Stereo Mix not Showing up Under Recording Devices--Windows 7

[DarthMarth]

Most of the help there only goes as far as showing disabled devices, then having Stereo Mix show up and be selectable, which doesn't work for me. I think I need different drivers. How do I check the manufacturer of my motherboard so I know where to look for better drivers?

[kozikowski]

<<<How do I check the manufacturer of my motherboard so I know where to look for better drivers?>>>

You can usually Google the maker of the computer. Many computers now use "Fast Boot" option which bypasses all the hardware setup and memory tests when you turn the computer on. That's a shame because in this case, that's where you want to be to find the information.

Google the maker of the computer and find out how to get into CMOS or BIOS Setup. Older computers would go there if you held the DEL key during boot or sometimes F1. Once you're in CMOS or BIOS Setup, you should be able to find out all sorts of interesting and unimportant things, and sometimes, it will give you enough information about the motherboard to go on.

Koz

[steve]

I did check for updates via device manager and it says my sound drivers are up to date. (Of course, I don't really trust the device manager to keep drivers updated) Have others with Windows has this problem? (If it is an operating system problem)

Yes, we've seen quite a lot of Windows 7 users that have non-functional or only partly functional sound cards. The situation does not seem to be as bad as when Vista was first released but yet again the hardware manufacturers are having to rewrite drivers for Windows compatibility. Makes you think that Microsoft may have some vested interest in you buying new Windows 7 certified hardware doesn't it

How do I check the manufacturer of my motherboard so I know where to look for better drivers?

If it's a full-size computer, take the side of the case off and look at the big circuit board (disconnect the computer from the mains first). The manufacturer and model number is usually printed onto the board. If you're not good with electrickery stuff, try not to disturb anything inside the case (look but don't touch).

[hadley2424]

You need to update the driver for your sound card manually, Windows Update doesn't always do it, and you can't rely on "update driver" in the device manager. If you have a Realtek device which most do, the link is below. Go to the site, click "I Accept", give it a sec and the "next" button will become available. Click on it and look for your OS on the next screen and click the appropriate "GO" button to get the driver, and install it. It will take awhile. Once it's installed, make sure the "show disabled devices" is checked in your recording devices, and enable the stereo mix. You should be all set (if you have a Realtek sound card). I just tried that on my Gateway MT6458 laptop and it didn't work, I'll work on that and let you know if I fix it. This did work on my desktop though when I had the same problem.

Realtek driver page:
http://www.realtek.com/downloads/downlo ... Down=false

Bob