Windows 7 and Compaq

**Tyler** · 11-19-2009 11:43 PM

So I installed Windows 7, but Compaq hasn't released an audio driver for it yet, so I have no sound. ; ____ ;

I read about something called the UAA (universal audio archetecture) and I was wondering if that would solve my problem?

If not, how long do you think it will take for Compaq to release an audio driver?

**Ynot** · 11-19-2009 11:52 PM

Compaq Presario?

quick google says there's no graphics or audio drivers for this laptop range (either Vista or Win7)

Bear in mind I have absolutely no experience with vista or 7, but apparently, you can install the XP drivers in some sort of compatibility mode, but as a result no apps can directly access the hardware (access through software emulation only)
so no games or anything

I'm going off this
http://windows7forums.com/windows-vi...-presario.html

**Tyler** · 11-19-2009 11:56 PM

No, mine's not a presario.
I checked on the compaq website for my model and there is no drivers for 7.
So I could install an XP/Vista driver and use compatability mode?
Do I run the installation in compatability mode or run the program in compatability mode? Like Firefox?

**Ynot** · 11-20-2009 12:00 AM

Sorry, I have no idea
this is not my area

**khh** · 11-20-2009 12:01 AM

It's not a good idea to try and install XP drivers, I think. Not unless you've tried hard to find some vista or windows 7 drivers. But you don't really need official compaq drivers, you just need the right dirvers for the audio card. So you need to find out what audio card your computer's got.
edit: If I did not make it clear enough, a vista driver will probably work perfectly.

**Ynot** · 11-20-2009 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by khh

It's not a good idea to try and install XP drivers, I think. Not unless you've tried hard to find some vista or windows 7 drivers. But you don't really need official compaq drivers, you just need the right dirvers for the audio card. So you need to find out what audio card your computer's got.

typically laptops have custom, integrated components

Vendors tend to tinker with the manufacturer's reference designs
because of this, unlike off the shelf components for desktops / servers, laptops tend to need vendor specific drivers

**khh** · 11-20-2009 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by Ynot

typically laptops have custom, integrated components

Vendors tend to tinker with the manufacturer's reference designs
because of this, unlike off the shelf components for desktops / servers, laptops tend to need vendor specific drivers

I've installed drivers from other distributors on laptops with integrated audio cards lots of time, and I haven't had a problem yet. At any rate, it is worth a shot if there are no official Vista drivers. Worst case is that it won't work and needs to be removed again.

**Tyler** · 11-20-2009 12:10 AM

I've already tried installing a Vista driver. It didn't work.

**Ynot** · 11-20-2009 12:10 AM

Complete clusterfuck

install XP

**Tyler** · 11-20-2009 12:13 AM

I don't want to go back to XP.
I can just wait for an audio driver, I'm sure it won't take THAT long, and I'll live without sound for awhile.
So far I really like 7.

**Tyler** · 11-20-2009 12:26 AM

I just installed the UAA and it didn't work.

**Ynot** · 11-20-2009 12:38 AM

to be honest
if there isn't a driver available now (even a beta) then chances are there will never be one

MS doesn't care, and Compaq want you to buy another laptop

What is the make & model?
I know a couple of people who work for HP (Compaq's parent company) - I'll ask if they know of anything in the works

**Tyler** · 11-20-2009 12:42 AM

I have a "Compaq Presario SR5254X Desktop PC"

And they've released drivers for XP and Vista on the Compaq site, why wouldn't they do the same for 7?

**khh** · 11-20-2009 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by Ynot

MS doesn't care, and Compaq want you to buy another laptop

You can't really blame Microsoft for this. They can't possibly make their own drivers for everything. That's the hardware vendor's responsibility.

Originally Posted by Fableflame

I have a "Compaq Presario SR5254X Desktop PC"

And they've released drivers for XP and Vista on the Compaq site, why wouldn't they do the same for 7?

Well, if it isn't a new computer then there's no profit in it for them.

Edit: Try and download the drivers directly from Realtec (http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/...3&DownTypeID=3)

**Tyler** · 11-20-2009 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by khh

You can't really blame Microsoft for this. They can't possibly make their own drivers for everything. That's the hardware vendor's responsibility.

Well, if it isn't a new computer then there's no profit in it for them.

Edit: Try and download the drivers directly from Realtec (http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/...3&DownTypeID=3)

I've already tried that too.
It didn't work either.

**khh** · 11-20-2009 01:05 AM

Originally Posted by Fableflame

I've already tried that too.
It didn't work either.

If both those and the official vista drivers failed, I'd suspect there were something wrong with the card itself or the speakers. Did it work before you installed windows 7?

**Tyler** · 11-20-2009 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by khh

If both those and the official vista drivers failed, I'd suspect there were something wrong with the card itself or the speakers. Did it work before you installed windows 7?

Yes.
It worked perfectly fine before.

**khh** · 11-20-2009 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by Fableflame

Yes.
It worked perfectly fine before.

Then I'm out of ideas. Sorry. Though I do find it strange. I've tried windows 7 on several computers with a Realtek HD Audio integrated sound card, and then it worked fine with generic drivers provided in the OS itself. Didn't have to install anything.