Solved Realtek Audio installation issues

Hugh

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Member
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I recently upgraded my PC (Foxconn motherboard) to Windows 8 and downloaded what I understand to be the latest Realtek high definition audio driver ie 6.0.1.6662. The driver happily installed but at the moment is a bit reluctant to make an appearance among devices listed in the Device Manager. That's the status quo right now. No matter what I try (uninstalling, re-installing, uninstalling the four instances of Microsoft HD audio device listed), the Realtek driver does not get a mention and I don't have to tell you that my external speakers are deathly silent! USB headphones work fine though.

Just to make things interesting, yesterday (please don't ask me how, as far as I know I'm doing the same things now as I did then!), the driver would intermittently be recognised as a device and the external speakers would spring to life. But.....whenever I rebooted my PC, the Realtek device would disappear again and the speakers would be dead. It was almost as though the Microsoft audio devices were elbowing the Realtek driver out of the way when the PC was rebooted. Strange.

Has anybody else had a similar experience or can anybody suggest a solution.

Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
Try uninstalling all listed Audio devices in the Device Manager and then restart the PC and see if Windows detects the RealTek.

Generally, the vendor audio drivers are the preferred. Non-vendor drivers can either not work or not work correctly. If there are no Vendor supplied Vista/Win7 driver then obviously you have try to find whatever will work.

Is this a "retail" foxconn motherboard or is it a foxconn motherbord in a "name" PC (e.g. Dell). If its in a name PC such as a Dell (Dell uses a lot of Foxconn motherboards) then the vendor's downloads for the specific model number should be checked for a driver.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Thanks for that, yes I've tried uninstalling, disabling and everything else I can think of. No luck yet. I've downloaded only audio drivers from the Realtek site, so they should be OK. The PC isn't a 'name' PC, but I did check out the Foxconn site to see if there were any updated drivers for the motherboard/socket/chipset/Os etc I have. There weren't, though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
If there are other devices or drivers listed there can be conflicts and nothing will work or only intermittently work.

Do you have any other audio devices connected such as a web cam? (they have been known to conflict and cause sound not to work). If you have any other audio type devices connected, physically disconnect then and then see if the Integrated audio (RealTek) will work. You may want to reinstall the motherboard chipset drivers first, as the chipset drivers define the devices on the motherboard. Win 8 should have installed them but may not have installed the correct ones.

What is the model number of the Foxconn motherboard, so I can check it out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Thanks for that, yes I've disabled, uninstalled and re-installed both the Realtek and Microsoft audio drivers but no luck yet. The only drivers I've downloaded are from the Realtek site, so they should be OK. The PC isn't a 'name' PC, but I did check out the Foxconn website for updated drivers for the particular motherboard I have, but there weren't any.

What I did find was that when you look at Device Manager you can tell it to show 'Hidden devices'. I did that and to my surprise, the Realtek audio driver was there listed as a hidden device. Under its properties, though, it had the error message

"Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45). To fix this problem, reconnect this hardware device to the computer."

How you go about 'connecting' an audio driver to a PC is a bit beyond me, I'm afraid.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
Check the BIOS to see if the audio got disabled somehow. If its disabled in the BIOS it will be "disconnected". As I stated the motherboard chipset drivers can also cause some devices not to show up.

The drivers will do no good if the device is missing or corrupted for some problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Sorry about the unintentional double post. There is a webcam installed but not connected and headphones are also disconnected. I do have a new GE Force 210 graphics card aboard. Maybe disconnecting everything in sight and then re-installing might be worth trying.

The Foxconn model is a P4M9007MB-8RS2H.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
The video card should not be an issue, unless you have an HDMI cable attached and then the HDMI audio becomes the default audio playback device.

I looked at the foxconn site. There is a Vista audio driver and that should work OK. There is also motherboard chipset drivers listed. Suggest you download both the Vista driver and the chipset drivers. Install the chipset drivers, restart the PC and then install the Vista driver and see what that does.

Foxconn PRODUCT : Motherboard : Details
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
I've checked the BIOS in the past (and just now as well to make sure). I must be looking in the wrong place because I can find no setting the refers to enabling or disabling audio (!)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
I don't have a listing of your BIOS, but every other BIOS (or UEFI BIOS) that I've looked at has an option to enable or disable the on-board audio. On some BIOS its labeled "legacy audio". Disabling the on-board is a must if you add a separate PCI/PCIe sound card.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
OK, had a longer look and under Integrated Peripherals I found an 'Azalia HDA controller' which is probably it - it's set to Auto, so not disabled. I installed the Vista driver - no improvement, sadly and the chipset driver didn't want to install. After uninstalling other audio devices, the Vista device curiously decided to work today and I had good sound (that workaround doesn't always work I have to say), but as soon as I rebooted, it had gone again! Frustrating!! Might have to take my box to the techies and let them look at it. Maybe a new sound card.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
If the chipset driver will not install that suggests more problems than just the flakey audio problem you have. The chipset drivers are key to the entire PC hardware working correctly. The key things the chipset drivers do is to define (identify) and setup all the hardware devices on the motherboard.

I looked at the Chipset drivers listed on the Foxconn site and they are listed for 32 bit OS only. With this in mind and the fact its a relatively old motherboard (with XP and Vista support only listed) it may not be fully Win 8 compatible. You may want to rethink the Win 8 install on this "old" motherboard.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
Thanks for that advice, fireberd, you might be right (it's version 1.00.000, 5 years old) in which case Windows 8 will have been an expensive upgrade for me! Don't things get old quickly in this game. Ah well, I guess the sun will still be up in the morning.

I really do appreciate your interest and advice in my problem and the suggestions you've made. It's probably time though I had a chat to my local PC shop with a view to maybe upgrading the motherboard. I'll let you know how I get on.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
As bad as it sounds (is), an upgrade is probably due if you want to run Win 8.

Sad part, if you upgrade the motherboard you will most likely have to upgrade the CPU and memory and possibly the video card and power supply. May be better to just look for a complete new PC.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
I'm a cheapskate and a chicken, so I nipped in to my local PC shop this morning and just $30 and a Creative Sound Blaster sound card later my PC is back in business with lots of lovely sound. A workaround, I admit, but I'm all for practicalities particularly if they're not too hard on the wallet and every other alternative you can think of has been exhausted! Anyway, success and many thanks again for your interest and advice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Foxconn
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force
The compatible sound card is the best option for old hardware. That will keep you going for a while. Ultimately you will have to upgrade.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
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