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I maintain a cluster of HP XW8600 servers for CAD and Mathematica users - all running Windows 7.

Additionally, all are using the onboard Realtek Audio chipset with the latest driver (6.0.1.5973) from the HP web site. On one workstation, I installed a new Nvidia graphics card and it installed an audio driver at the same time as the graphics driver. It completely broke the audio so I backed out the Nvidia install and reinstalled the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver (sp46836.exe).

The install appears to run fine, however, upon reboot the Microsoft Audio Driver is installed and not the Realtek - and the Microsoft driver does not provide any sound. I have tried showing hidden devices and drivers but to no avail. I have tried uninstalling the Microsoft driver but it returns upon the next hardware scan. I have also tried disabling the Microsoft driver.

On the other workstations I also see a Realtek HD Audio Manager icon in the Control Panel. There is nothing on this one.

So, something is blocking the install or the running of the driver. I see the full set of software in: C:\Progam Files (x86)\Realtek\.

I am considering amending the .ini file to point to a log file but unsure of the correct syntax.

Not a machine
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2 Answers2

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I had a similar experience with a Win7 machine and an Nvidia card. I had to uninstall the Nvidia card, use Revo uninstall to get rid of all the Nvidia stuff, reboot and then use CCleaner to do its basic cleanup. Rebooted and reinstalled the Realtek driver. Made sure it was working properly, then reinstalled the Nvidia card. Made sure to check"custom install" on the driver to make sure the Nvidia driver parts were not installed. Hope this helps

user76732
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The problem might be that Windows insists on updating the driver to a version that it considers is better than Realtek for your device.

I would suggest to:

  • Remove in Device Manager the Realtek Audio chipset device with its driver, but do not reboot yet.
  • Block all driver updates to the device by the procedure described in this answer. Note that the step of retrieving the device hardware ID is to be done before you delete the device as above.
  • Install the Realtek driver.
  • Reboot to check that the device works with the correct driver. If the Realtek driver has not been automatically used, you will need to install it manually.
harrymc
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