Filetonic / I don’t have sound on my computer. I think I deleted a file. Can you help?

I don’t have sound on my computer. I think I deleted a file. Can you help?

Celeste Stewart The problem with manually cleaning up a computer is that sometimes we delete files our computer actually needs. You have a few choices to restore your sound file.

The Recycle Bin

If you recently went a little crazy deleting files, you may be able to find them in the Recycle Bin where, if found, you can restore them. Since you’re not sure exactly what file is missing, this could be an exercise in futility. However, if you know the approximate date when you deleted files, you can change the view and sort the deleted file by date. For example, if you deleted a bunch of files on October 10^th, go into Recycle Bin, click of View, and choose Details. Now, click on the Date field. This will rearrange the deleted files by date.

Look for clues such as File Type and File Location. If you find a file that appears to be a system file such as a DLL file that was deleted on the date when you deleted files and your sound stopped working, restore it right-clicking it and choosing Restore.

System Restore

System Restore is useful utility for restoring system settings to a previous state and may work in this case providing that you have a restore point from before the deletion. Go to Start> Programs> Accessories> System Tools> System Restore and select a restore point (if any) from before the deletion. This option does not cause data loss nor does it affect your program files. It only restores system settings such as device drivers and other system settings.

Data Recovery Software

Data recovery software is useful for recovering deleted files - even those that were accidentally deleted and emptied from the Recycle Bin. Like using the Recycle Bin, you’ll need to do a bit of detective work to determine which file to undelete.

Finding and Installing New Sound Drivers

Another option is to reinstall your sound card’s device drivers. If you have the original CD, you can use that. However, if you’re going to go through the hassle of doing this, you might as well use the most current sound drivers available. Go to your sound card manufacturer’s Web site and download the most current device drivers for your sound card. Use the Device Manager, which is found in the Control Panel, to update the drivers. Click on Sound, Video, and Game Controllers, find your sound device in the list and double click it. Go to the Driver tab and click Update. Browse your computer for the download and follow the prompts.

Hopefully, one of these tips will help you to find that lost sound file. If you need further support, take a look at the various remote tech support services featured at www.Filetonic.com/support.