Find Someone's IP Address When Chatting On Facebook

Want To Trace Someone's  IP Address While Chatting On Facebook?

Here is the way to do so-

First you got to find out the IP address of that User.

To Do so I will be using “netstat” command in windows. If you want to know the IP address of a specific person on Facebook or orkut or any chat service, there is only one way: Just invite or ping him for a chat and while chat is ON open ‘Command Prompt‘ on your PC (Start >Run>cmd).

note: before trying this make sure you close all the other tabs in your browser and only facebook is open. Also if possible delete all the history and cache from your browser.


note:You can not trace people behind proxy servers!

When command prompt opens, type the following command and hit Enter.

             netstat -an

And you will get all established connections IP addresses there. Note down all the suspicious IP’s

The Next Step is to Trace that user using his IP address.

To do so I will be using IP tracer service. Go to the below address and paste the IP address in the box that says “lookup this ip or website”. and it will show you the location of the user.

             Trace IP here!

It will show you all the information about that user along with his ISP and a "Location(Server)" in the MAP. Now in the MAP Just click on “click for big ip address location” in the big picture you can actually zoom in. and try to recognize the area. If any serious matter just note down the ISP details in that page and contact them about the IP. they will respond to you.You can also complain about the ip to cop@vsnl.co.in!

Other netstat commands:
-a Displays all connections and listening ports.
-e Displays Ethernet statistics. This may be combined with the -s option.
-n Displays addresses and port numbers in numerical form.
-p proto Shows connections for the protocol specified by proto; proto may be TCP or UDP.
-s option to display per-protocol statistics, proto may be TCP, UDP, or IP.
-r Displays the routing table.
-s Displays per-protocol statistics. By default, statistics are shown for TCP, UDP and IP; the
-p option may be used to specify a subset of the default.

How can I test for hardware failures in my computer?

Question

How can I test for hardware failures in my computer?

Answer

Click on one of the below links for the hardware device you're wanting to test.  Or browse through the complete document if you're trying to diagnose whether or not the computer has bad hardware.

Tip: Although hardware failures can occur with your computer, if it is encountering errors, make sure you've exhausted all software troubleshooting. The majority of errors encountered on a computer are caused by software or hardware drivers, and not a failing hardware device. See thebasic troubleshooting section for a good starting point in troubleshooting your computer.

Computer hard drive (HDD)
Computer memory (RAM)
Computer motherboard & processor (CPU)
Computer power supply (PSU)
Computer CD/DVD disc drives

Computer hard drive (HDD)

• Testing a computer hard drive for failures.

Computer memory (RAM)

• How can I test my memory to determine if it is bad?

Computer motherboard & processor (CPU)

• Testing my computer motherboard and CPU for failures?

Computer power supply (PSU)

Although there are programs such as speedfan to help monitor the voltage and power supplied to the fans in the computer there is no software utility to test the integrity of computer power supplies.

There are methods of testing the power connectors on a power supply using a multimeter.  However, because of the potential damage that can be caused to the power supply, potentially the motherboard and other components connected to it, this information is not posted on Computer Hope. We suggest users who believe their power supply is failing or is already bad, replace it.

Computer CD/DVD disc drives

• How to test a computer CD-ROM or DVD drive for failures.

Additional information

• See the CD, CPU, DVD, HDD, Motherboard, PSU, and RAM definitions for further information and related links.

Basic network troubleshooting

Issue

Basic network troubleshooting.

Cause

A network may not work because of any of the below reasons.

1. Network or router connection issue card not connected properly.
2. Bad network card drivers or software settings.
3. Firewall preventing computers from seeing each other.
4. Connection related issues.
5. Bad network hardware.

Solution

Because of the variety of network configurations, operating systems, setup, etc. not all of the below information may apply to your network or operating system.

Note: We cannot assist you with network problems due to unknown passwords or unknown ISP settings.

Adapter resources

Verify that the network adapter is properly installed and detected by the computer with no conflicts. If you're using Microsoft Windows check in Device Manager and verify there are no errors and "Network adapters" is present with each network adapter installed in the computer listed, similar to the example on the right.

• How do I get into Windows Device Manager?
• Identifying problems in Windows Device Manager.

If conflicts exist or the network adapter is being detected as an Other device. The network card has not been properly installed in the computer. Try letting Windows re-detect and install the Network card by removing the network adapter and any other conflict devices from Device Manager and then rebooting the computer. If Windows re-detects the card but does not find the drivers, download the network adapter drivers from the computer manufacturer or the network card manufacturer.

• How do I remove a device in Windows Device Manager?
• Listing of network drivers and network card manufacturers.

Verify connections

Wired Network

If this is a wired network, verify that the network cable is properly connected and make sure the LEDs next to the network jack are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with asolid green LED or light usually indicates that the card is either connected or receiving a signal. If the green light is flashing, this is an indication of data being sent or received. In the picture to the right, is an example of LAN port with two LED indicators next to the RJ-45 port. With this port, one LED will light up if connected properly and the other will flash when transmitting data.

If there are no lights or the lights are orange or red the card may be bad, not connected properly, or that the card is not receiving a signal from the network. If you are on a small or local network and have the capability of checking a hub, switch, or router verify that the cables are properly connected and that it has power. If after checking the connections the LED indicators appear bad, the network adapter, port, or cable may be defective.

Wireless Network

If you're using a laptop with a wireless network make sure if the laptop has a Wi-Fi button that it is turned on. Many laptops will have a Wi-Fi button that allows the wireless network to be turned on and off. In the picture to the right, is an example of a Wi-Fi button that is currently enabled.

If the Wi-Fi button is turned on, make sure you're connecting to the correct Wi-Fi hotspot by right-clicking on the Network icon in the Windows notification area and clicking "Connect to a network". Usually, the network with the strongest connection (the most bars) will be your wireless router.

Finally, when connecting to most wireless networks you will need to enter the proper SSID (password) in order to connect to the network. If the incorrect SSID has been entered you will be denied access to the network.

Adapter functionality

Verify that the network card is capable of pinging itself by using the ping command. Windows users can ping the computer from a Windows command line. Unix and Linux users can ping from the shell.

To ping the card or the localhost, type either

ping 127.0.0.1

or

ping localhost

Doing either of the above commands should get replies from the network card. If you receive an error or if the transmission fails the network card is not physically installed into the computer correctly, has the incorrect drivers, or that the card is bad.

Connect to the router

If all of the above steps have been checked and your network has a router, make sure the computer can connect to the router by performing the below commands.

Determine the routers address

Using the ipconfig command (or ifconfig command for Linux) determine the router's address by looking at the Gateway address. Below are the steps for Microsoft Windows users, Linux users can substitute ipconfig for ifconfig.

1. Open the Windows command line.
2. From the command prompt type ipconfig and press enter. This command should give you an output similar to the below example.

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : computerhope.com.
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.103
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

The Default Gateway is the address of your router. Most home routers will have a gateway address that starts with 192.168 like the address shown above. Assuming your gateway address is 192.168.1.1 attempt to ping the router to see if it can send and receive information by running the below command.

ping 192.168.1.1

If you get replies back from the router, the connection between your router and computer are good, and you can skip to the next step.

If you do not receive any replies back from the router either the router is not setup properly or your connection between the router and the computer are not correct. Reset your router to make sure it is not a problem with your router by following the below steps.

1. Turn off the power to the computer and leave it off.
2. Unplug the power to your router and cable modem or DSL modem.
3. Leave the power cables disconnected for 10-15 seconds and then plug in your modem and then your router again.
4. Finally, turn on your computer again and repeat this step to see if you can ping your router.

If you're using a wireless network and have followed all the above steps and still are unable to ping the router try turning off the computer again and connect the computer to the router using a cable instead of trying to connect using wireless. If a wire does also not work connect the manufacturer of the router for additional support or replacement.

Firewall

If your computer network utilizes a firewall, make sure all required ports required are open, especially port 80, which is the HTTP port. If possible, disable the firewall software program or disconnect the computer from the firewall to make sure it is not causing the network problems.

Internet is not working

If you're able to ping the router, but are still unable to connect to the Internet, either your router is improperly configured or the ISP is having issues.

Note: Some ISPs such as Comcast require special software be installed. Make sure any software included with your Modem or other hardware has been installed on at least one computer if you are setting up a new Internet connection.

If your Internet has been working but recently stopped working, give it a few minutes to make sure it is not a temporary outage. If after waiting a few minutes, you still have problems and you have not disconnected the power to your router and modem already follow the below steps.

1. Turn off the power to the computer and leave it off.
2. Unplug the power to your router and cable modem or DSL modem.
3. Leave the power cables disconnected for 10-15 seconds and then plug in your modem and then your router again.
4. Finally, turn on your computer again and repeat this step to see if you can ping your router.

If after following the above steps the Internet is still not working, open the Windows command line and run the below command.

ping google.com

Running the above command should get a reply from Google. If you get a reply, this is an indication that the Internet is working, but you may be encountering a problem with theInternet browser you are using to browse the Internet. Try an alternative browser such asFirefox or Chrome.

If you're getting no reply from Google, your router or modem is not reaching the Internet. If you have a router, make sure your router has DHCP enabled and that the WAN or Gatewayaddress is the proper ISP address.

Finally, after verifying all of the above settings if your Internet is still not working we suggest contacting the ISP to make sure it is not a problem on their end and to assist you further with any special configurations that may not be mentioned in this document.

Additional troubleshooting

Another method of determining network issues is to use the tracert command if you are a Windows user or the traceroute command if you are a Linux or Unix variant user. This command will give you an overview of each of the devices (routers) a packet travels (hops) over a network and can give you an idea of where a problem exists in your network or outside of your network.

To use this command you must be at the command line and type one of the below commands depending on your operating system.

tracert google.com

or

traceroute google.com

If run successfully you should begin to see each hop between the computer and network devices. When the connection fails, determine what device is causing the issue by reviewing the traceroute listing.

Additional information

• See our network definition for further information on networks and related links and information.

General scanner troubleshooting

Issue

General scanner troubleshooting.

Cause

It may be necessary to do general scanner troubleshooting to help determine the cause or to help resolve a scanner related issue.

Solution

Verify cables connected properly to the back of the scanner

If the scanner is a parallel port scanner it is likely it has two available connections on the back of the scanner. Verify that the cable coming from the computer is connecting to the IN, Computer IN, computer, or similar connection.

Ensure that the scanner is getting power

If your scanner is not getting power it is recommended that you check the connections ensuring that they are connected properly to the back of the computer and from the scanner to the wall. If you have the scanner connected to a power strip or surge protector it is temporarily recommended that you connect the scanner directly to the wall.

If the computer scanner is getting power, you should notice the inside light come on when the power is first received by the scanner.

After checking the connections you still get no power to the scanner, it is recommended you contact the manufacturer of the scanner.

Additional parallel port scanner troubleshooting

If you have another device connected in between the scanner and the computer, turn off the computer and temporally disconnect the devices connected to or from the scanner. If, after disconnecting these devices, the scanner works, it is likely that another device may have issues or may be unable to work with other parallel devices.

PC Windows users verify no TSRs are running in the background

Press CTRL + ALT + DEL and end task all currently running software except explorer and Systray and scan again.  If this resolves your issue it's a possibility that an application in the background such as a virus utility is preventing your scanner from scanning.

Verify the LPT port mode

PC users ensure that the LPT port mode within the computer BIOS is set to either EPP or bi-directional mode or try alternating between these two modes.

Update the drivers

Verify that the latest drivers are installed for the operating system being used on your computer. A listing of computer scanner manufacturers and links to the drivers pages can be found on our scanner drivers page.

General microphone troubleshooting

Cause

A microphone not working can be caused by several different possibilities. Below is a listing of those different possibilities.

1. Not connected properly.
2. Issue with microphone.
3. Sound drivers not setup properly.

Solution

Not connected properly

Verify that the microphone is correctly connected to the computer. The microphone must usually be connected to the back of the computer into the microphone jack. The below illustration is an example of what to look for.

Issues with microphone

If the microphone is correctly connected to the back of the computer, ensure that you have a working Microphone. Some older microphones may require a battery; if you have such a microphone, verify that it has a working battery.

If you do not have such a microphone or the battery is a known good battery, verify that the microphone works on another device such as a stereo.

Sound drivers not setup properly

If the Microphone is correctly connected to the back of the computer and no issues have been found to be physically wrong with the microphone, verify that the sound card is properly setup in your operating system.

• Windows 95/98/ME Microphone troubleshooting.

Basic floppy disk drive troubleshooting

Solution

Note: This document is for floppy disk drive issues and not issues with not being able to read one or two disks.

Bad floppy diskette

Verify that the floppy diskette that you are attempting to read from is not write protected or bad. Verify that the diskette is not write protected by sliding the tab into the position not allowing light to shine through it. If you do not have a tab place tape over this hole.

Because of the technology of floppy diskette drives, it is likely for a floppy diskettes to become bad. Verify that other floppy diskettes are not exhibiting the same issue.

If other floppies work it is likely that you may have a bad floppy diskette.

Not setup in CMOS

Verify that the floppy drive is properly setup in CMOS Setup. If the floppy drive is not setup properly you may experience read/write errors or the floppy may not work at all. Most computers need to have the floppy setup as a 3.5, 1.44MB.

Confliction with other hardware

If you have recently physically installed any new hardware such as a tape drive or other backup medium, temporarily disconnect that new hardware to ensure that it is not the cause of your floppy drive not working.

Not connected properly

• Power down, unplug, and open computer, being aware of ESD and its potential dangers.
• Verify that the floppy connection is connected to the motherboard FDD connector. If it appears to be connected, disconnect and reconnect cable to verify cable is seated properly.
• Verify that the floppy cable coming from the motherboard is connected to the back of the floppy drive. If connected, disconnect and connect the floppy drive cable to verify seated properly.
• Verify that a power connection is also connected to the back of the floppy drive.
• If your floppy cable has more than one connection, verify that you have connected the floppy to the appropriate connection. The above picture illustrates what drive should be connected where.

Bad drivers

If you are not able to read or write to a floppy diskette from Windows, verify that the computer is not exhibiting floppy drivers issues by testing the floppy drive from MS-DOS.

If you are running Windows 3.x click File and click Exit Windows to get to an MS-DOS prompt.

If you are running Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows 2000 click Start, Shutdown, and Restart the computer to a MS-DOS prompt.

Once at the prompt, place a diskette into the floppy disk drive and type format a: if you get:

Invalid media or Track 0 Bad = Try formatting another floppy disk.
Write Protect Error = Ensure that the disk is not write protected by removing the floppy disk and insuring that you cannot see through both holes; if you can, move the tab in the left hand side down (looking from the back of the floppy) and try again. If the disk is not write protected try another floppy disk.
Invalid drive specification = Verify that you floppy drive is setup properly in CMOS Setup.

If the floppy disk drive formats properly in MS-DOS but does not format in Windows, it is likely that Windows or a program within Windows is preventing the floppy drive from working. End task all running TSRs and background programs. If you continue to experience the same issues we recommend that Windows be reinstalled.

Bad hardware

If you continue to experience issues after following the above steps it is likely that hardware within the computer is bad. Replace the following hardware in the computer in the below order.

1. Replace the floppy data cable that connects the computer floppy drive to the motherboard \ I/O board.
2. Replace the floppy if the floppy data cable did not resolve your issues.
3. Replace or request that the motherboard \ I/O board be replaced.

Mouse not being detected or working in Windows

Solution

A mouse may not be detected in Windows because of any of the below possibilities.

Computer frozen

Make sure the computer is not frozen by pressing the num lock key on the keyboard. When pressing the num lock key the num lock indicator LED on your keyboard should turn on and off. If this indicator does not change, your computer is frozen, and all hardware on the computer including the mouse will not work. Reboot the computer to resolve this issue.

• Windows freezes or stops responding frequently.

Mouse conflict

If any new hardware has been recently installed in the computer, remove that hardware before following the below troubleshooting steps to help verify the new hardware is not causing the issue.

Not connected properly

PS/2 mouse

If you are using a PS/2 mouse, verify that it is connected into the PS/2 mouse port and not the PS/2 keyboard port located on the back of the computer. If the mouse has worked properly in the past, turn off the computer and disconnect and reconnect the mouse.

Note: A PS/2 mouse should not be disconnected and reconnected while the computer is still turned on.

Tip: If the computer keyboard is working you can shutdown Windows properly by using the keyboard. Press the Windows key on the keyboard, and then use the arrow keys to move to the shut down option on the start menu.

USB mouse

If you are using a USB mouse disconnect and reconnect the mouse cable to another USB port. If the mouse still does not work after it has been reconnected and is connected to aUSB hub, connect the mouse to a USB port on the back of the computer.

Wireless mouse

1. Make sure it is turned on and that there is a power indicator.  The power switch for a mouse is often found on the bottom of the mouse.
2. Make sure the wireless receiver is within range and is not blocked by another object.
3. Replace batteries

Mouse software or driver conflict

Boot into Windows Safe Mode. If the mouse is working in Safe Mode, there is likely a driver conflict or other software conflict. To resolve this conflict follow the below steps.

1. Open Windows Device Manager.
2. Expand the mouse (mice) option in Device Manager by clicking the '+' symbol.
3. Remove all mice listed by highlighting each device and pressing the delete key on the keyboard.

If the mouse still does not work in Normal Windows, follow your operating system basic troubleshooting steps for your version of Windows.

Bad Mouse

If the above steps do not solve the problem, try another mouse. If the another mouse works, try the mouse that is not working with another computer.

• If multiple mice do not work, the computer port is bad. If your using PS/2 or USB port on the back of the computer, the motherboard is bad and would need to be replaced.
• If the mouse does not work with more than one computer, the mouse is bad and should be replaced.

General printer troubleshooting.

Solution

Printer does not have power indicator

First, make sure that the printer is on. When a printer is on it should have some light (usually green) indicating it's receiving power and is on.

If you do not have any indicator light make sure the printer is connected to a working power outlet by verifying each end of the power cable. Next, press the printer power button.

If after following the above steps your printer still cannot get a power status indicator it's likely you're encountering a serious printer issue and we suggest contacting the printer manufacturer for additional steps and instructions on repair or replacement.

Cables not connected properly

Your printer should have two cables connected to it. The power cable and the data cable, the power cable should have already been verified as being connected if your printer has a power indicator light as mentioned above. Make sure the data cable (parallel cable or USBcable) is also connected from the printer to the computer.

Printer error (orange or blinking light)

After your printer has completed its initial startup you should have a solid green light. If the light indicator is blinking or orange often this is an indication of a printer error. For example, this could indicate a paper jam, issue with the ink or toner cartridge, or other serious error.

Because there is no standard to what a blinking light or orange light means if you're getting either of these we suggest referring to the printer documentation for troubleshooting steps or methods of determining what the status indicator is reporting.

No paper or paper jam

Without paper your printer will not be able to print. Make sure you have paper in the paper loaded into the printer paper cartridge or tray. Next, verify that no printer paper is jammed or partially fed into the printer. If you have one or more pieces of paper stuck in the printer these will need to be manually removed before the printer will print again.

Inkjet printer ink related issues

Often when you're encountering an ink related issue you're printer status indicator light (mentioned above) should be flashing. If this is not occurring you may want to skip to the next section. However, if you've recently inserted a new ink cartridge you may want to try the below suggestions.

• Replacing ink cartridges and printer not working.

Printer self tests

Most printers have a way of printing a test page. This page allows you to determine if the printer is physically working or not. This test is usually accomplished by holding down a series of keys. If you are not sure if your printer has this feature or how to perform it refer to your manual or visit your printer manufacturers web site.

In addition to testing the printer using the printer self-test Microsoft Windows users can also perform a software self-test to determine if their computer is able to see the printer and it's able to print. Follow the below steps to perform this test.

Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP, 2003, and Vista users

1. Click Start, Settings, and open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Printers or Printers and Fax icon.
3. Right-click on the Printer you wish to test and click Properties. If you do not see your printer listed your printer is not installed.
4. In the Printers Properties window click the Print Test Page button.
5. If the printer is able to print a test page, you're printer is installed and setup properly. However, if you're unable to print in other programs it's possible that the program you're attempting to print from has issues.

Older versions of Windows with older printers

If you are running an older printer and MS-DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, orWindows NT, you can also attempt the below software test.

Get to a MS-DOS prompt or Windows command line
Get to the root directory - Type: cd\
Reroute dir to printer - Type: dir > lpt1

The above should take the directory listing and print to the printer. If this does not print, refer to your operating system troubleshooting section. Extra Note: This will not paper feed, therefore press your FF or PP, or manually eject the paper.

Printer drivers

If your printer does not have any flashing lights and is connected properly it's possible you may be encountering a driver related issue. We suggest visiting our printer driver listing, which links to all major printer manufacturer driver pages and downloading the latest printer drivers for your printer.

Parallel (LPT) printers

If the printer you're connecting to the computer is an LPT (parallel port) printer we also suggest verifying the below suggestions if your printer is not working.

Parallel port in CMOS

1. Enter the computers CMOS setup.
2. Once in CMOS verify that your parallel port is enabled or installed.
3. Next, verify the printer or parallel port mode. This option will often have several different modes. If your parallel port is set to ECP mode, we suggest trying a different mode.

Other parallel device

If you have a parallel printer with other parallel devices such as a parallel scanner or zip drive, temporarily disconnect these devices to verify they are not causing your issue.

Missing or lost sound in Windows

Cause

This issue could be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. Bad software settings.
2. Corrupt or missing sound drivers.
3. Compatibility issues with the operating system or other hardware.
4. Speaker related issues.
5. Bad or missing sound card.

Solution

Verify software volume control settings

First verify you see a small sound icon  or  in the Windows notification area (bottom right-hand corner of your screen). If this icon is missing, follow the below steps.

Windows XP

1. Open the Control panel
2. Open the "Sounds and Audio Devices" icon.
3. Verify the "Place volume icon in the taskbar" checkbox is checked. If this option is not available or is grayed out, skip to the next section of this document.
4. If you were able to check this box, click ok and close out of this window and the Control Panel.
5. Double-click the sound icon in the Systray and verify that all the sound volumes are mid-way or higher.

Windows 2000

1. Open the Control panel
2. Open the "Sounds and Multimedia" icon.
3. Verify the "Show volume control on the taskbar" checkbox is checked. If this option is not available or is grayed out, skip to the next section of this document.
4. If you were able to check this box, click ok and close out of this window and the Control Panel.
5. Double-click the sound icon in the Systray and verify that all the sound volumes are mid-way or higher.

Windows 95, 98, or ME

1. Open the Control panel
2. Open the "Multimedia" icon.
3. Check the checkbox for "Show volume control on the taskbar." If this section is grayed out, change the Playback "Preferred device" by clicking the down arrow and changing to an alternate selection. If that is also grayed out, skip to the next section of this document.
4. If you were able to check this box, click ok and close out of this window and the Control Panel.
5. Double-click the sound icon in the Systray and verify that all the sound volumes are mid-way or higher.

Verify the installed driver settings

1. Open the Windows Device Manager
2. Verify there are no conflicts or errors listed anywhere in Device Manager. If conflicts exist skip down to conflicts section.
3. Verify no other devices are listed. If other devices are listed skip down to other devices section.
4. Verify that your "Sound, video and game controllers" category is listed, if not skip down to the missing sound card section.
5. If no conflicts or other devices are listed and your sound card is listed with no conflicts, skip to the next section.

Conflicts section

If conflicts exists with your sound card or other devices installed in your computer it is likely that either the drivers are not properly installed for that device or the sound card or other devices are conflicting. If you open the properties of the device that is conflicting and view the properties, additional details about the conflict can be found. Additional information about error codes as well as help with Device Manager can be found on our Device Manager section.

If you are unable to locate additional information about your issue or are unable to resolve the issue, follow the below steps.

1. Under Sound, Video and game controllers highlight each device and press the delete key to remove the device.
2. Reboot the computer.
3. As the computer is booting the system will detect the sound card and any of it's devices and re-install those devices. If prompted for a location of drivers, try pointing it to your sound card CD or your Windows CD. If this does not work or is unable to locate the proper files, you will need to get the latest sound drivers from your sound card manufacturer.

Other devices section

If other devices are listed, it is possible that these other devices could be the sound card or other devices conflicting with the sound card. If any other devices are listed it is recommended you remove those devices, reboot the computer and let Windows redetect the devices.

If this does not work, determine what device is not being detected and resolve that issue first.

Missing sound card section.

If you are missing the "Sound, video and game controllers" category in Device Manager, it is likely that the sound card drivers are not installed properly, sound card has been disabled, sound card is bad, or no sound card is available in the computer. First, verify no conflicts or other devices are present in the Device Manager; if these are present it is likely they are the sound card or devices causing the sound card not to be detected. Second, verify that the computer has a sound card and that the sound card is enabled on the computer.

If this is an on-board sound card you can verify that it is enabled in CMOS setup.

If you have no adapters or cannot click the down arrow to select the correct adapter, close out of this Window. In Control Panel double-click the System icon, click the Device Managertab within Device Manager and ensure there are no yellow ! or red X.

If you have either of these on any of your sound devices, remove everything under Sound Video game controllers and reboot the computer. If after rebooting the computer you still have the same conflicts, double-click on the conflicting device and refer to our Device Manager error code section giving you additional information on the error code you are experiencing.

Verify speaker connections

Verify the speakers settings and speakers are not at fault by running through computer speaker troubleshooting.

Sound card drivers

If you have followed the above recommendations and you are still unable to get the sound card to work, in Device Manager remove all sound video and game controllers and reboot the computer. This should cause Windows to reinstall all missing drivers and often can correct corrupt drivers. If this does not work after rebooting the computer download and install the latest sound card drivers from the computer or sound card manufacturer. A listing of sound card drivers can be found on our sound card driver page.

Defective hardware

Finally, if all of the above recommendations do not resolve your issue it is likely that either the sound card is physically bad or that the operating system is severely corrupt. We recommend you contact the manufacturer of the sound card or computer for a replacement or additional recommendations.