Lots of static when I record

[cp_gr]

I have AUDACITY 1.2.4 and WINDOWS XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pak 2

When I have an audio source playing into my computer's LINE IN, (audio source from a stereo receiver's output used for tape deck inputs) this audio plays on my computer speakers immediately. I do not have the audacity software running at this time. The audio plays clean.

When I turn on audacity and go to EDIT and PREFERENCES and Audio I/O tab, I have to select Recording Device Realtek AC97 Audio in order to record anything from Line In. The Playback Device is already set to Realtek AC97 Audio.

When I record, the sound is very loud and distorted and it PULSES (MONITOR INPUT is selected). Then the sound dies off. I can playback the same file and it is exactly as it sounded while recording (distorted and pulsing).
Also, if I record with no audio being played into LINE IN, I atill get some pulsing static.

When I don't record with Audacity, the sound plays cleanly through the speakers from the same audio source .

PLEASE HELP!

Thanks.

[steve]

If you look in the Realtek Mixer settings (see the loudspeaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen near the clock) there are separate settings for "Line in" Play level and "Line in" Record level. The "Play level" is obviously OK, but the Record level is too high so you need to turn it down.

Also Audacity 1.2.4 is ancient - you should upgrade to Audacity 1.2.6.