Sound card problems.

T

thejamesking

New Member
I have recently tried helping my Aunt reformat her computer over the phone. She is in texas and I am in New York. We got video card, modem and everything installed but the soundcard. Now from what we could find out the soundcard she has is "MPU-401 Compatible MIDI Device 5.1.2535.0". I tried downloading that driver but over 20 different mirrors brings me to the microsoft site where there is absolutely no link for download there. No results in search with even MPU401 or MPU-401 does anyone have a link or any information that can help me in this matter. I don't knowt oo much about hardware myself so it makes it even harder trying to help my aunt remotely. Imagine explaining how to open up the system and locate the sound card to a 100% computer illiterate person. Any help appreciated.
 
Do you know what a pci slot is? You will see those when looking at the rear of the case. That would be right between the modem and video card there. You have to first remove the side panel to gain access as well remove the blank that used as a filler. Once you drop the card inplace there is a small retaining screw or at least plastic tab that presses down on the chrome colored tab that goes just above the opening.

The card has to pushed down evenly into the slot to make it is properly seated. Then the retaining screw(preferred) is put on or the plastic tab gets pressed down. In some cases you have both. Once the card is installed and the system is started Windows will bring up a prompt for "new hardware found" and ask for drivers.

Meanwhile MPU-401 is the type of MIDI processing unit not brand of anything there. That is found on the board when onboard sound is present and on sound cards themselves as an interface for midi(musical instrument digital interface). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPU-401
 
you could try www.driverguide.com
I did a very quick search but couldnt find anything, however they do have a program called "Driver Guide Tool Kit" which is suposed to inspect your system and identifiy the components and search for new drivers available. I havent used it myself so cant say if its any good.

BTW. is it a brand name PC? does she have the original recept/paper work, as it may have some details on it as to the exact name of the sound card.
And what Operating system is it using?
 
First you have to be able to install an expansion card like a sound card into a pci slot that goes in much easier then other hardwares. Besides a few images here for reference you can look through the basic guide for installing pci devices at http://www.pcguide.com/byop/byop_InstallingPCIExpansionCards.htm

Please note the slots going horizontal at the bottom here. http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pcislots1bw6.jpg

Generally the plastic retaining tabs if any are various colors usually grey or a dark color and are shaped a little differently than seen here. http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pcislots2ai2.jpg
 
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