sound card failure

I think you think correctly. The Modem is also using audio.

This may be just a WILD guess but I would bet on the fact that the MODEM is causing the problem.

As to what to do it is tough. If you pull the Modem and get the sound to work You may not get the Modem to work again.

Is the Audio built into the MB or is it a plug in card ?

I am also willing to bet the the Modem is using an IRQ that the sound may need and it WILL NOT SHARE it ( int Modems won't share an IRQ )

My Idea is that both sound and Modem would work fine if an External Modem was purchased and installed and the Internal one was to find the nearest trash can.

BillyBob

 

Billy Bob, If you are right, surely I would have no sound at all? but I can get sound if I download the correct driver from windows online. I then have sound and internet access for as long as I keep my computer switched on. aberhosan

 

What I based my thoughts on was the fact that ( to the best I can understand ) all was well until the PC was in the shop for a Modem change.

In looking back I also see a problem with the cursor not moving.

This also indicates a possible IRQ conflict.

Again, If all was well before the Modem change what else would one think other than Modem ?

What type of Mouse do you have. Serial, PS2 or USB ?

If it happens to be Serial then it deffintely points to the fact that the Modem is ( or may be trying to ) use COM1 or 2 or IRQ 3 or 4.

A PS2 Mouse should not be bothered. As it should be using IRQ 12. And a USB should not be bothered.

So my thinking is that by putting all of the pieces ( problems ) together it points to an IRQ conflict which I firmly believe is being caused by the Modem.

Yes. I could be wrong. But that is the way I see it right now. There is no way to say for 100% sure what problems an IRQ conflict can cause. It is evne possible that a conflict will force other things to TRY to change to a place where they won't work right either. That is why in this type of a problem we need to look at it from all possible angles.

Microsoft Windows is too dam full of surprises to do otherwise.

Also If the BIOS is set to YES for P-N-P OS installed it may cause things to change when the machine is shutdown and restarted. Normally things work better with it set to NO for P-N-P OS. this lets the BIOS set things up so that they * usually * stay put.

BillyBob

 

Billybob, my mouse is usb. Everything was working long after the new modem was installed. I fear that while I have been expanding my knowledge ( playing around) with my computer, I may have messed it up. My knowledge of the BIOS is nil, how do I reset the P-N-S OS

 

HUH OH !!!! Does that ever sound familiar. I just spent two days cleaning up my own mess up. WRONG Video drivers. An Nvidia Card don't like ATI drivers. Darn good thing I got the safe mode to help bail my butt out. The part I can't figure out is why the ATI drivers were even excepted in the first place. I actually had to put in a different card entirely to get the MESS cleared up. Oh Well that is my problem.

As to the BIOS. It depends on your machine how you get to it. Most machines it is just a case of hitting the Delete ( or some other key ) key while the message is on the screen.

But when looknig at the BIOS and its various areas if in doubt DON'T make changes. But in one of the sections there should be a setting for P-N-P OS. ( mine is right at the top )

If this is set to YES, the BIOS sets things one way and then Windows may change things when it boots. Thereby maybe causing all sorts of problems.

As to the USB Mouse. There may also be setting in the BIOS to asign an IRQ to USB. Mine is set NO. I found setting that to YES caused problems.

Again there are so many things involved here that is pretty much a trial and error deal to fine the actual cause. ( A PITA trial and error too )

BillyBob

 

Thanks Billybob, I 'll play around and see what happens, thanks for all your help. aberhosan out.

 

Do you have a PS2 mouse that you could switch to, so that you are able to function in safe mode?

Daizy

 

Very good point Daizy

Or a Serial port Mouse. Either will work in safe Mode.

As I found out a USB Mouse will not work in safe Mode.

That is why I used my main USB/PS2 mouse as a PS2.

The other is a USB which does not get used other then Windows anyway.

BillyBob