Windows 7 - Realtek HD Audio Manager and Realtek Audio Driver

Help. I recently did a clean install of Windows 7 64bit (on my HP Vista 32 machine). Life is grand! My problems started when I tried to listen to the microphone input through my speakers. The front microphone inputs did not work so I downlaed the Realtek HD Audio Drivers (recently updated) from the realtek site. The inputs now work and I can record from the microphone through the Sound Recorder app in Accessories but can not hear the microphone through the speakers while I am recording. After searching the web I noticed a lot of chatter about setting things up in the Realtek HD Audio Manager. This app does not show up in my control panel. Does anyone know where I can get it (if I really need it). The Realtek site only has the driver download (not the manager). Am I missing something, am I confused, or both?

Welcome to SF!
Realtek HD Control Panel is in the Windows notification area. See image below. I hope I helped!

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Thanks for the quick response. The icon was not on my toolbar nor was the app in my control panel. I reinstalled the driver from realtek and rebooted my system. The icon showed up but I got an error the audio service was not started. So, I rebooted again and now the icon does not show up, but the app is in my control panel and my speakers now play what is input through the mic. Note the icon does appear once I run the app from the control panel. Everything now works. Thanks again.

You're welcome! Is your problem really solved?!...

So far yes. I am recording audoi from the mic and I can hear it and configure things. I will assume it is fixed if it continues to work after the next 5 reboots. But I think I am good. (man is the realtek website confusing). Enjoy your day wherever you are.

I agree with you that the Realtek web site difficult to navigate, not to mention the look outdated ...
About your problem, I ask you to return here when you feel safe and let us know if it is solved or not.

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Problem is solved. Thanks for your help.

I'm glad to hear that! Therefore, I ask that you report this thread as solved. How? Just click on the triangle that is on the top right of this post and report.
Any other problems or questions, please feel free to return to SF!

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