Windows Vista SP1 offer new glitches on the side
Users testing out the new service pack 1 for Vista are reporting issues when using Windows Update for the latest sound drivers, experiencing problems with no audio after the update. This issue mainly seems to affect users with Sigmatel or now known as IDT high def sounds, which are used quite a bit on Dell’s PCs (mine included).
The problem seems quite permanent for some; even after the updated audio driver was uninstalled or a system roll back was performed the no audio issue still persisted. Few were successful in getting their audio to work using the mentioned technique, however neither Microsoft nor IDT have yet to provide a clear solution to the problem.
According to ChannelWeb, a spokesperson from Dell Computer has indicated they are looking into the issue, as users have started discussing the issue on Dell’s forum. Dell customer forum’s Digital Life Liaison ‘Chris B.’ warned users to stay clear of this driver if they see it in their Windows Update.
Many users vented their frustration in the Microsoft’s Discussion Groups, questioning Microsoft’s competency by allowing updates to be made available to the public without actually testing them.
For those with dual boot machines like me it’s not too much of a problem, however it does add to the list of things that would make you think twice when deciding if they should boot into Vista at the dual boot menu. I find myself booting into Vista less and less as time goes by. I would have thought it would be the opposite, but when there are certain issues hampering the overall experience of using the operating system such as ‘no sound,’ it becomes more of a hassle to use Vista then XP. Its not all gloom for Vista, considering its only the first service pack, we can always hope for better service packs in the future that addresses all of our needs, we can always dream can’t we?
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May 6th, 2008
I solved this problem by installing a fresh copy of the old driver, i.e. the latest Sigmatel one available for download on the Dell support website.
May 8th, 2008
I did the same as Thomas and it woks fine again.
May 8th, 2008
I have a Dell Laptop with Vista running on it, and I found out that updating the Bios for the computer will make the sound and the Network if I remember right return to the toolbar notification area.
May 8th, 2008
On installing the IDT driver same here. Went and
found Sigmal tel on dell’s drivers site and picked
up one for XPS 720. Thought I put that one in,but just checked in device manager and found
A gen’ic MIRCROSOFT ONE INSTALLED. This happened after I put in SP 1 In. I have a XPS
410 1.80 GHz. You think that I swear I put Old
driver in. But I do have SOUND!
May 8th, 2008
I got the problem 2 days before I got SP1 was downloaded and I was hoping SP1 would clear it up but did not. I also downloaded the old drivvers from Dell and all is well. Problem must be related to pre SP1 update.
May 8th, 2008
I got the problem 2 days before SP1 was downloaded and I was hoping SP1 would clear it up but did not. I also downloaded the old drivers from Dell and all is well. Problem must be related to pre SP1 update.
May 8th, 2008
i have a gateway computer and installed the update which did cause the lose of sound . and they only way to restore the sound was to download the sigmatel drivers from gateway support website. as stated in this artical trying to unstalling the update or rolling back the drivers will not fix the problem. stay clear of this update.
May 9th, 2008
I found out some time ago NOT to download hardware drivers from Windows update. They are more or less generic and may not work. I get my drivers from the manufacturers swebsite. I my Case either HP or Nvidia. Not Microsoft.
May 12th, 2008
I’ve known about the sound driver problem for quite some time related to Vista SP1 and the Sigmatel card. I did try the IDT driver and lost sound completely so went back to the original driver on the Dell web site which fixed it but still left me with the incompatible driver for SP1 so therefore it wasn’t being offered to me. Widh lots of experimenting with many different drivers somehow, whish I could explein how, I ended up with a later driver that actually worked and a short time later I was offered SP1 and all is working fine now. Sorry, I don’t have the driver version handy as I am on one of my XP machines at the moment. I will look it up later this evening though after I get home and post it here for everyone. By the way, it doesn’t show up as a Sigmatel HD entry anymore it only High Def Codec but it works great. I’ll be back soon.
November 3rd, 2008
So, the best thing is to uninstall SP1 from Vista, reinstall the MS audio drivers that come with Vista, apply the SP1 upgrade, and then reinstall the Sigmatel drivers that apply to your hw/sw?
I have a XPS 720, with Vista 32, and my SPDIF output is a mess after all this SP1 / SIgmatel mumble-jumble. Tried inumerous drivers from Dell, IDT, Intel, you name it. NOTHING worked.
At the moment, I have a PC with Vista 32 SP1 and some Dell driver for the Sigmatel onboard audio device. Problem: SPDIF output is all lost!