Err Msg: Sound Recorder Cannot Record or Play Back...

Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
Article ID: Q133073

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you try to play a sound (.wav) file, you may receive the following error message:

   Sound Recorder cannot record or play back because a sound device
   is not installed. To install a sound device, click 'Add New
   Hardware' in Control Panel.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the "drivers=MMSYSTEM.DLL" entry is missing from the [boot] section of the System.ini file.

RESOLUTION

Add the following line to the [boot] section of the System.ini file:

   drivers=MMSYSTEM.DLL

If the line is present but has a semicolon (;) at the beginning, remove the semicolon.

MORE INFORMATION

Following the instructions in the error message does not eliminate the problem, nor does removing and reinstalling the device in Device Manager. Removing and reinstalling all multimedia components also does not eliminate the error message.

This problem can also cause other symptoms. When you try to adjust the volume using Mixer Control you may receive the following error message:

   There are no active mixer devices available. You may install or
   activate mixer devices from Control Panel. This application will
   now exit.

Media Player will run with this problem present, but the only device listed in the Devices menu will be Video For Windows.

KBCategory: kbsound kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: wpp95 win95
Additional reference words: 95

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Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
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