Vista - Vista "pre-loaded" Games (e.g. Mahjong) - no sound!

Thanks again for the suggestions. i downloaded the Utilities and Drivers pack
from the Vaio website and i will try them on Sunday. i reinstalled the
SigmaTel HD Audio drivers and they are working fine. i did the system scan
and there are no probs there. 7 out of the 9 games do not show the usual
stuff: Name is there, but 7 of them show Track number???, Artist??? and
rating??? instead of Modification date, Size and Type. So I have uninstalled
I-Tunes cos that it what i installd before the problem occured. Still no good
though. If i could simply re-install the 9 games I think things would then be
OK. Any ideas on how to do that? I have to buy the DVDs in the morning to
create the 3 Recovery discs.

"dean-dean" wrote:

> Well, rather than completely restore your computer to its original factory
> state, I would just try the Driver installation first, if everything else on
> your computer seems to be okay. If the the SigmaTel HD Audio driver in
> C:\Drivers isn't working, try to find first) an updated version of the sound
> driver from Sony's internet site for your model, or, if an updated version
> isn't available, then (second) download the original version of the sound
> driver that came with your computer. If you have to download the Original
> Drivers Package, then do that. After you download the file, right-click on
> it and choose "Run as Administrator". If you downloaded the Package, find
> the SigmaTel HD Audio driver setup in C:\Drivers, then right-click that and
> choose "Run as Administrator" to install.
>
> Too, since the sound driver uses a few files from Vista's system files, you
> might try this to see that things are okay:
>
> Run the System File Checker. To do this, right click on Command
> Prompt (Start Menu\Programs\Accessories), and choose
> Run as Administrator. Copy the following, and Paste it after the prompt:
>
> sfc /scannow
>
> Press Enter. It will scan all your system files. It may take a few
> minutes. If things are okay, you are
> given the text message "Windows Resource Protection did not find any
> integrity violations".
>
>
>
> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news08814EF-5754-478A-8D27-20BAC11F8CE5@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks again for your help. I have investigated and printed the recovery
> > instructions - I now have to make the recovery DVDs before I can start the
> > recovery process. I plan to do this tomorow (Saturday).
> >
> > I also checked out . the SigmaTel HD Audio driver is there. I
> > tried to re-install it but it stopped, telling me that certain components
> > were unavilable????
> >
> > I can download all the drivers and utilities from the Viao website
> > dedicated
> > to my particular model of Vaio, which I will also do tomorrow. I have to
> > do
> > some file housekeeping (e.g. dumping all my data files onto my portable
> > 250GB
> > HDD) and dumping BBC TV progs I have from 3 of my DVDs to the portable
> > HDD,
> > then format the 3 DVDs to use as my recovery DVDs. I will then reinstall
> > the
> > whole lot, get the updates off the web and hopefully all will be well. I
> > will
> > post the results here - probably on Sunday morning. I was told this
> > evening
> > that SONY just sent me a free Blue-Ray DVD of "Casino Royale", so I hope
> > that
> > this one month old notebook is OK for when I get back to England so I can
> > watch the movie on Blue-Ray!
> >
> >
> >
> > "dean-dean" wrote:
> >
> >> This might help get you to the Recovery Manager, also:
> >>
> >> http://kb.sony-europe.com/KB/Solutio...99/V00185.html
> >>
> >>
> >> "dean-dean" <dean-dean@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:unGTG7V1HHA.1344@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >> > Using your VAIO Recovery Utility (or some such similar name), can you
> >> > choose
> >> > to re-install the sound driver (SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC)?
> >> > Also
> >> > check C:\Drivers or C:\Utilities. It should give you the option to
> >> > selectively choose a program or driver that you want to re-install.
> >> > (This
> >> > should not to be confused with the option to restore your computer to
> >> > it's
> >> > original factory condition, or anything extreme like that). I have a
> >> > Sony
> >> > laptop, and I have that option to choose a driver to re-install. I
> >> > also
> >> > have the option to download the driver for my model from the Sony
> >> > Support
> >> > website, but I don't see that option available for your model. Yours
> >> > must
> >> > be too new
> >> >
> >> > I only see this available:
> >> > http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FZ&m=2667
> >> > Click on Preinstalled Drivers and Utilities for more info, on that
> >> > page.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> > news:5C166D9A-6524-4A9D-8283-9A2C79EAD9EE@microsoft.com...
> >> >> Did all that and still not working (pity!). i really do appreciate
> >> >> your
> >> >> help.
> >> >>
> >> >> I work in Nigeria (Lagos) and live in England (where I bought the
> >> >> Viao).
> >> >> the
> >> >> complete name is VGN-FZ11Z - It's the new one that is designed for
> >> >> entertainment!!...some entertainment...fixing the sound afer a few
> >> >> weeks
> >> >> of
> >> >> owning it! the URL for the Viao is:
> >> >> http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProd...y=VN+FZ+Series
> >> >>
> >> >> The driver is: SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (it says it is
> >> >> working
> >> >> properly).
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >>> Well, when you reported that Volume Mixer wasn't showing a separate
> >> >>> column
> >> >>> for the game, that, to me, indicates a sound driver problem, or that
> >> >>> it
> >> >>> lost
> >> >>> it's configuration. Try right-clicking the Volume icon, and choose
> >> >>> Playback
> >> >>> Devices. Double-click the Device in the window that pops up. On the
> >> >>> Enhancements tab, put a check next to "Disable all sound effects",
> >> >>> then
> >> >>> click Apply. On the Advanced tab, click on Restore Defaults, and
> >> >>> make
> >> >>> sure
> >> >>> both check-boxes, under Exclusive Mode, do have a check mark.
> >> >>> (Apply,
> >> >>> OK).
> >> >>>
> >> >>> What country do you live in? Is VGN-FZ11Z the complete name for your
> >> >>> Vaio
> >> >>> model? In Device Manager, under "Sound, video and game controllers",
> >> >>> what
> >> >>> is the name of your sound device?
> >> >>>
> >> >>>
> >> >>> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >>> news:964E9911-5C97-4533-82A4-920B086027E2@microsoft.com...
> >> >>> > Well, turning off games, hard switch off, switch on, turn on games
> >> >>> > again
> >> >>> > didn't work. I am stuck!
> >> >>> >
> >> >>> > "AWAC" wrote:
> >> >>> >
> >> >>> >> Many thanks for your reply. However, the volume for the game (or
> >> >>> >> indeed
> >> >>> >> any
> >> >>> >> of the pre-loaded games) is not listed separately when I have any
> >> >>> >> of
> >> >>> >> them
> >> >>> >> running. What is shown in the Volume Mixer is Device (speaker and
> >> >>> >> headphones)
> >> >>> >> plus another one for Windows Applications. They are both set to
> >> >>> >> 100%
> >> >>> >> volume
> >> >>> >> and neither is muted.
> >> >>> >>
> >> >>> >> i am now trying the following - turn off games, switch off laptop
> >> >>> >> (coMplete
> >> >>> >> shutdown and not just restart). When it boots up again, i will
> >> >>> >> turn
> >> >>> >> on
> >> >>> >> the
> >> >>> >> games again and hope that they instal correctly (i.e. complete
> >> >>> >> with
> >> >>> >> sound!).
> >> >>> >> I will post he result (fingers crossed!).
> >> >>> >>
> >> >>> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >>> >>
> >> >>> >> > You might check this. When playing Mahjong, for example,
> >> >>> >> > right-click
> >> >>> >> > the
> >> >>> >> > Volume icon in the notification area, and choose Open Volume
> >> >>> >> > Mixer.
> >> >>> >> > The
> >> >>> >> > game will be listed with its own volume control. Is it muted,
> >> >>> >> > or
> >> >>> >> > turned all
> >> >>> >> > the way down?
> >> >>> >> >
> >> >>> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >>> >> > news:4B975F9C-180E-4AC9-B8F0-B4258FC2D07C@microsoft.com...
> >> >>> >> > > The sound on all the Vista (Home Premium) pre-loaded games
> >> >>> >> > > worked.
> >> >>> >> > > Now
> >> >>> >> > > although the games work, i cannot get the sound to work. I
> >> >>> >> > > have
> >> >>> >> > > one
> >> >>> >> > > other
> >> >>> >> > > game loaded into the standard Vista games folder - Rush For
> >> >>> >> > > Berlin -
> >> >>> >> > > and
> >> >>> >> > > that
> >> >>> >> > > works perfectly. I have tried disabling the sound to each
> >> >>> >> > > pre-loaded
> >> >>> >> > > game,
> >> >>> >> > > saving and restarting the computer (Sony Viao VGN-FZ11Z which
> >> >>> >> > > is
> >> >>> >> > > 3
> >> >>> >> > > weeks
> >> >>> >> > > old!) to no avail.
> >> >>> >> > >
> >> >>> >> > > All other sounds work pefectly (e.g. music at start up, bleeps
> >> >>> >> > > and
> >> >>> >> > > stuff,
> >> >>> >> > > etc) and I have no problems with sound via DVDs.
> >> >>> >> > >
> >> >>> >> > > Very puzzling - but how can I get the sounds back? Can anyone
> >> >>> >> > > help
> >> >>> >> > > please.
> >> >>> >> >
> >> >>> >> >
> >> >>>
> >> >
> >>
> >>
>
>

So, back to your original problem, do the games' sound work correctly now?
And do they show, when you right-click the Volume icon in the notification
area, choosing Open Volume Mixer, the game listed with its own volume
control? (Note that not all games will have sound, and thereby not have the
option to turn sound off or on.)

When you ran sfc /scannow, and it found no problems, that indicates that all
the games' files are okay.

When you click on the Games folder in Start Menu (listed on the right-hand
side of the initial menu), does that look okay? (showing the correct
columns, correct preview pane, correct toolbar).

If your C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games folder and subfolders are showing
odd columns, try right-clicking a blank spot inside the Microsoft Games
folder, and choose Customize This Folder. In the drop-down list for
templates, toggle it by choosing, say, Pictures and Video, and then change
it back to All Items. Then put a check next to "Also apply this template to
all sub folders". (Apply, OK).

When making your back-up DVDs, if you have the option to leave a copy of the
restore partition on your hard drive, I would do that. That way you could
have the option to either restore from your Drive, if it hasn't failed, as
well as from the DVDs, should one or the other not work. Too, if push comes
to shove, you probably can order the DVD's from Sony for your model for a
small fee.

"AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news2BAFDBF-B23F-4111-BBE7-63094FE35F5F@microsoft.com...
> Thanks again for the suggestions. i downloaded the Utilities and Drivers
> pack
> from the Vaio website and i will try them on Sunday. i reinstalled the
> SigmaTel HD Audio drivers and they are working fine. i did the system scan
> and there are no probs there. 7 out of the 9 games do not show the usual
> stuff: Name is there, but 7 of them show Track number???, Artist??? and
> rating??? instead of Modification date, Size and Type. So I have
> uninstalled
> I-Tunes cos that it what i installd before the problem occured. Still no
> good
> though. If i could simply re-install the 9 games I think things would then
> be
> OK. Any ideas on how to do that? I have to buy the DVDs in the morning to
> create the 3 Recovery discs.
>
> "dean-dean" wrote:
>
>> Well, rather than completely restore your computer to its original
>> factory
>> state, I would just try the Driver installation first, if everything else
>> on
>> your computer seems to be okay. If the the SigmaTel HD Audio driver in
>> C:\Drivers isn't working, try to find first) an updated version of the
>> sound
>> driver from Sony's internet site for your model, or, if an updated
>> version
>> isn't available, then (second) download the original version of the sound
>> driver that came with your computer. If you have to download the
>> Original
>> Drivers Package, then do that. After you download the file, right-click
>> on
>> it and choose "Run as Administrator". If you downloaded the Package,
>> find
>> the SigmaTel HD Audio driver setup in C:\Drivers, then right-click that
>> and
>> choose "Run as Administrator" to install.
>>
>> Too, since the sound driver uses a few files from Vista's system files,
>> you
>> might try this to see that things are okay:
>>
>> Run the System File Checker. To do this, right click on Command
>> Prompt (Start Menu\Programs\Accessories), and choose
>> Run as Administrator. Copy the following, and Paste it after the prompt:
>>
>> sfc /scannow
>>
>> Press Enter. It will scan all your system files. It may take a few
>> minutes. If things are okay, you are
>> given the text message "Windows Resource Protection did not find any
>> integrity violations".
>>
>>
>>
>> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news08814EF-5754-478A-8D27-20BAC11F8CE5@microsoft.com...
>> > Thanks again for your help. I have investigated and printed the
>> > recovery
>> > instructions - I now have to make the recovery DVDs before I can start
>> > the
>> > recovery process. I plan to do this tomorow (Saturday).
>> >
>> > I also checked out . the SigmaTel HD Audio driver is there. I
>> > tried to re-install it but it stopped, telling me that certain
>> > components
>> > were unavilable????
>> >
>> > I can download all the drivers and utilities from the Viao website
>> > dedicated
>> > to my particular model of Vaio, which I will also do tomorrow. I have
>> > to
>> > do
>> > some file housekeeping (e.g. dumping all my data files onto my portable
>> > 250GB
>> > HDD) and dumping BBC TV progs I have from 3 of my DVDs to the portable
>> > HDD,
>> > then format the 3 DVDs to use as my recovery DVDs. I will then
>> > reinstall
>> > the
>> > whole lot, get the updates off the web and hopefully all will be well.
>> > I
>> > will
>> > post the results here - probably on Sunday morning. I was told this
>> > evening
>> > that SONY just sent me a free Blue-Ray DVD of "Casino Royale", so I
>> > hope
>> > that
>> > this one month old notebook is OK for when I get back to England so I
>> > can
>> > watch the movie on Blue-Ray!
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "dean-dean" wrote:
>> >
>> >> This might help get you to the Recovery Manager, also:
>> >>
>> >> http://kb.sony-europe.com/KB/Solutio...99/V00185.html
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "dean-dean" <dean-dean@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:unGTG7V1HHA.1344@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> >> > Using your VAIO Recovery Utility (or some such similar name), can
>> >> > you
>> >> > choose
>> >> > to re-install the sound driver (SigmaTel High Definition Audio
>> >> > CODEC)?
>> >> > Also
>> >> > check C:\Drivers or C:\Utilities. It should give you the option to
>> >> > selectively choose a program or driver that you want to re-install.
>> >> > (This
>> >> > should not to be confused with the option to restore your computer
>> >> > to
>> >> > it's
>> >> > original factory condition, or anything extreme like that). I have
>> >> > a
>> >> > Sony
>> >> > laptop, and I have that option to choose a driver to re-install. I
>> >> > also
>> >> > have the option to download the driver for my model from the Sony
>> >> > Support
>> >> > website, but I don't see that option available for your model.
>> >> > Yours
>> >> > must
>> >> > be too new
>> >> >
>> >> > I only see this available:
>> >> > http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FZ&m=2667
>> >> > Click on Preinstalled Drivers and Utilities for more info, on that
>> >> > page.
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> > news:5C166D9A-6524-4A9D-8283-9A2C79EAD9EE@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> Did all that and still not working (pity!). i really do appreciate
>> >> >> your
>> >> >> help.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I work in Nigeria (Lagos) and live in England (where I bought the
>> >> >> Viao).
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> complete name is VGN-FZ11Z - It's the new one that is designed for
>> >> >> entertainment!!...some entertainment...fixing the sound afer a few
>> >> >> weeks
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> owning it! the URL for the Viao is:
>> >> >> http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProd...y=VN+FZ+Series
>> >> >>
>> >> >> The driver is: SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (it says it is
>> >> >> working
>> >> >> properly).
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
>> >> >>
>> >> >>> Well, when you reported that Volume Mixer wasn't showing a
>> >> >>> separate
>> >> >>> column
>> >> >>> for the game, that, to me, indicates a sound driver problem, or
>> >> >>> that
>> >> >>> it
>> >> >>> lost
>> >> >>> it's configuration. Try right-clicking the Volume icon, and
>> >> >>> choose
>> >> >>> Playback
>> >> >>> Devices. Double-click the Device in the window that pops up. On
>> >> >>> the
>> >> >>> Enhancements tab, put a check next to "Disable all sound effects",
>> >> >>> then
>> >> >>> click Apply. On the Advanced tab, click on Restore Defaults, and
>> >> >>> make
>> >> >>> sure
>> >> >>> both check-boxes, under Exclusive Mode, do have a check mark.
>> >> >>> (Apply,
>> >> >>> OK).
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> What country do you live in? Is VGN-FZ11Z the complete name for
>> >> >>> your
>> >> >>> Vaio
>> >> >>> model? In Device Manager, under "Sound, video and game
>> >> >>> controllers",
>> >> >>> what
>> >> >>> is the name of your sound device?
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >>> news:964E9911-5C97-4533-82A4-920B086027E2@microsoft.com...
>> >> >>> > Well, turning off games, hard switch off, switch on, turn on
>> >> >>> > games
>> >> >>> > again
>> >> >>> > didn't work. I am stuck!
>> >> >>> >
>> >> >>> > "AWAC" wrote:
>> >> >>> >
>> >> >>> >> Many thanks for your reply. However, the volume for the game
>> >> >>> >> (or
>> >> >>> >> indeed
>> >> >>> >> any
>> >> >>> >> of the pre-loaded games) is not listed separately when I have
>> >> >>> >> any
>> >> >>> >> of
>> >> >>> >> them
>> >> >>> >> running. What is shown in the Volume Mixer is Device (speaker
>> >> >>> >> and
>> >> >>> >> headphones)
>> >> >>> >> plus another one for Windows Applications. They are both set to
>> >> >>> >> 100%
>> >> >>> >> volume
>> >> >>> >> and neither is muted.
>> >> >>> >>
>> >> >>> >> i am now trying the following - turn off games, switch off
>> >> >>> >> laptop
>> >> >>> >> (coMplete
>> >> >>> >> shutdown and not just restart). When it boots up again, i will
>> >> >>> >> turn
>> >> >>> >> on
>> >> >>> >> the
>> >> >>> >> games again and hope that they instal correctly (i.e. complete
>> >> >>> >> with
>> >> >>> >> sound!).
>> >> >>> >> I will post he result (fingers crossed!).
>> >> >>> >>
>> >> >>> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
>> >> >>> >>
>> >> >>> >> > You might check this. When playing Mahjong, for example,
>> >> >>> >> > right-click
>> >> >>> >> > the
>> >> >>> >> > Volume icon in the notification area, and choose Open Volume
>> >> >>> >> > Mixer.
>> >> >>> >> > The
>> >> >>> >> > game will be listed with its own volume control. Is it
>> >> >>> >> > muted,
>> >> >>> >> > or
>> >> >>> >> > turned all
>> >> >>> >> > the way down?
>> >> >>> >> >
>> >> >>> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >>> >> > news:4B975F9C-180E-4AC9-B8F0-B4258FC2D07C@microsoft.com...
>> >> >>> >> > > The sound on all the Vista (Home Premium) pre-loaded games
>> >> >>> >> > > worked.
>> >> >>> >> > > Now
>> >> >>> >> > > although the games work, i cannot get the sound to work. I
>> >> >>> >> > > have
>> >> >>> >> > > one
>> >> >>> >> > > other
>> >> >>> >> > > game loaded into the standard Vista games folder - Rush For
>> >> >>> >> > > Berlin -
>> >> >>> >> > > and
>> >> >>> >> > > that
>> >> >>> >> > > works perfectly. I have tried disabling the sound to each
>> >> >>> >> > > pre-loaded
>> >> >>> >> > > game,
>> >> >>> >> > > saving and restarting the computer (Sony Viao VGN-FZ11Z
>> >> >>> >> > > which
>> >> >>> >> > > is
>> >> >>> >> > > 3
>> >> >>> >> > > weeks
>> >> >>> >> > > old!) to no avail.
>> >> >>> >> > >
>> >> >>> >> > > All other sounds work pefectly (e.g. music at start up,
>> >> >>> >> > > bleeps
>> >> >>> >> > > and
>> >> >>> >> > > stuff,
>> >> >>> >> > > etc) and I have no problems with sound via DVDs.
>> >> >>> >> > >
>> >> >>> >> > > Very puzzling - but how can I get the sounds back? Can
>> >> >>> >> > > anyone
>> >> >>> >> > > help
>> >> >>> >> > > please.
>> >> >>> >> >
>> >> >>> >> >
>> >> >>>
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>

Well, the recovery discs are made (3 of 'em). i didn't get the option ot
leave a copy on the restore partitiion, but i know its all there on the HDD
still. Making the DVDs only produces a copy.

Thanks to you I now have the correct colum headings showing with all the
correct info about each game displayed. one problem solved. still not sound
though. Games folder and start menu stuff are all OK.

I managed to get onto the E-support part of the Viao website and I have left
a case file there about the problem. If I could simply re-instal the game
files I am sure that whatever the problem is, it would cure it. I have all my
files copied onto my external HDD and if I haven't solved it by the end of
this coming week, i will re-install the applications using the DVD I created
this morning.

I will Post here what happens with the E-support from Viao.

"dean-dean" wrote:

> So, back to your original problem, do the games' sound work correctly now?
> And do they show, when you right-click the Volume icon in the notification
> area, choosing Open Volume Mixer, the game listed with its own volume
> control? (Note that not all games will have sound, and thereby not have the
> option to turn sound off or on.)
>
> When you ran sfc /scannow, and it found no problems, that indicates that all
> the games' files are okay.
>
> When you click on the Games folder in Start Menu (listed on the right-hand
> side of the initial menu), does that look okay? (showing the correct
> columns, correct preview pane, correct toolbar).
>
> If your C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games folder and subfolders are showing
> odd columns, try right-clicking a blank spot inside the Microsoft Games
> folder, and choose Customize This Folder. In the drop-down list for
> templates, toggle it by choosing, say, Pictures and Video, and then change
> it back to All Items. Then put a check next to "Also apply this template to
> all sub folders". (Apply, OK).
>
> When making your back-up DVDs, if you have the option to leave a copy of the
> restore partition on your hard drive, I would do that. That way you could
> have the option to either restore from your Drive, if it hasn't failed, as
> well as from the DVDs, should one or the other not work. Too, if push comes
> to shove, you probably can order the DVD's from Sony for your model for a
> small fee.
>
> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news2BAFDBF-B23F-4111-BBE7-63094FE35F5F@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks again for the suggestions. i downloaded the Utilities and Drivers
> > pack
> > from the Vaio website and i will try them on Sunday. i reinstalled the
> > SigmaTel HD Audio drivers and they are working fine. i did the system scan
> > and there are no probs there. 7 out of the 9 games do not show the usual
> > stuff: Name is there, but 7 of them show Track number???, Artist??? and
> > rating??? instead of Modification date, Size and Type. So I have
> > uninstalled
> > I-Tunes cos that it what i installd before the problem occured. Still no
> > good
> > though. If i could simply re-install the 9 games I think things would then
> > be
> > OK. Any ideas on how to do that? I have to buy the DVDs in the morning to
> > create the 3 Recovery discs.
> >
> > "dean-dean" wrote:
> >
> >> Well, rather than completely restore your computer to its original
> >> factory
> >> state, I would just try the Driver installation first, if everything else
> >> on
> >> your computer seems to be okay. If the the SigmaTel HD Audio driver in
> >> C:\Drivers isn't working, try to find first) an updated version of the
> >> sound
> >> driver from Sony's internet site for your model, or, if an updated
> >> version
> >> isn't available, then (second) download the original version of the sound
> >> driver that came with your computer. If you have to download the
> >> Original
> >> Drivers Package, then do that. After you download the file, right-click
> >> on
> >> it and choose "Run as Administrator". If you downloaded the Package,
> >> find
> >> the SigmaTel HD Audio driver setup in C:\Drivers, then right-click that
> >> and
> >> choose "Run as Administrator" to install.
> >>
> >> Too, since the sound driver uses a few files from Vista's system files,
> >> you
> >> might try this to see that things are okay:
> >>
> >> Run the System File Checker. To do this, right click on Command
> >> Prompt (Start Menu\Programs\Accessories), and choose
> >> Run as Administrator. Copy the following, and Paste it after the prompt:
> >>
> >> sfc /scannow
> >>
> >> Press Enter. It will scan all your system files. It may take a few
> >> minutes. If things are okay, you are
> >> given the text message "Windows Resource Protection did not find any
> >> integrity violations".
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news08814EF-5754-478A-8D27-20BAC11F8CE5@microsoft.com...
> >> > Thanks again for your help. I have investigated and printed the
> >> > recovery
> >> > instructions - I now have to make the recovery DVDs before I can start
> >> > the
> >> > recovery process. I plan to do this tomorow (Saturday).
> >> >
> >> > I also checked out . the SigmaTel HD Audio driver is there. I
> >> > tried to re-install it but it stopped, telling me that certain
> >> > components
> >> > were unavilable????
> >> >
> >> > I can download all the drivers and utilities from the Viao website
> >> > dedicated
> >> > to my particular model of Vaio, which I will also do tomorrow. I have
> >> > to
> >> > do
> >> > some file housekeeping (e.g. dumping all my data files onto my portable
> >> > 250GB
> >> > HDD) and dumping BBC TV progs I have from 3 of my DVDs to the portable
> >> > HDD,
> >> > then format the 3 DVDs to use as my recovery DVDs. I will then
> >> > reinstall
> >> > the
> >> > whole lot, get the updates off the web and hopefully all will be well.
> >> > I
> >> > will
> >> > post the results here - probably on Sunday morning. I was told this
> >> > evening
> >> > that SONY just sent me a free Blue-Ray DVD of "Casino Royale", so I
> >> > hope
> >> > that
> >> > this one month old notebook is OK for when I get back to England so I
> >> > can
> >> > watch the movie on Blue-Ray!
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> This might help get you to the Recovery Manager, also:
> >> >>
> >> >> http://kb.sony-europe.com/KB/Solutio...99/V00185.html
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "dean-dean" <dean-dean@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:unGTG7V1HHA.1344@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >> >> > Using your VAIO Recovery Utility (or some such similar name), can
> >> >> > you
> >> >> > choose
> >> >> > to re-install the sound driver (SigmaTel High Definition Audio
> >> >> > CODEC)?
> >> >> > Also
> >> >> > check C:\Drivers or C:\Utilities. It should give you the option to
> >> >> > selectively choose a program or driver that you want to re-install.
> >> >> > (This
> >> >> > should not to be confused with the option to restore your computer
> >> >> > to
> >> >> > it's
> >> >> > original factory condition, or anything extreme like that). I have
> >> >> > a
> >> >> > Sony
> >> >> > laptop, and I have that option to choose a driver to re-install. I
> >> >> > also
> >> >> > have the option to download the driver for my model from the Sony
> >> >> > Support
> >> >> > website, but I don't see that option available for your model.
> >> >> > Yours
> >> >> > must
> >> >> > be too new
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I only see this available:
> >> >> > http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FZ&m=2667
> >> >> > Click on Preinstalled Drivers and Utilities for more info, on that
> >> >> > page.
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> > news:5C166D9A-6524-4A9D-8283-9A2C79EAD9EE@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> Did all that and still not working (pity!). i really do appreciate
> >> >> >> your
> >> >> >> help.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I work in Nigeria (Lagos) and live in England (where I bought the
> >> >> >> Viao).
> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> complete name is VGN-FZ11Z - It's the new one that is designed for
> >> >> >> entertainment!!...some entertainment...fixing the sound afer a few
> >> >> >> weeks
> >> >> >> of
> >> >> >> owning it! the URL for the Viao is:
> >> >> >> http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProd...y=VN+FZ+Series
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> The driver is: SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (it says it is
> >> >> >> working
> >> >> >> properly).
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>> Well, when you reported that Volume Mixer wasn't showing a
> >> >> >>> separate
> >> >> >>> column
> >> >> >>> for the game, that, to me, indicates a sound driver problem, or
> >> >> >>> that
> >> >> >>> it
> >> >> >>> lost
> >> >> >>> it's configuration. Try right-clicking the Volume icon, and
> >> >> >>> choose
> >> >> >>> Playback
> >> >> >>> Devices. Double-click the Device in the window that pops up. On
> >> >> >>> the
> >> >> >>> Enhancements tab, put a check next to "Disable all sound effects",
> >> >> >>> then
> >> >> >>> click Apply. On the Advanced tab, click on Restore Defaults, and
> >> >> >>> make
> >> >> >>> sure
> >> >> >>> both check-boxes, under Exclusive Mode, do have a check mark.
> >> >> >>> (Apply,
> >> >> >>> OK).
> >> >> >>>
> >> >> >>> What country do you live in? Is VGN-FZ11Z the complete name for
> >> >> >>> your
> >> >> >>> Vaio
> >> >> >>> model? In Device Manager, under "Sound, video and game
> >> >> >>> controllers",
> >> >> >>> what
> >> >> >>> is the name of your sound device?
> >> >> >>>
> >> >> >>>
> >> >> >>> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >>> news:964E9911-5C97-4533-82A4-920B086027E2@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >>> > Well, turning off games, hard switch off, switch on, turn on
> >> >> >>> > games
> >> >> >>> > again
> >> >> >>> > didn't work. I am stuck!
> >> >> >>> >
> >> >> >>> > "AWAC" wrote:
> >> >> >>> >
> >> >> >>> >> Many thanks for your reply. However, the volume for the game
> >> >> >>> >> (or
> >> >> >>> >> indeed
> >> >> >>> >> any
> >> >> >>> >> of the pre-loaded games) is not listed separately when I have
> >> >> >>> >> any
> >> >> >>> >> of
> >> >> >>> >> them
> >> >> >>> >> running. What is shown in the Volume Mixer is Device (speaker
> >> >> >>> >> and
> >> >> >>> >> headphones)
> >> >> >>> >> plus another one for Windows Applications. They are both set to
> >> >> >>> >> 100%
> >> >> >>> >> volume
> >> >> >>> >> and neither is muted.
> >> >> >>> >>
> >> >> >>> >> i am now trying the following - turn off games, switch off
> >> >> >>> >> laptop
> >> >> >>> >> (coMplete
> >> >> >>> >> shutdown and not just restart). When it boots up again, i will
> >> >> >>> >> turn
> >> >> >>> >> on
> >> >> >>> >> the
> >> >> >>> >> games again and hope that they instal correctly (i.e. complete
> >> >> >>> >> with
> >> >> >>> >> sound!).
> >> >> >>> >> I will post he result (fingers crossed!).
> >> >> >>> >>
> >> >> >>> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >> >>> >>
> >> >> >>> >> > You might check this. When playing Mahjong, for example,
> >> >> >>> >> > right-click
> >> >> >>> >> > the
> >> >> >>> >> > Volume icon in the notification area, and choose Open Volume
> >> >> >>> >> > Mixer.
> >> >> >>> >> > The
> >> >> >>> >> > game will be listed with its own volume control. Is it
> >> >> >>> >> > muted,
> >> >> >>> >> > or
> >> >> >>> >> > turned all
> >> >> >>> >> > the way down?
> >> >> >>> >> >
> >> >> >>> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >>> >> > news:4B975F9C-180E-4AC9-B8F0-B4258FC2D07C@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >>> >> > > The sound on all the Vista (Home Premium) pre-loaded games
> >> >> >>> >> > > worked.
> >> >> >>> >> > > Now
> >> >> >>> >> > > although the games work, i cannot get the sound to work. I
> >> >> >>> >> > > have
> >> >> >>> >> > > one
> >> >> >>> >> > > other
> >> >> >>> >> > > game loaded into the standard Vista games folder - Rush For
> >> >> >>> >> > > Berlin -
> >> >> >>> >> > > and
> >> >> >>> >> > > that
> >> >> >>> >> > > works perfectly. I have tried disabling the sound to each
> >> >> >>> >> > > pre-loaded
> >> >> >>> >> > > game,
> >> >> >>> >> > > saving and restarting the computer (Sony Viao VGN-FZ11Z
> >> >> >>> >> > > which
> >> >> >>> >> > > is
> >> >> >>> >> > > 3
> >> >> >>> >> > > weeks
> >> >> >>> >> > > old!) to no avail.
> >> >> >>> >> > >
> >> >> >>> >> > > All other sounds work pefectly (e.g. music at start up,
> >> >> >>> >> > > bleeps
> >> >> >>> >> > > and
> >> >> >>> >> > > stuff,
> >> >> >>> >> > > etc) and I have no problems with sound via DVDs.
> >> >> >>> >> > >
> >> >> >>> >> > > Very puzzling - but how can I get the sounds back? Can
> >> >> >>> >> > > anyone
> >> >> >>> >> > > help
> >> >> >>> >> > > please.
> >> >> >>> >> >
> >> >> >>> >> >

You could try this. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Look to the left for Turn Windows Features On or Off. Click on that. Look
through the listing and and find Games. Un-check Games, and
then click OK. Restart your computer. Then go back to Control Panel >
Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off, and put a checkmark
next to games. Click OK. This will re-install the Games.

"AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C3604252-4530-4D35-8289-FAF0B7C8A3DE@microsoft.com...
> Well, the recovery discs are made (3 of 'em). i didn't get the option ot
> leave a copy on the restore partitiion, but i know its all there on the
> HDD
> still. Making the DVDs only produces a copy.
>
> Thanks to you I now have the correct colum headings showing with all the
> correct info about each game displayed. one problem solved. still not
> sound
> though. Games folder and start menu stuff are all OK.
>
> I managed to get onto the E-support part of the Viao website and I have
> left
> a case file there about the problem. If I could simply re-instal the game
> files I am sure that whatever the problem is, it would cure it. I have all
> my
> files copied onto my external HDD and if I haven't solved it by the end of
> this coming week, i will re-install the applications using the DVD I
> created
> this morning.
>
> I will Post here what happens with the E-support from Viao.
>
> "dean-dean" wrote:
>
>> So, back to your original problem, do the games' sound work correctly
>> now?
>> And do they show, when you right-click the Volume icon in the
>> notification
>> area, choosing Open Volume Mixer, the game listed with its own volume
>> control? (Note that not all games will have sound, and thereby not have
>> the
>> option to turn sound off or on.)
>>
>> When you ran sfc /scannow, and it found no problems, that indicates that
>> all
>> the games' files are okay.
>>
>> When you click on the Games folder in Start Menu (listed on the
>> right-hand
>> side of the initial menu), does that look okay? (showing the correct
>> columns, correct preview pane, correct toolbar).
>>
>> If your C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games folder and subfolders are
>> showing
>> odd columns, try right-clicking a blank spot inside the Microsoft Games
>> folder, and choose Customize This Folder. In the drop-down list for
>> templates, toggle it by choosing, say, Pictures and Video, and then
>> change
>> it back to All Items. Then put a check next to "Also apply this template
>> to
>> all sub folders". (Apply, OK).
>>
>> When making your back-up DVDs, if you have the option to leave a copy of
>> the
>> restore partition on your hard drive, I would do that. That way you
>> could
>> have the option to either restore from your Drive, if it hasn't failed,
>> as
>> well as from the DVDs, should one or the other not work. Too, if push
>> comes
>> to shove, you probably can order the DVD's from Sony for your model for a
>> small fee.
>>
>> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news2BAFDBF-B23F-4111-BBE7-63094FE35F5F@microsoft.com...
>> > Thanks again for the suggestions. i downloaded the Utilities and
>> > Drivers
>> > pack
>> > from the Vaio website and i will try them on Sunday. i reinstalled the
>> > SigmaTel HD Audio drivers and they are working fine. i did the system
>> > scan
>> > and there are no probs there. 7 out of the 9 games do not show the
>> > usual
>> > stuff: Name is there, but 7 of them show Track number???, Artist??? and
>> > rating??? instead of Modification date, Size and Type. So I have
>> > uninstalled
>> > I-Tunes cos that it what i installd before the problem occured. Still
>> > no
>> > good
>> > though. If i could simply re-install the 9 games I think things would
>> > then
>> > be
>> > OK. Any ideas on how to do that? I have to buy the DVDs in the morning
>> > to
>> > create the 3 Recovery discs.
>> >
>> > "dean-dean" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Well, rather than completely restore your computer to its original
>> >> factory
>> >> state, I would just try the Driver installation first, if everything
>> >> else
>> >> on
>> >> your computer seems to be okay. If the the SigmaTel HD Audio driver
>> >> in
>> >> C:\Drivers isn't working, try to find first) an updated version of the
>> >> sound
>> >> driver from Sony's internet site for your model, or, if an updated
>> >> version
>> >> isn't available, then (second) download the original version of the
>> >> sound
>> >> driver that came with your computer. If you have to download the
>> >> Original
>> >> Drivers Package, then do that. After you download the file,
>> >> right-click
>> >> on
>> >> it and choose "Run as Administrator". If you downloaded the Package,
>> >> find
>> >> the SigmaTel HD Audio driver setup in C:\Drivers, then right-click
>> >> that
>> >> and
>> >> choose "Run as Administrator" to install.
>> >>
>> >> Too, since the sound driver uses a few files from Vista's system
>> >> files,
>> >> you
>> >> might try this to see that things are okay:
>> >>
>> >> Run the System File Checker. To do this, right click on Command
>> >> Prompt (Start Menu\Programs\Accessories), and choose
>> >> Run as Administrator. Copy the following, and Paste it after the
>> >> prompt:
>> >>
>> >> sfc /scannow
>> >>
>> >> Press Enter. It will scan all your system files. It may take a
>> >> few
>> >> minutes. If things are okay, you are
>> >> given the text message "Windows Resource Protection did not find any
>> >> integrity violations".
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news08814EF-5754-478A-8D27-20BAC11F8CE5@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Thanks again for your help. I have investigated and printed the
>> >> > recovery
>> >> > instructions - I now have to make the recovery DVDs before I can
>> >> > start
>> >> > the
>> >> > recovery process. I plan to do this tomorow (Saturday).
>> >> >
>> >> > I also checked out . the SigmaTel HD Audio driver is there. I
>> >> > tried to re-install it but it stopped, telling me that certain
>> >> > components
>> >> > were unavilable????
>> >> >
>> >> > I can download all the drivers and utilities from the Viao website
>> >> > dedicated
>> >> > to my particular model of Vaio, which I will also do tomorrow. I
>> >> > have
>> >> > to
>> >> > do
>> >> > some file housekeeping (e.g. dumping all my data files onto my
>> >> > portable
>> >> > 250GB
>> >> > HDD) and dumping BBC TV progs I have from 3 of my DVDs to the
>> >> > portable
>> >> > HDD,
>> >> > then format the 3 DVDs to use as my recovery DVDs. I will then
>> >> > reinstall
>> >> > the
>> >> > whole lot, get the updates off the web and hopefully all will be
>> >> > well.
>> >> > I
>> >> > will
>> >> > post the results here - probably on Sunday morning. I was told this
>> >> > evening
>> >> > that SONY just sent me a free Blue-Ray DVD of "Casino Royale", so I
>> >> > hope
>> >> > that
>> >> > this one month old notebook is OK for when I get back to England so
>> >> > I
>> >> > can
>> >> > watch the movie on Blue-Ray!
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > "dean-dean" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> This might help get you to the Recovery Manager, also:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> http://kb.sony-europe.com/KB/Solutio...99/V00185.html
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "dean-dean" <dean-dean@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:unGTG7V1HHA.1344@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> >> >> > Using your VAIO Recovery Utility (or some such similar name), can
>> >> >> > you
>> >> >> > choose
>> >> >> > to re-install the sound driver (SigmaTel High Definition Audio
>> >> >> > CODEC)?
>> >> >> > Also
>> >> >> > check C:\Drivers or C:\Utilities. It should give you the option
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> > selectively choose a program or driver that you want to
>> >> >> > re-install.
>> >> >> > (This
>> >> >> > should not to be confused with the option to restore your
>> >> >> > computer
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> > it's
>> >> >> > original factory condition, or anything extreme like that). I
>> >> >> > have
>> >> >> > a
>> >> >> > Sony
>> >> >> > laptop, and I have that option to choose a driver to re-install.
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > also
>> >> >> > have the option to download the driver for my model from the Sony
>> >> >> > Support
>> >> >> > website, but I don't see that option available for your model.
>> >> >> > Yours
>> >> >> > must
>> >> >> > be too new
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I only see this available:
>> >> >> > http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FZ&m=2667
>> >> >> > Click on Preinstalled Drivers and Utilities for more info, on
>> >> >> > that
>> >> >> > page.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> > news:5C166D9A-6524-4A9D-8283-9A2C79EAD9EE@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >> Did all that and still not working (pity!). i really do
>> >> >> >> appreciate
>> >> >> >> your
>> >> >> >> help.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> I work in Nigeria (Lagos) and live in England (where I bought
>> >> >> >> the
>> >> >> >> Viao).
>> >> >> >> the
>> >> >> >> complete name is VGN-FZ11Z - It's the new one that is designed
>> >> >> >> for
>> >> >> >> entertainment!!...some entertainment...fixing the sound afer a
>> >> >> >> few
>> >> >> >> weeks
>> >> >> >> of
>> >> >> >> owning it! the URL for the Viao is:
>> >> >> >> http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProd...y=VN+FZ+Series
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> The driver is: SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (it says it
>> >> >> >> is
>> >> >> >> working
>> >> >> >> properly).
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >>> Well, when you reported that Volume Mixer wasn't showing a
>> >> >> >>> separate
>> >> >> >>> column
>> >> >> >>> for the game, that, to me, indicates a sound driver problem, or
>> >> >> >>> that
>> >> >> >>> it
>> >> >> >>> lost
>> >> >> >>> it's configuration. Try right-clicking the Volume icon, and
>> >> >> >>> choose
>> >> >> >>> Playback
>> >> >> >>> Devices. Double-click the Device in the window that pops up.
>> >> >> >>> On
>> >> >> >>> the
>> >> >> >>> Enhancements tab, put a check next to "Disable all sound
>> >> >> >>> effects",
>> >> >> >>> then
>> >> >> >>> click Apply. On the Advanced tab, click on Restore Defaults,
>> >> >> >>> and
>> >> >> >>> make
>> >> >> >>> sure
>> >> >> >>> both check-boxes, under Exclusive Mode, do have a check mark.
>> >> >> >>> (Apply,
>> >> >> >>> OK).
>> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >>> What country do you live in? Is VGN-FZ11Z the complete name
>> >> >> >>> for
>> >> >> >>> your
>> >> >> >>> Vaio
>> >> >> >>> model? In Device Manager, under "Sound, video and game
>> >> >> >>> controllers",
>> >> >> >>> what
>> >> >> >>> is the name of your sound device?
>> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >>>
>> >> >> >>> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> >>> news:964E9911-5C97-4533-82A4-920B086027E2@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >>> > Well, turning off games, hard switch off, switch on, turn on
>> >> >> >>> > games
>> >> >> >>> > again
>> >> >> >>> > didn't work. I am stuck!
>> >> >> >>> >
>> >> >> >>> > "AWAC" wrote:
>> >> >> >>> >
>> >> >> >>> >> Many thanks for your reply. However, the volume for the game
>> >> >> >>> >> (or
>> >> >> >>> >> indeed
>> >> >> >>> >> any
>> >> >> >>> >> of the pre-loaded games) is not listed separately when I
>> >> >> >>> >> have
>> >> >> >>> >> any
>> >> >> >>> >> of
>> >> >> >>> >> them
>> >> >> >>> >> running. What is shown in the Volume Mixer is Device
>> >> >> >>> >> (speaker
>> >> >> >>> >> and
>> >> >> >>> >> headphones)
>> >> >> >>> >> plus another one for Windows Applications. They are both set
>> >> >> >>> >> to
>> >> >> >>> >> 100%
>> >> >> >>> >> volume
>> >> >> >>> >> and neither is muted.
>> >> >> >>> >>
>> >> >> >>> >> i am now trying the following - turn off games, switch off
>> >> >> >>> >> laptop
>> >> >> >>> >> (coMplete
>> >> >> >>> >> shutdown and not just restart). When it boots up again, i
>> >> >> >>> >> will
>> >> >> >>> >> turn
>> >> >> >>> >> on
>> >> >> >>> >> the
>> >> >> >>> >> games again and hope that they instal correctly (i.e.
>> >> >> >>> >> complete
>> >> >> >>> >> with
>> >> >> >>> >> sound!).
>> >> >> >>> >> I will post he result (fingers crossed!).
>> >> >> >>> >>
>> >> >> >>> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
>> >> >> >>> >>
>> >> >> >>> >> > You might check this. When playing Mahjong, for example,
>> >> >> >>> >> > right-click
>> >> >> >>> >> > the
>> >> >> >>> >> > Volume icon in the notification area, and choose Open
>> >> >> >>> >> > Volume
>> >> >> >>> >> > Mixer.
>> >> >> >>> >> > The
>> >> >> >>> >> > game will be listed with its own volume control. Is it
>> >> >> >>> >> > muted,
>> >> >> >>> >> > or
>> >> >> >>> >> > turned all
>> >> >> >>> >> > the way down?
>> >> >> >>> >> >
>> >> >> >>> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> >>> >> > news:4B975F9C-180E-4AC9-B8F0-B4258FC2D07C@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >>> >> > > The sound on all the Vista (Home Premium) pre-loaded
>> >> >> >>> >> > > games
>> >> >> >>> >> > > worked.
>> >> >> >>> >> > > Now
>> >> >> >>> >> > > although the games work, i cannot get the sound to work.
>> >> >> >>> >> > > I
>> >> >> >>> >> > > have
>> >> >> >>> >> > > one
>> >> >> >>> >> > > other
>> >> >> >>> >> > > game loaded into the standard Vista games folder - Rush
>> >> >> >>> >> > > For
>> >> >> >>> >> > > Berlin -
>> >> >> >>> >> > > and
>> >> >> >>> >> > > that
>> >> >> >>> >> > > works perfectly. I have tried disabling the sound to
>> >> >> >>> >> > > each
>> >> >> >>> >> > > pre-loaded
>> >> >> >>> >> > > game,
>> >> >> >>> >> > > saving and restarting the computer (Sony Viao VGN-FZ11Z
>> >> >> >>> >> > > which
>> >> >> >>> >> > > is
>> >> >> >>> >> > > 3
>> >> >> >>> >> > > weeks
>> >> >> >>> >> > > old!) to no avail.
>> >> >> >>> >> > >
>> >> >> >>> >> > > All other sounds work pefectly (e.g. music at start up,
>> >> >> >>> >> > > bleeps
>> >> >> >>> >> > > and
>> >> >> >>> >> > > stuff,
>> >> >> >>> >> > > etc) and I have no problems with sound via DVDs.
>> >> >> >>> >> > >
>> >> >> >>> >> > > Very puzzling - but how can I get the sounds back? Can
>> >> >> >>> >> > > anyone
>> >> >> >>> >> > > help
>> >> >> >>> >> > > please.
>> >> >> >>> >> >
>> >> >> >>> >> >

I have done what you suggested to no avail. I have noticed that the volume
needs to be set to 100% to get anything like a decent amount of sound (it
wasn't this way to start with).

I am going to try this: uninstall the Rush For Berlin game, turn off the
games, restart, turn on the games, restart and see if that has made a
difference. If that doesn't work, then I will reinstall Windows Vista + the
Drivers and Utilites to get the laptop back to how it was when I first
purchased it. I have all my data backed up on my 250GB external HDD already.

"dean-dean" wrote:

> You could try this. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
> Look to the left for Turn Windows Features On or Off. Click on that. Look
> through the listing and and find Games. Un-check Games, and
> then click OK. Restart your computer. Then go back to Control Panel >
> Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off, and put a checkmark
> next to games. Click OK. This will re-install the Games.
>
> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:C3604252-4530-4D35-8289-FAF0B7C8A3DE@microsoft.com...
> > Well, the recovery discs are made (3 of 'em). i didn't get the option ot
> > leave a copy on the restore partitiion, but i know its all there on the
> > HDD
> > still. Making the DVDs only produces a copy.
> >
> > Thanks to you I now have the correct colum headings showing with all the
> > correct info about each game displayed. one problem solved. still not
> > sound
> > though. Games folder and start menu stuff are all OK.
> >
> > I managed to get onto the E-support part of the Viao website and I have
> > left
> > a case file there about the problem. If I could simply re-instal the game
> > files I am sure that whatever the problem is, it would cure it. I have all
> > my
> > files copied onto my external HDD and if I haven't solved it by the end of
> > this coming week, i will re-install the applications using the DVD I
> > created
> > this morning.
> >
> > I will Post here what happens with the E-support from Viao.
> >
> > "dean-dean" wrote:
> >
> >> So, back to your original problem, do the games' sound work correctly
> >> now?
> >> And do they show, when you right-click the Volume icon in the
> >> notification
> >> area, choosing Open Volume Mixer, the game listed with its own volume
> >> control? (Note that not all games will have sound, and thereby not have
> >> the
> >> option to turn sound off or on.)
> >>
> >> When you ran sfc /scannow, and it found no problems, that indicates that
> >> all
> >> the games' files are okay.
> >>
> >> When you click on the Games folder in Start Menu (listed on the
> >> right-hand
> >> side of the initial menu), does that look okay? (showing the correct
> >> columns, correct preview pane, correct toolbar).
> >>
> >> If your C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games folder and subfolders are
> >> showing
> >> odd columns, try right-clicking a blank spot inside the Microsoft Games
> >> folder, and choose Customize This Folder. In the drop-down list for
> >> templates, toggle it by choosing, say, Pictures and Video, and then
> >> change
> >> it back to All Items. Then put a check next to "Also apply this template
> >> to
> >> all sub folders". (Apply, OK).
> >>
> >> When making your back-up DVDs, if you have the option to leave a copy of
> >> the
> >> restore partition on your hard drive, I would do that. That way you
> >> could
> >> have the option to either restore from your Drive, if it hasn't failed,
> >> as
> >> well as from the DVDs, should one or the other not work. Too, if push
> >> comes
> >> to shove, you probably can order the DVD's from Sony for your model for a
> >> small fee.
> >>
> >> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news2BAFDBF-B23F-4111-BBE7-63094FE35F5F@microsoft.com...
> >> > Thanks again for the suggestions. i downloaded the Utilities and
> >> > Drivers
> >> > pack
> >> > from the Vaio website and i will try them on Sunday. i reinstalled the
> >> > SigmaTel HD Audio drivers and they are working fine. i did the system
> >> > scan
> >> > and there are no probs there. 7 out of the 9 games do not show the
> >> > usual
> >> > stuff: Name is there, but 7 of them show Track number???, Artist??? and
> >> > rating??? instead of Modification date, Size and Type. So I have
> >> > uninstalled
> >> > I-Tunes cos that it what i installd before the problem occured. Still
> >> > no
> >> > good
> >> > though. If i could simply re-install the 9 games I think things would
> >> > then
> >> > be
> >> > OK. Any ideas on how to do that? I have to buy the DVDs in the morning
> >> > to
> >> > create the 3 Recovery discs.
> >> >
> >> > "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Well, rather than completely restore your computer to its original
> >> >> factory
> >> >> state, I would just try the Driver installation first, if everything
> >> >> else
> >> >> on
> >> >> your computer seems to be okay. If the the SigmaTel HD Audio driver
> >> >> in
> >> >> C:\Drivers isn't working, try to find first) an updated version of the
> >> >> sound
> >> >> driver from Sony's internet site for your model, or, if an updated
> >> >> version
> >> >> isn't available, then (second) download the original version of the
> >> >> sound
> >> >> driver that came with your computer. If you have to download the
> >> >> Original
> >> >> Drivers Package, then do that. After you download the file,
> >> >> right-click
> >> >> on
> >> >> it and choose "Run as Administrator". If you downloaded the Package,
> >> >> find
> >> >> the SigmaTel HD Audio driver setup in C:\Drivers, then right-click
> >> >> that
> >> >> and
> >> >> choose "Run as Administrator" to install.
> >> >>
> >> >> Too, since the sound driver uses a few files from Vista's system
> >> >> files,
> >> >> you
> >> >> might try this to see that things are okay:
> >> >>
> >> >> Run the System File Checker. To do this, right click on Command
> >> >> Prompt (Start Menu\Programs\Accessories), and choose
> >> >> Run as Administrator. Copy the following, and Paste it after the
> >> >> prompt:
> >> >>
> >> >> sfc /scannow
> >> >>
> >> >> Press Enter. It will scan all your system files. It may take a
> >> >> few
> >> >> minutes. If things are okay, you are
> >> >> given the text message "Windows Resource Protection did not find any
> >> >> integrity violations".
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news08814EF-5754-478A-8D27-20BAC11F8CE5@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > Thanks again for your help. I have investigated and printed the
> >> >> > recovery
> >> >> > instructions - I now have to make the recovery DVDs before I can
> >> >> > start
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > recovery process. I plan to do this tomorow (Saturday).
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I also checked out . the SigmaTel HD Audio driver is there. I
> >> >> > tried to re-install it but it stopped, telling me that certain
> >> >> > components
> >> >> > were unavilable????
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I can download all the drivers and utilities from the Viao website
> >> >> > dedicated
> >> >> > to my particular model of Vaio, which I will also do tomorrow. I
> >> >> > have
> >> >> > to
> >> >> > do
> >> >> > some file housekeeping (e.g. dumping all my data files onto my
> >> >> > portable
> >> >> > 250GB
> >> >> > HDD) and dumping BBC TV progs I have from 3 of my DVDs to the
> >> >> > portable
> >> >> > HDD,
> >> >> > then format the 3 DVDs to use as my recovery DVDs. I will then
> >> >> > reinstall
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > whole lot, get the updates off the web and hopefully all will be
> >> >> > well.
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > will
> >> >> > post the results here - probably on Sunday morning. I was told this
> >> >> > evening
> >> >> > that SONY just sent me a free Blue-Ray DVD of "Casino Royale", so I
> >> >> > hope
> >> >> > that
> >> >> > this one month old notebook is OK for when I get back to England so
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > can
> >> >> > watch the movie on Blue-Ray!
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> This might help get you to the Recovery Manager, also:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> http://kb.sony-europe.com/KB/Solutio...99/V00185.html
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> "dean-dean" <dean-dean@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> news:unGTG7V1HHA.1344@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> >> >> >> > Using your VAIO Recovery Utility (or some such similar name), can
> >> >> >> > you
> >> >> >> > choose
> >> >> >> > to re-install the sound driver (SigmaTel High Definition Audio
> >> >> >> > CODEC)?
> >> >> >> > Also
> >> >> >> > check C:\Drivers or C:\Utilities. It should give you the option
> >> >> >> > to
> >> >> >> > selectively choose a program or driver that you want to
> >> >> >> > re-install.
> >> >> >> > (This
> >> >> >> > should not to be confused with the option to restore your
> >> >> >> > computer
> >> >> >> > to
> >> >> >> > it's
> >> >> >> > original factory condition, or anything extreme like that). I
> >> >> >> > have
> >> >> >> > a
> >> >> >> > Sony
> >> >> >> > laptop, and I have that option to choose a driver to re-install.
> >> >> >> > I
> >> >> >> > also
> >> >> >> > have the option to download the driver for my model from the Sony
> >> >> >> > Support
> >> >> >> > website, but I don't see that option available for your model.
> >> >> >> > Yours
> >> >> >> > must
> >> >> >> > be too new
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > I only see this available:
> >> >> >> > http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FZ&m=2667
> >> >> >> > Click on Preinstalled Drivers and Utilities for more info, on
> >> >> >> > that
> >> >> >> > page.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> > news:5C166D9A-6524-4A9D-8283-9A2C79EAD9EE@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> >> Did all that and still not working (pity!). i really do
> >> >> >> >> appreciate
> >> >> >> >> your
> >> >> >> >> help.
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> I work in Nigeria (Lagos) and live in England (where I bought
> >> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> >> Viao).
> >> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> >> complete name is VGN-FZ11Z - It's the new one that is designed
> >> >> >> >> for
> >> >> >> >> entertainment!!...some entertainment...fixing the sound afer a
> >> >> >> >> few
> >> >> >> >> weeks
> >> >> >> >> of
> >> >> >> >> owning it! the URL for the Viao is:
> >> >> >> >> http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProd...y=VN+FZ+Series
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> The driver is: SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (it says it
> >> >> >> >> is
> >> >> >> >> working
> >> >> >> >> properly).
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> "dean-dean" wrote:
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>> Well, when you reported that Volume Mixer wasn't showing a
> >> >> >> >>> separate
> >> >> >> >>> column
> >> >> >> >>> for the game, that, to me, indicates a sound driver problem, or
> >> >> >> >>> that
> >> >> >> >>> it
> >> >> >> >>> lost
> >> >> >> >>> it's configuration. Try right-clicking the Volume icon, and
> >> >> >> >>> choose
> >> >> >> >>> Playback
> >> >> >> >>> Devices. Double-click the Device in the window that pops up.
> >> >> >> >>> On
> >> >> >> >>> the
> >> >> >> >>> Enhancements tab, put a check next to "Disable all sound
> >> >> >> >>> effects",
> >> >> >> >>> then
> >> >> >> >>> click Apply. On the Advanced tab, click on Restore Defaults,
> >> >> >> >>> and
> >> >> >> >>> make
> >> >> >> >>> sure
> >> >> >> >>> both check-boxes, under Exclusive Mode, do have a check mark.
> >> >> >> >>> (Apply,
> >> >> >> >>> OK).
> >> >> >> >>>
> >> >> >> >>> What country do you live in? Is VGN-FZ11Z the complete name
> >> >> >> >>> for
> >> >> >> >>> your
> >> >> >> >>> Vaio
> >> >> >> >>> model? In Device Manager, under "Sound, video and game
> >> >> >> >>> controllers",
> >> >> >> >>> what
> >> >> >> >>> is the name of your sound device?
> >> >> >> >>>
> >> >> >> >>>
> >> >> >> >>> "AWAC" <AWAC@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> >>> news:964E9911-5C97-4533-82A4-920B086027E2@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> >>> > Well, turning off games, hard switch off, switch on, turn on
> >> >> >> >>> > games
> >> >> >> >>> > again
> >> >> >> >>> > didn't work. I am stuck!