Beep and other Windows sounds no longer work

Eric3742 · 02 Jan 2017

Hi coffent

Callender is right.

Do refer to his post.

Also attachment on mine, below picture.

Callender said:

Worth a check:

Right click 'Computer' in Windows Explorer. In the context menu of Computer, select Manage. Computer Management window, select Device Manager. Click on the View menu and select Show hidden devices. A new group will then appear in the device list - "Non-Plug and Play Drivers".

Expand "Non-Plug and Play Drivers" and find the item named Beep.

Right click and choose "Properties" and check that startup type is not set to disabled.

Other than that look for exclamation marks against any other sound device or driver.

Callender
You are right, as just checked mine which mentioned "System"
There is an option on Disable.

Refer to picture:

coffent · 03 Jan 2017

I'm happy to say the problem is fixed. I restored a C: drive image file that I made (using Macrium Reflect) on Dec. 8, and Windows sounds (e.g. Beep) now work as they used to. I'm almost certain that it was a Windows 7 update that I installed between then and about Dec. 20 that screwed things up. I won't know for sure until I reinstall the updates one by one and see if the problem reoccurs.

Thanks everyone for your help!

[P.S. To respond to Eric3742's query, yes by "Windows Restore" I did mean "System Restore Point". I've had occasion to do a system restore several times in the past, and find that sometimes they work, but often times they fail with the only explanation being "unknown error", so I don't rely on them. But that's another story...]

coffent · 03 Jan 2017

My guess was wrong. I've now installed all the Windows 7 updates and Windows sounds continue to work. I guess I'll never know what caused the problem, but at any rate it's fixed.

Layback Bear · 04 Jan 2017

Go back and look at all your audio settings and make a note of what they are. This may help down the road.
Create a new backup and Restore point for a little insurance.

Jack