Windows 7 Sound problem/sound crackling issue [HELP]

[HEJSURT]

Hi there, I recently upgraded my computer from a 32bit version of XP to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. Now, the install went fine and eveything seemed to work as it should. But when I turned my speakers on I had no sound. So I went to sound specifications and checked if the system had chosen the right sound source, but it didnt show any sound sources. All it said was: "No sound device detected". So I started to look for solutions on the internet and found my manufacturers site (Creative). And so I looked up my sound card (atleast thats what I think I did, my sound card is a Creative Soundblaster X-Fi) and downloaded the drivers for it.

Now after this I downloaded and installed a couple of Windows Updates and then rebooted my computer, in hope that I would have sound. The result was neither good or bad. I had sound but it was crackling and bugging and every single time sounds were played it messed it up into some 8-bit shit, I dunno. All I know is that there's something wrong, but I don't know for sure what it is.

I've been reading on various forums and sites about this and I found out that alot of people have this issue with Windows 7. I have also tried all kinds of drivers such as the Realtek HD driver or whatever its called and I've also installed the latest drivers for my soundcard on the system. Now before I updated my PC, the sound was perfectly fine, that was in XP of course.

Now I would be really happy if someone could help me with this, since I'm getting nowhere with my endless search on the internet.


Cheers

[HEJSURT]

Someone help?  :redface:

[DellStorm]

Hi HEJSURT,

Never Fear DellStorm Isn't Here!

I have had this same issue! (As long as the X-Fi sound card you are talking about is External) then the same fix will work! If not, then I hopefully will be able to solve that too!

I have noticed with my EXTERNAL X-Fi Sound Card, that when the 3D switch on the side was turned ON I had the same result as you, horrible noises and even the card failing to recognise! turning the switch off, so I did not get the 3D sound type effect actually fixed a lot of my problems. But this only applies to External Sound Cards.

First off 32bit vs 64bit!

Drivers, Drivers, Drivers, These horrible little critters cause more problems than they solve, and in the case of the 32 bit to 64 bit, all the drivers have to be CHANGED so that they can communicate with the operating system which is now a 64bit operating system!

The good side is you can have more Ram and slightly faster run times. The bad side is that drivers from 32bit versions were not carefully tested when they just *Made Them* 64bit compatible. This means there may be issues with the drivers (I'm talking as if your card is pre 2007) After 2007 / The Vista pandemic these drivers issues were solved. So Why am I ranting on about drivers?

Drivers are what they are, literally a robot sits in the Sound card seat and drives on the motherboard road. If they are really bad drivers!! They deliver Really bad results!

Make sure you have BOTH, the newest 64bit drivers for your Sound Card and for your Motherboard!.


Windows drivers often get replaced because manufacturers find flaws built in to them, Happens all the time!   

The third thing I will suggest (if its possible!) is that you try your speakers / earphones in a different 3.5mm Jack at the back, Say for instance the Rear (I think it is black on the 5.1 Enabled sound cards) Or the Earphones 3.5mm Jack port, If again, it is the external. This sometimes helps by changing the channel that the sound is coming through!

Last But Not Least, Its The Bypass Plan

Sorry To Say, that if you tried all my suggestions and any suggestions that others may post about sound card issues, it may be worth thinking about either reverting back to 32bit If You Can! Or replacing the sound card (Ebay Works Wonders) And replacing it with a newer version of the card.

At Least one of these methods I have mentioned is guarenteed to work! Lets hope the best one works for you.

Good Luck & Happy Gaming,

Regards,

DellStorm

[HEJSURT]

Thanks DellStorm, I'll give it a try and come back with an update 

[james_martini]

I had the same issue! But mine I thing was lag or something... I'm not sure, as long as I stay out of SF I am all good lol..... But as soon as I hit that bridge to go to SF I get sound issues:P

[HEJSURT]

Thanks for the advice DellStorm! I tried it all but at the end of the day I had to buy a new card Problem solved!