Solved IDT High Definition Audio CODEC being used by another application

[acrym]

Several times a day, this Audio driver says it's "being used by another application" when I go to Control Panel -> Sound and click "Test". While this is happening I have no sound. I have to Disable and Re-Enable it to get sound. This happens whenever no programs are using sound for a few seconds. As you can imagine this is very annoying.

I have already tried uninstalling the device and letting windows re-install it. I've already tried un-checking the "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" box. What more can I do?

 

[fireberd]

Check to see what is still running (maybe a program in the Notification Area on the lower right) or what application you just used, that also uses sound. An application may not be releasing the sound properly.

What model Dell? e.g. Inspiron 580.

 

[acrym]

No icons in the right corner that use sound... it's happened with Firefox and Chrome separate occasions so I don't think it's the browser...

Viewing the "Volume Mixer" when it's happened shows "Speakers/Headphones", "Firefox" and "System Sounds" panels that are using sound.

I don't know the Dell model, just that it's a Latitude E6420

 

[UsernameIssues]

Visit Dell's support website
Support | Dell US

Select Product Support.

Enter your service tag (or install the tool that finds it for you).

Download the latest file that they offer for Audio.

Uninstall IDT Audio via Programs and Features.

Restart the computer.

Install the software that you downloaded from Dell.

 

[acrym]

Well it's been 2 days after doing the above instructions and my sound hasn't stopped. Whew! Thank you!