Volume Mixer Resets to 0

[jalea148]

Volume Mixer Resets to 0; will not allow any adjustment. This problem started a few days ago after a Windows update. Then the System Restore was run to prior the Win update. Only helped for a few minutes.

Dell Precision M6300 [64 bit]; Win 7 SP1 Pro Ultimate

Have tried the following:
Set Control Panel > Hdw & Sound > Sound > Communications > Do Nothing
Ran System Restore
After System Restore failed, I installed Windows Codec 4.1.0 4.1.0 [didn’t help].

This problem started a few days ago after a Windows update. Then the System Restore was run to prior the Win update. Volume Mixer Resets to 0; will not allow any adjustment.

Often, if not in focus cannot bring some applications back into focus directly [1st need to minimize other applications or close it with Win Task Manager].

Happens when only running Chrome; also with other programs.
Runs OK for a few minutes after restarting Windows

Device Manager reports all Ok; all drivers up to date including High Definition Audio Device.

 

[fireberd]

This is a relatively old laptop, but fortunately Dell does have Vista 64 bit drivers which are also applicable to Windows 7.

First thing, if you only have "High Definition Audio Device" that indicates that it is only the generic, basic function Windows installed driver and not the actual driver for the hardware. Dell lists Sigmatel (now called IDT) as the actual sound driver. Suggest you install the SigmaTel as a first step.

Product Support | Dell US

 

[jalea148]

volume resets to 0

I was unable to install Sigmatel or IDT. Error in each case said object not found. Good suggestion; thanks.

 

[fireberd]

Did you follow the specific Dell installation instructions? If not followed the install can fail.

I used to do a lot of support on the Dell community (forums) and in most cases the Dell sound drivers are needed either for sound or for sound to work properly.

In most cases Windows 7 will install the motherboard chipset drivers, but in this case it may be a good idea to first install the motherboard chipset drivers and then the sound. One of the things the chipset drivers do is identify all the devices on the motherboard and if the sound chip has not been identified the sound drivers will not install.

The Intel Mobile Chipset driver is the one you want, from the original Dell link I provided. Be sure to select Vista 64 bit drivers as the site defaults to Windows XP drivers, which can be incompatible.