What is wrong with the system sounds on my laptop?

Asked by DominicX (28808

) August 16th, 2011

I know that questions like this usually become orphans, but here goes:

I have a Sony VAIO CA computer. The system sounds are messed up. Yes, I can hear them. Yes, it is the right sound that plays, such as the “click” sound when you click on a folder or the “ding” sound when a dialog box opens up asking if you want to “save changes” or something. But what happens is that the sounds are often muffled and shortly after that I hear a “pop” sound in my headphones. It happens with the speakers as well.

No other sound seems to be messed up. Listening to music is fine, playing videos online is fine, etc. It’s just the system sounds. What is going on?

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6 Answers

The volume controls have a mixer, and yours may be set up wonky. RIght-click your volume control in the taskbar and see if you didn’t turn down only the system sounds.

jerv (31076

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You may have selected a theme that specifies specific sound (.wav) files which have have since been deleted. Use the control panel to check that out.

Dr_Lawrence (20014

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@jerv System sounds are at the same volume as everything else on the mixer :(

@Dr_Lawrence All the files are there; I’m still hearing them, they’re just quiet. It’s…bizarre…

DominicX (28808

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Try: control panel>hardware and sound>adjust system volume. Make sure the sound is not muted or lowered. In manage audio devices, you can test out different Windows sounds to see if they’re working properly.

Check out these tips as well.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Tips-for-fixing-common-sound-problems

AshlynM (10684

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Well guys, thanks for all the help. As of today, the problem is still unsolved, though I tried everything you guys said. This computer is making me so ridiculously angry (I didn’t mention that the graphics card has caused it to crash several times) that I am probably going to be selling it and buying something else. Too late to return it, I’m afraid it. :(

DominicX (28808

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So, I don’t know if anyone is still following this, but I discovered the source of the problem, however, no solution:

The problem is caused by the AC power adapter. While running on battery, this sound issue does not occur.

I see no solution in sight, though it’s possible I can find an alternate adapter. I am guessing it’s caused by the fact that the adapter is ungrounded.

DominicX (28808

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