No sound - Xp with Media Center

My sound completely stopped working on my XPS400 with Windows Xp Media Center software. My sound card is a Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme Music 5.1. When I go to Sound & Audio Devices, I get the message "No Audio Device" I tried to reinstall my Soundblaster software from the SB disk. Everything installed until it tried to install the Audio. I think the file that I need is "CTAC32K.sys. I found that file on the internet but when I tried to install it, it tried to load but stopped loading prior to completion. Any ideas on this problem?

If not, I'm ready to do a new install. I have multiple computer problems. My real problem is that I have lost the 25 digit I.D. code needed to install the Windows software. Is there any way to retrieve that code from somewhere in my computer or from Dell? Or is my only option to buy new Windows software?

Any help will be appreciated!

 

Steve,

Thanks for the help. The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder was just what I needed.

TeateeBob

 

Steve,

I ran the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder and found my key. But when I try to do my new install, it isn't recognized. I am trying to use the operating system reinstallation DVD that came with my system. (Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Update Rollup 2) I want to do a complete new install, if possible. I have tried doing the "repair "as well as the "new install" option and the key will not work with either application.


The reinstallation DVD is marked "Already installed On Your Computer" Am I using the correct disk to match up with the key number that was found? It is the only disk that I received with the computer.

Any ideas as to what I might be doing wrong?

What do I need to do to use this Reinstallation DVD?

 

I have backed up all of my important info. But when I run my Reinstallation DVD provided with the computer, the "Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP screen appears and I select "New Installation ". Then, after accepting the MS agreement, I then must enter the product key. When I enter the key obtained with the Magical Jelly Bean, I get the message "The product I.D. which you entered is invalid. Please try again ". Therefore, I never get to a point where I can select "Delect Partition ".

Has anyone had to reinstall their computer using the Reinstallation Disk that came with their computer? If so, during the installation, did your computer recognize the key (I.D.)? Maybe the reinstall disk that I received is defective. They had sent me two of them and neither one will recognize my key.

Thanks for any help or advise!

TeoteeBob