High speed clicks afterrecording new tacks

[WhiteFox]

I am a fairly new user of Audacity. Overall I love it, but have run into a problem lately.
My OS is XP, I am running version 1.2.4

When I record a new track, or start any kind of a project, and play back what has just been recorded, there is a background of very high speed clicks. Its probably a setting that I have accidentally set, but how do i get rid of it? its ruining my projects. This only started in the past few weeks.

And yesI did read through the posts on click removal, but they did not seem to address my problem.

Thanks

[steve]

You've not given many clues there.

What's your machine?
What are you recording?
Why are you using an obsolete version of Audacity?
.....

My guess - you're recording from a ION USB turntable and the USB interface is unstable.
Put "ion usb" in the search box at the top of this page for dozens of discussions and suggestions about this.

If this isn't the problem, have a look in the Audacity wiki (link at top of page) for a wealth of useful tips and information.

(also, update Audacity to either 1.2.6 or 1.3.5 )
http://audacityteam.org/download/

[WhiteFox]

Thats my second question. To update, do I need to remove the current version of Audacity befor installing the new version, or can I just install the newer version OVER the old version?

Like I said, I am new at this.

[WhiteFox]

What's your machine? Hp desktop with 2 gig ram running XP SP2 processor speed 3.2 (HT)

I am using: Either one of two different USB connected mic's (Microsoft Lifecam 3000 or a Logitec boom mic.)
What are you recording? I am trying to record origional music compositions.
Why are you using an obsolete version of Audacity? This happends to be the version thats on my computer at this time, and I am unsure how to upgrade.

[steve]

To save future confusion, uninstall Audacity 1.2.4 first.
You can probably uninstall from "Add Remove Programs" in the Windows Control Panel"
If not, then look in the Audacity folder (in the "Programs Files" directory) and there should be an "uninstall" file.
If there is no uninstall file, just delete the Audacity folder and all its contents.

To eliminate the possibility of the problem being due to your USB hardware, can you try recording from something else - such as a conventional microphone.

Also, check to see if your hard drive needs defragmenting, and close down any other programs that are running.

[WhiteFox]

Thanks, i will give those suggections a try.