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Resolving Problems Recording Audio

Test Microphone

Internal Microphone

1. Place the laptop screen in the best direction for receiving sound from the microphone.
2. Choose an environment without background noise.
3. Click "Start", "All Programs", "Accessories", and then "Sound Recorder".
4. Click "Record" and speak directly into the microphone.
5. Save the file to an easily-accessible location, such as your desktop.
6. Open the file using Windows Media Player to play back the recorded sound.
7. If the sound is not acceptable then check your microphone settings.

External Microphone

1. Verify that the microphone port is working properly.
2. Verify that the microphone is not on mute.
3. Test the microphone on another computer, tape recorder, or other device.
4. If the microphone does not work properly on another computer or tape recorder, try using a different microphone.
5. If the microphone successfully records voice on another computer or tape recorder, check the microphone settings on your computer.

Check Microphone Settings

1. Right-click the Sound Icon in the system task bar, beside the clock.
2. Select "Recording Devices".
3. Under the "Recording" tab, select "Microphone".
4. Tap the plastic above the display gently.
5. If the microphone is not working, or if the sound meter is not present, or does not seem to respond to sound input, then,
   • Click on the microphone "Properties". Be sure that the device is enabled in the "Device usage" drop-down menu on the "General" tab.
   • Click the "Levels" tab. Set microphone volume to 100.
   • Click the "Advanced" tab. Check all of the check boxes.
   • Click "Apply", and then "OK". Close all windows.
   • Try recording again to determine if the problem is resolved.

Fix Feedback, Noise, and Static Problems

1. Right-click the Sound Icon in the system task bar, beside the clock.
2. Select "Recording Devices".
3. Under the "Recording" tab, select "Microphone", and then "Properties".
4. Select the "Advanced" tab.
5. Under "Default Format", select the lowest sample rate and bit depth available, such as 2 channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality).
6. Close all windows.
7. Try using the microphone again to determine if the problem is resolved.