Realtek audio crash

I have a relatively new computer with Windows 7 Pro 64 bit installed, along with RealTek Audio. For some reason, I get a little red x over the speaker icon, which I then click, which brings up the wizard that fixes the issue, at least until it occurs again, which it does frequently, even though my audio does work when there is no red x. The problem it corrects is this:

Playing Audio Publisher details

Issues found
One or more audio service isn't runningOne or more audio service isn't running
Both the Windows Audio and the Windows Audio End Point Builder services must be running for audio to work correctly. Atleast one of these services isn't running. Fixed
Start required audio services Completed

Any ideas on what's going on here? I thought my Logetek 9000 webcam was the issues, but when I uninstalled it, no change. One odd observation: when I play Solitaire and shut down the little program, this problem almost always happens. Strange huh?

For some reason it seems that these audio services are becoming routinely disabled when not in use.

To reenable them right-click on your taskbar and select Start Task Manager. In the box that pops up (you may have to allow it to run if you have User Account Control enabled) click on the Services tab, and then in the bottom right corner there is a button also titled Services.

In the new window which appears (again you may have to allow if UAC pops up) scroll down to pretty much the bottom of the list and, in alphabetical order, you should find Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.

Right-click on Windows Audio and select Properties. In the box that appears around the middle you will see Startup Type, which will be a dropdown menu. If it says anything other than Automatic then select, you guessed it, Automatic.
Click Apply, then OK.

Repeat the same steps for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and hopefully this should solve your problem! :)


If you have any problems, or if the services already have their startup type set to Automatic, let us know.

I actually already had done what you suggested. Automatic is selected on both services, and at all three levels. One of the two services, HD Audio or End Point Service apparently stops when it wants to and does not reset until I run the task manager. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling drivers with the most current versions: I've tried uninstalling my Logitek Webcam 9000. I'm at my wits end. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!