Windows 7: Cannot Record Sound Windows 7

Hey all, I am hoping someone here may have some idea of what I am talking about as this is quite perplexing.

I USED to be able to record sound. I used to have a vista system and was never able to record sound (what I you hear ie streaming sound) so as soon as I got my new windows 7 laptop it was the first thing I checked.

I have selected the SoundMix as my default device, I did that when I first got the laptop and as I said I was able to record the streaming sound, now I cannot however and looking at the recording devices, everything is set to default and as the guide shows.



I used Roemer software free HiQ recorder because it shows the levels when sound can be detected by the software (the left and right levels move up and down showing that sound is being detected) and nothing is showing there at all. The levels don't move. The built in sound recorder doesn't record anything either and the volume level box is completely empty.

I was wondering if there is some other setting or properties that has some how switched off or muted or something? I have been through the RealTek HD Audio panel and tested everything.

I do have sound, I can listen to music so its not like I have no sound entirely. Also I have an inbuilt microphone in the lid of the laptop and it's on. If I tap the mic hole on the lid you can hear it is on and the sound recorders don't record even the sound of my tapping the mic!

Again, I used to be able to record sound and now I cannot!

Please help this is so frustrating. In the living room we have a desktop with the same sound card, RealTek HD Audio on Windows 7 and that records sound as well.

What can I do? Any suggestions?

I had this problem as well. I solved my problem this way

Right click on speaker in System Tray, click on Recording Devices. Do a right click on the window with the recording devices and select "Show Disabled Devices." Select the device that is your streaming audio source, for me it was "Aux Reak Tek AC 97" and select "Enable." Make sure that device is selected in your recording program.

I've done that. That's how I originally got myself to record the streaming audio and when I checked it today to see why I couldn't record sound I could see all disabled devices were showing, my sound mix is the default device.

Again this isn't a simple case of I cannot record sound at all. I used to be able to record sound on this sound card on this laptop, and the process of setting things as default etc that people use to get theirs working isn't the answer for me as its all set up like that already on mine.

Okay, this is really strange. I just tried to record something off the internet and I couldn't get it to work. I worked earlier today. So much for my expert advice.

I just checked the desktop system which I also used to be able to record sound on using Roemer software Easy HiQ recorder, the inbuilt sound recorder AND Audacity and no streaming sound is being recorded by any of the programmes. Again the volume meters don't move to show that they are detecting sound.

This is very odd.

The sound card is RealTek HD Audio in both and both sound cards did allow recording of sound without any kind cables or anything. This is really frustrating and no where am I getting any kind of answer. I am finding that this is question no one has asked yet because when googling, I only get the answer I would have needed had I not set my sound mix as the default device and not displayed all the disabled devices.

Can ANYONE give me any kind of suggestions? I have tried to see if the drivers need updating but they are at their most recent.

Is it possible there has been a windows update which has gone in and stopped the ability to record streaming sound?

Is there anyone on Seven Forums who also have RealTek HD Audio and can record sound on a completely up to date Laptop or Desktop PC?

Okay, got mine working again. Have RealTek AC'97. In "Recording Devices" make sure that "Stereo Mix" is "enabled." In Audacity make sure that "Stereo Mix" is set as the source. Also make sure that "Input Volume" is turned up as well as the volume in your audio player. Best that I can offer without being there.

I have a laptop and checked everything over with no avail. It was pretty frustrating, 'cause I KNOW it should work. Then I tried my backup plan if all else failed. Maybe this will work for others out there. I have a Dell XPS laptop, just as a reference...

First make sure your disabled items (Sound Mixer) is enabled as posted from above... then, take an audio cord with two male stereo (tip ring sleeve) or mono (tip sleeve) (basically two of the same ends that are like your headphone jack) and connect one into the microphone input of your computer and one to the headphone/speaker output. A popup dialog will show asking you what you just plugged in. If no pop up shows, check your audio card settings to enable pop ups when a device is plugged in. You will be prompted for either speaker or headphone... choose either. When you connect the mic end, it will prompt you for MIC, LINE and possibly Rear Speaker out (depends on your system). Choose LINE.

If you check your Sound settings, you will find that a Line In device will have been added to your list (including Stereo Mix and Mic). If you choose the Line In device, you won't be able to hear your audio you're trying to record, so disconnect your cords. What will happen though (at least it did for me) it will get the card off of the Mic input as the default input and put it through the Stereo Mix.

There has to be a mixer (ala XP) for this, but I haven't found it ... yet... if it exists. Seems a bit convoluted for Win 7 to do it this way, but it also could very well be Dell's software setup of the RealTek soundcard. Either way, I hope this will help other experiencing the same problem.