realTek Sound Drivers are firmware programs that drive integrated audio from computer systems.
RealTek Sound Audio is a type of firmware integrated into a computer, via the motherboard, to provide an optimal sound experience. You do not need an extra sound card while using the RealTek audio system, which provides Windows "plug and play" support for audio activities, such as listening to music, using multimedia applications, creating music and gaming.
No Sound from the RealTek Driver
A RealTek Sound Driver can malfunction when you upgrade Windows operating system software from Windows XP to Vista 32- or 64-bit operating systems. When performing an update, check to ensure that you have the latest RealTek driver applicable to the particular upgrade. Visit the RealTek website for the firmware that supports the system you need to upgrade. (See References section below.)
Installation Problems
During a new Windows installation, the Win32 system files read the basic input/output system (BIOS) to see whether the system has initialized all the components. (The RealTek onboard audio is one of those modules.) If you hear no sound after the install, check the system setup to see whether the onboard audio has initialized. If not, then according to your system setup, initialize the audio, reboot the computer into Windows and check the "Multimedia" or "Sound Control" icons in the Control Panel of your Windows operating system.
Onboard AC97 Chip
The RealTek audio driver has an interface with the AC97 onboard audio chip, which carries instructions for audio operations on the board through a firmware program. If the firmware has not loaded, the sound card cannot communicate with the AC97 chip. Most motherboards that carry the AC97 chip, such as ASUS Technologies, have firmware to initialize the AC97 chip. Look for firmware for the AC97 chip at the applicable motherboard manufacturer website.
ASIO Driver Conflict
In some instances, users install ASIO drivers in conjunction with RealTek drivers for gaming, enhanced audio and MIDI or music integration. An ASIO driver takes precedence over an existing software audio driver such as RealTek on the system. The ASIO driver has a menu that will allow you to choose the RealTek driver as the primary source of audio output, while you can designate other devices as audio input.
Motherboard Configuration
If you have chosen to build a computer from "scratch," check to ensure that the motherboard AC97 chip supports the RealTek Sound Driver configuration. Many people build computers without matching the AC97 chip capability with the onboard audio driver. Buy a motherboard that supports RealTek audio drivers with AC97 audio technology. Motherboards manufactured with the AC97 chip will have the software to interface with the RealTek drivers. You'll need to load the AC97 chip driver before Windows can detect the RealTek sound driver.
Tags: AC97 chip, onboard audio, with AC97, audio driver, RealTek audio, ASIO driver, check ensure