So here is something sort of stupid

[Gore1FL]

The real fix to this is unplug and replug the microphone.... but I need a software fix...

If a user logs into a freshly rebooted HP dc5700 desktop computer (with a mic plugged in or not), when they plug the mic in, it (the mic) works. If they log out and log back in without unplugging the mic, it works.

If they log out, and another user logs in while keeping the mic plugged in, it doesn't work. If the original user logs in again, it doesn't work. Everything clears when the mic is unplugged and plugged back in to the desktop again.

Would there be any ramifications from issuing a net stop on the sound card servics and then a net start on the same device in a logon script? I think that might clear the problem.

[MyNameGoesHere]

1. maybe a dumb question but what OS are you talking about?

If it is XP/Vista try turning off fast user switching. If it Linux, well sound has always sucked in linux.

[Gore1FL]

4. It's XP.

I'll give that a shot too. thanks!

[trotsky]

2. So it's a phono-plug microphone, not a USB, correct?

I assume you've already made sure the latest drivers are installed.

There should be no harm at all in stopping and restarting the sound service(s) but that really shouldn't be happening. Is the sound card built in? I'd open a call with HP - they may have a firmware update for the chipset or a beta driver that fixes the problem.

[Gore1FL]

3. yes it is a phone plug in

the sound card is built in.

[DavidMS]

5. Quick dumb question...

Have you upgraded the driver? Contacted HP support (if its under warranty)?

If its not the driver, try swapping the hard drive with another DC5700 system (it sounds like you also do IT at a company) and there are typically several identical systems for performing this kind of test on.

Also, you can try this: Give the user a loaner and transfer their data over. Then get a spare drive (we always seem to have a few lying around) and load XP and the sound driver and see if the problem is replicated. I once had to do somthing like that to a Dell Laptop.

Good luck!

David