Audacity Forum

This is probably a very stupid question, cause I don't know a lot about this and I've probably missed something obvious here, but I thought I'd ask as I can't seem to figure it out myself.
I recently started using a new computer, and I downloaded Audacity as I was very happy with it when I used my last computer. The problem is kinda hard to explain, but basically it seems like the dropdown menu allowing you to change the input settings for recording is disabled.



This is what the window looks like, and as you can see you can't use the dropdown menu to change it, and I need to change it to Stereo mixer so that I can record the sounds from my computer, if that makes sense.

I'm really sorry if that doesn't make sense at all or if it's a really stupid question, like I said I don't have a lot of experience with this.

Thanks in advance!

Not a stupid question

Use Windows Mixer to select your record input instead of Audacities drop down list.
If your soundcard uses its own mixer instead of the Windows Mixer, then use that to set the recording source. That should work.

(You may also need to check that the selected record and playback devices are correct - "Edit->Preferences->Audio I/O")

Thanks! I tried having a look at it, but without much luck. I asked my friend who has the same OS and who also uses Audacity, and she had the same problem. Everything seems to be correct when you look at the preferences, but there could be a problem with the soundcard control panel itself (after using Windows Vista for two months nothing can surprise me when it comes to errors) so I might go to the tech support at my school next week and see if they can sort it out.

Thanks for the help anyway

I think this is one of the most common questions on this board. Search for "Stero Mix" and look for the Vista issue. There is a fix out there. However, if you have a Lenovo like I do, then look at the post called "Lenovo Bows to RIAA" and feel my pain.