Adding TTS quality voices to Windows 7?!

[unko]

Hello, i tried adding quality voices to my Windows using free SAPI5 files i found on the web; the install succeed, i see the files in the TTS selection windows, however when i select them, i get an error message saying i cannot use. Dunno why, it's not told! I installed the engine though.. I'm looking for alternative to the usual Microsoft low quality voices. I'd consider paid voices eventually. All recommendations welcomed!

 

[Callender]

Where did you get these free SAPI5 voices? I've only ever found two free ones that were any good. Post links if possible.

If you run this command you should see a list of voices:

C:\\Windows\sysWOW64\speech\SpeechUX\SAPI.cpl

​

It should open this window where you can preview voices and select them.

​

Also you might be interested in Balabolka free.

EDIT:

You would need to have installed SAPI5 engine first before installing voices:

http://dimiodati.altervista.org/zip/SAPI51.html

Forget SAPI5 engine. It should already be included in Windows 7.

 

[XLR8TX]

Should we use the command you posted or the one in the screen grab?

C:\\ or C:\>

If you run this command you should see a list of voices:

C:\\Windows\sysWOW64\speech\SpeechUX\SAPI.cpl

View attachment 397785​

It should open this window where you can preview voices and select them.

View attachment 397786​

 

[Callender]

In command prompt you just need to change directory as shown to run the command.

C:\\Windows\sysWOW64\speech\SpeechUX\SAPI.cpl

C:\Windows\sysWOW64\speech\SpeechUX\SAPI.cpl

EDIT: Some clarification. In command prompt window enter cd C:/ then press Enter.

Then type or copy and paste:

Windows\sysWOW64\speech\SpeechUX\SAPI.cpl then press Enter.

In the Start> Run dialog box either command works for me.

​

 

[unko]

Just typed free SAPI5 on google.. Free Text to Speech Natural Voices | Text To Speech Software with Free Natural Voices - Zero2000.com

 

[Callender]

Took a look at that site. For some reason it's blocked in my hosts file:

​

Anyway if you tried downloading MS Mike, Mary and Sam they are for earlier versions of windows - not windows 7.