Audacity: Recording directly from laptop

[Raith]

I just downloaded the latest version of Audacity, and I am running Windows 7. I want to be able to record sound directly out of the computer, not the external. There's a catch, I have a built-in, internal mic, if I disable the mic, I cannot record as it is my recording device. Anyone have a tutorial on how to go about this? I cannot find it in Google, or someone offer advice? Thanks.

 

[noyb]

Control Panel .. Sound >> Recording Options >> Show Disabled devices .. Enable Stereo Mix.

Audacity >> Edit >> Preferences >> Set Stereo mix as input ..

Some of this may depend on your Sound device and drivers .

 

[Raith]

Thanks for the help but I don't have anything that does "enable stereo mix." I have provided screenshots so you're able to help. My microphone is internal, no way to shut it out. When I am recording, it seems as though I am recording FROM the mic itself.

 

[noyb]

Right Click as shown ... and see if you can enable Hidden devices .. that should show Stereo mix.

You might want to check for a sound driver update.

 

[Raith]

Hi, thanks. I am not a novice but still cannot figure it out. I have set everything to shown already as shown in screenshot:

I downloaded the sound drivers already, updated it. This is all that's available to me at the moment:
Sony eSupport - VGN-CS110E - Software Updates & Drivers

 

[noyb]

Last I heard .. (in Vista) .. M$ has removed the sound mapper.
So far, I've been lucky, But I've heard that many can not setup their audio to record what the computer is playing.
They have to Wire Around .. the Line Out > back to Line In .. The adapter is attached.
But, I'm confused .. You don't even show a "Line In" as a recording source.

Is this a Laptop ???

Which version of Audacity did you get ???

 

[Raith]

Yes sir, this is a laptop. The version I got is:

Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista: Audacity 1.2.6 installer (.exe file, 2.1 MB) - The latest version of the free Audacity audio editor. Audacity: Windows

My other computer, which is an XP (desktoP), using another version of Audacity works fine, I am not sure what I can do with this. I mean, all it's doing right now, when I record using Audacity is recording from the mic, I can record internally because it's playing through the speaking, HOWEVER, I am recording the external stuff as well. I know about the wire, that's one resort I do not want to go to since my needs are just basically recording some kind of internal audio, it's fine though. I'll just sit in a quiet place and record what I need internally when it comes down to that.

Thanks again.

 

[f4juk]

Thanks for the guide noyb. I upgraded this week had the same problem yesterday.

Your solution worked perfectly!

Many thanks.