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Question

How can I restore sound after electrical outage?

Dec 22, 2013 11:10PM PST

Twice yesterday our electricity went off while the computer was on. Now I get no sound from the speakers. Audio data does come in, since I see the graphics when I play internet radio, and in Audacity if I record it. Speakers are enabled. I use Windows 7.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Are these powered speakers?
Dec 23, 2013 10:56PM PST

If so, you connect them to some other source to rule out a problem with them. Some are fused and some fuses are hidden. You could also try headphones if you have a set. I'd think you've already ruled out such as the speakers being muted.

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I determined the speakers are okay.
Dec 23, 2013 11:05PM PST

Thanks.

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You could try "system restore" and put your PC's
Dec 24, 2013 2:35AM PST

configuration back to a time before the power outages. This should help determine whether to look at hardware or software. You also mentioned something "special" having been installed when you bought it. Details of what that special thing is might help. Third party applications that take over Windows functions can do funny things. You could also try safe mode to see if audio works that way.

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Answer
Re: no audio
Dec 22, 2013 11:33PM PST

If all settings are correct, I'd go looking for another audio card. The ones you put in a USB-port are less than 10 USD.

Kees

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What settings might be incorrect?
Dec 22, 2013 11:45PM PST

Considering audio registers graphically, what settings should I look for?

Is it usual for a power outage to destroy the audio card? How do I know it's no good? The computer and card are new last spring. This isn't the first outage and this didn't happen before.

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It used to be the Modem Card that failed in an outage
Dec 23, 2013 11:57AM PST

but with the absence, in most machine, of a modem card, something else has to give.

Consider, and be thankful, that the Audio Card may have given its life to save the rest of your computer, just like the modem cards used to do

P

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How can I check the status of my audio card?
Dec 23, 2013 11:02PM PST

I 'm supposed to be able to check the status of the audio card, but I couldn't figure out how. Something special was installed when I bought the computer because I work with audio.