... maybe not.

If you haven't run it, refer to the comment by Merete and give it a shot..

Flubbster: I am not certain I understand what you are saying:  "From what you typed, it does not look like the sndvol32 file is compressed. If that is the case, please copy one of them and place it in your C:\windows\system32 folder."  To me, it looks like I have this file in both the C:i386 and C:\winddows\system32 folder.  Please be more explicit ... remember I am a 74+ year old great-granny and sometimes "just don't get it."  
My computer is a Gateway DX300S, Pentium 4CPU 3.40 GHz 1 GB ram

Flubbster:  How do I run the system file checker?  Is this from Dos?  Please tell me.

Hi MLDraper, I'm impressed dont go over working yourself.
I posted these steps in my prrevious comment I'll repeat it so you dont have to go back.

The first thing I would have done when a problem occures is run the system checker and perform a system restore.

You'll need your xp cd but do this only when you can leave the computer alone for a while.
 (1)
Put your windows xp cd in the rom, wait till it opens the main page of XP setup and then close that.
(2)
click on the start menue then look on the right " RUN"
type in or copy this>>  sfc /scannow  press enter
and now leave your computer alone.

You can refer to this guide
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html

Regards Merete

It's ok... take your time. Follow Merete's instructions and you will be fine. From your previous comment, I don't see where you listed sndvol32 in the c:\windows\system32 folder. That's why I said what I did. If there is one in there... that's fine  :)

I think this has become too long winded,
MLDraper what's your sound card if it's a creative sound blaster you dont use the windows sound recorder but the media Source which has the recording tool.
Please post your sound card specs.

Merete:  I think I mentioned this before but I do NOT have an XP Pro disc. It came loaded with the computer when I purchased it.  Gateway only furnishes a system restore disc that wipes out everything . . . all programs and files.  I certainly do not want to do this.  Can't I just go to run and type in sfc/scannow?  I also asked Flubbster this same question....because if it does work, I really want him to get the 500 points...he certainly is earning it.

Please accept my apologies for this question being so long winded. My sound card is a Sigma Tel High Definition Audio

We'll leave that for now, refer to the guide I provided it shows how to run a system file checker using the 1386 folder on your C\windows  directory if you have no xp cd.
but stick with simple things.

Did you try a system restore?
Did you delete Real Player or uninstall it?
If you deleted it and not uninstalled it is it still in the recycle bin?
Go there and restore it first.
Then go to your add remove programs in control panel look for Real Player and uninstall it properly.
Reboot.
then go to system restore.
Go to start all programs accessories system tools system restore and restore  the system back to a date at the time real player was installed.
It will not put real player back but restore the settings.

Merete

I never did a system restore ... as I don't believe the sound recorder ever worked.  This was the first time I needed to use it.  I deleted Real Player because it was NOT in my Add/Remove Programs in the control panel.  I will now read the 10-page article and run the sfc/scannow.

Merete... I am wondering if her sound files are messed up. From what she has said, when she clicks on the audio and voice tabs in the sounds section, windows reports an error.

I found the oem sigma tel audio driver, but it requires uninstalls first.

If you want to try this, here are the instructions and the links:

It is on this page:
http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/getFile.asp?id=20946&dscr=SigmaTel%20Audio%20Driver%20version:%205.10.5208&uid=193576867

The driver is here:
javascript: validateFileOS('Windows XP', 'Windows XP', 'ftp://esupport:vImvF88@ftp.gateway.com/pub/hardware_support/drivers/win_xp/sound/integrated/9536675.exe',false, true, '');

Before trying to install, read and follow these directions.

Information and Instructions about this download file
=======================

File Description: SigmaTel Audio Driver
Version: 5.10.5208
Operating System: Microsoft(r) Windows(r) XP
Part Number: 9536675
Date: 01/08/2007
=======================


Table of Contents
=======================
Overview
Identification
Installation
Removal             
Troubleshooting
Reason for Update
Applicable Part Numbers
=======================


Overview

This document describes the steps necessary to install the SigmaTel audio driver for the Gateway Big Lake, Cortez, or Putton Bay motherboards.


Identification

To confirm that this is the correct chipset driver for your desktop computer, follow these steps:

If the computer is turned off:

1.  Turn on the computer.  On your keyboard, repeatedly press the F1 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

2.  In the BIOS Setup Utility, on the Main tab, look for the BIOS version line.  The version needs to be
PB94510J.15A.xxxx.xxxx.xxxx.xxxx (where x = variable characters, identifying the version of BIOS currently loaded).  The BIOS prefix PB94510J (Big Lake) is constant and specifically identifies the correct motherboard.

3.  If the BIOS prefix is PB94510J, this is the correct driver for your computer.  Press the F10 key to exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

If the computer is turned on and in Windows:

1.  From the Start menu, click Shut Down.  In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Restart, and then click Yes.

2.  As soon as the computer restarts, on your keyboard, repeatedly press the F1 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

3.  In the BIOS Setup Utility, on the Main tab, look for the BIOS version line.  The version needs to list PB94510J.xxx.xxxx.xxxx.xxxx.xxxx (where x = variable characters, identifying the version of BIOS currently loaded).  The BIOS prefix PB94510J (Big Lake) is constant and specifically identifies the correct motherboard.

4.  If the BIOS prefix is PB94510J, this is the correct driver for your motherboard.  Press the F10 key to exit the BIOS Setup Utility.


Installation

1.  From the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2.  In Control Panel, click the Add or Remove Programs icon.

3.  In the Add or Remove Programs window, click SigmaTel Audio Driver, and then click Remove.

4.  In the SigmaTel Audio Driver Setup dialog box, click Next.

5.  The dialog box prompts Do you want to completely remove the selected applications?  Click OK.

6.  In the SigmaTel Audio Driver Setup dialog box, click Finish.

7.  In the Add or Remove Programs window, click High Definition Audio Package - KB835221, and then click Remove.

8.  In the High Definition Audio Package - KB835221 dialog box, click Next.

9.  The dialog box prompts Do you want to completely remove the selected applications?  Click Yes.

10.  In the High Definition Audio Package - KB835221 dialog box, click Finish.

11.  Download the file to the desktop.

12.  On the desktop, double-click the 9536675.exe file.  The needed files extract to the C:\Cabs\9536675 folder.

13.  From the Start menu, click Run.

14.  In the Run dialog box, type: C:\Cabs\9536675\Setup.exe.  Click OK.

15.  In the License Agreement dialog box, click I accept the terms in this license agreement, and then click Next.

16.  In the Installing SigmaTel Audio Driver & Applications Setup dialog box, click Next.

17.  If this is a fresh installation of Windows, a Restarting Windows dialog box displays.  Click Yes, I want to restart my computer now, and then click OK.  

18.  After the installation is complete, in the Installing SigmaTel Audio Driver & Applications Setup dialog box, click Finish.

I can do what you suggested about the drivers Flubbster.  Right now I am in the process of doing a free XP Repair Scan by liutilities.com which came from the referenced article that Merete sent. I read the article and determined I do not have a C:\Windows\System32\Dllcache.  The only thing I have is a dllhost. - 5 kb - application and dllhst3G-5 kb - application.  

Well, i went into Run- sfc /scannow... a window came up and said Microsoft is checking to see if the files are in their original position.  I was never asked for a disk.  It scanned the computer and that was it...no remarks, no nothing.  

Is this a laptop or desktop?
Is this your computer,
Could you provide the system specs
Compaq I know.
Most systems differ in where files are located, maybe hidden.
in reference to>>I am in the process of doing your 2nd solution.  When I go to Windows\system32 there are two files there:  one is Sndrec  (File type: ex_ file) and the other is Sndrec (File type: application). Which one do I move to the desktop?<< create a shortcut only cut that shortcut to the desktop.
%SystemRoot%\system32\sndrec32.exe is the one you use to create a shortcut to
 it will ask you to put it on your desktop

flubbster dont post such long copy and paste it's just as simple to add the title and the URL, it's too much to go back and read thru what has been done so far.
Re-installing the audio drivers will not fix the windowsxp sndrec32.
Appreciate you trying help though.

Final point
Sound Recorder in Windows XP is limited to 60 seconds of sound If you plan on making a recording longer than that, you'll need a different program. I'd recommend Audacity http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ which is free.
 Audacity is also a sound editor, which could make things even easier

http://www.guidesandtutorials.com/audacity-tutorial.html

All the best
Merete

It is a Gateway Desktop.  6-Bay USTX Mid-Tower case, Intel Pentium 4 Processor 651 (3.40HZ, 800 MHZ, 2MB L2) Systemboard W/Intel 945G 10/100 UBTX--1024 MB 533MHZ P4200 DDR2 SDRAM (2-512MB Modules--160GB 7200 rpm Serial ATA II hard drive w/8MB cache--16X double=layer MULTI-FORMAT DVD writer DVD-R-rw/cd-r/rw  --  9-1 memory card reader with floppy  ==300 watt supply==Gateway 2.0 speakers 56K pci data/FAX/MODEM PS/2 keyboard.  I know this is too much information, but you were not specific. Merete, I didn't realize there was a time limit to your repairs, and if you couldn't fix it you would recommend something else.  I truly believed you were experts.  I am the president of ZiComm Public Relations based in Chicago.  I am the only one that uses this computer.  I may be 74+ put I can build a computer and have extensive knowledge of many problems including Microsoft Office Suite and the Coral, Adobe, Peachtree lines.
You did make one interesting point, the target of the sound recorder under accessories/entertainment shows C:\windows\system32\sndrec32.
Best

I didn't realize there was a time limit to your repairs,<<
no!! no time limits at all, all the experts here are all volunteers.
I just like to keep to things brief if possible.

I dont think you had a problem to start with.
open Sound Recorder by typing sndrec32 at the command prompt
Start> Run>  type in > sndrec32.exe  < press enter
did that fail?
Did your Gateway ship with windows xp pro or windows 2000?
Some systems brand named like DEL HP  dont ship with the windows inbuilt recorder.
May have been omitted in the install. OEM versions.
Besides it doesnt really record at all only a few seconds so I offered an alternative software that does record as much you like.

Did you plug in the microphone check the recording line is activated in the  master vol on the taskbar properties> advanced recording.

Cheers

I am glad that there is no time limit. I guess I prefer working with someone that is more detailed, such as Flubbster, unless he didn't want to take the extended time to work with me (and this I can understand).
"I dont think you had a problem to start with. open Sound Recorder by typing sndrec32 at the command prompt Start> Run>  type in > sndrec32.exe  < press enter did that fail?" This is probably the most obnoxious remark you could make.  Of course, that portion runs now, because Flubbster fixed it.  I had another problem that developed.  There are no urls or short references I can refer to as you prefer, so I guess you would have to read the file...never mind, I'll repeat it again.... "when I go to use the Sndrec...it does not record or play back.  I then went to the Control Panel and check Sounds......For the Audio and Voice portions, it states, "Windows cannot execute Sndrec.exe, go to control panel and install."  I went to the control panel to Add/Remove Programs, then to Add/Remove Window Components, but it wasn't there"  I think this should be another question with another point value of 500.
To be very succinct:  How did you get involved with this problem?  Are you an administrator over Flubbster? If you're not, I prefer working with him...some of your solutions are like the answers from an intern in my company: such as, "1.Use the windows inbuilt help from start Windows help fixing a problem!;" "2. You'll need your xp cd" HOW MANY TIMES DID I SAY I HAVE NO XP PRO CDs"
"3. Is this your computer"  WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?"  "4. Compaq I know." Even after I mentioned several times I had a Gateway, you knew it was a Compac. "5. flubbster dont post such long copy and paste it's just as simple to add the title and the URL, it's too much to go back and read thru what has been done so far." Never criticize a co-worker in public. And, in your case, it becomes laughable.  
Is there a supervisor I can chat with, or let him/her read this file.  
Cheers

Good morning.. will be here off and on...

When you go to control panel>sounds and then click on the various tabs, I know you said that the Audio and Voice tabs report the error you posted. Just wondering... when you close that error, does it stay on the tabs still? In other words, does it close down your sounds settings? If not, is there anything listed in the drop down menus for the various settings under those tabs?

Good Morning...
Ir does stay on the tabs, and the drop-downs show Sigma Tel Audio.
Flubbster -- Since you originally fixed the problem of the snd recorder being on the desktop, shouldn't I pose the problem as a 2nd question?

I, too, will not be on all day..as I now must get out a proposal..I wanted to use the snd recorder in the proposal, but will not do so now.  Let me know your thoughts. I think this evening I will drive the drivers you suggested.

This was a duplicated question. I want to close this one out.