Windows Sound Files

Just installed windows instant messenger..went to options to configure notification criteria - tried to set sound for message - only selections were to windows default sounds so I chose one and exited. Problem is there is no sound associated with IM when it appears. Have never had to fool around with sounds on my computer so this is a new learning experience. Tried to search the web to find sound effects but can't figure out how to get them to attach them to particular processes or applications. Tried microsoft.com but it wasn't much help as for basic information. Any info or referral to a good help file would be great. Thanks...Michelle

 

I don't know IM all that well, but the sounds Windows uses are .wav files. It keeps them under C:\Windows. Examples are Ding.wav, Chord.wav, Chimes.wav. If the sound files you can choose from include those simple Windows sounds, you should be able to make your own custom .wav file using an audio editor (if you want a good one get the free Audacity version). When you have made your .wav file, put in the C:\Windows folder (or search for, and put it in the folder where the IM sounds are located), it should then appear in the selection list.

Matt

 

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As an update tried to configure IM again with sounds but it looks like it is looking for wma files not wav files. All my application sounds seem to be working fine. How do you get wma files for IM? Noticed that there are converters that can convert wma files to wav, etc. If I did this would my computer sounds not work? Hope this helps someone help me. thanks..Michelle