Sigmatel HD Audio Codec & Crackly Audio

I'm desperately hoping someone here can help me.. this problem is so frustrating!

I have a Dell Inspiron E1705, XP, running Sigmatel HD Audio. I was trying out a program called DriverCure for my mom and it downloaded and installed an updated Sigmatel HD Audio Codec. I've had this computer for over 2 years and never before did I have this problem, since the update, my sound is crackly and jumpy. The problem is that I have no idea what the previous version of the codec was (that worked), I'm unable to roll back the driver because there was no backed up version, and I'm slightly confused by the codec listings -- does the number go down with newer updates?

I tried uninstalling the driver and reinstalling, but it didn't work. It doesn't seem to be tied to the use of other programs, the sound crackles regardless. The version of Sigmatel HD Audio Codec installed is 5.10.5031.0. Anyone have any idea? I'd be most grateful!

Here is my system information in an .nfo file: http://www.mediafire.com/?gmnfgyn1dxm

Does the 'new' driver (codec) show in Add/Remove Programs?

There is something called "SigmaTel Audio" listed.

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Originally Posted by CCT

Does the 'new' driver (codec) show in Add/Remove Programs?

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Then uninstall that from Add/Remove and reboot. See if Plug and Play finds the 'old' drivers.

Okay, I tried that. It did attempt to install some driver, but I got an error saying "sthda.sys" was missing and the installation couldn't continue. I uninstalled again and rebooted, but the plug n' play didn't start up.

sthda.sys is part of the Sigmatel driver pack.

You need to locate your Dell Service Tag number and go to Dell support and enter it. This will get you a list of drivers specific for your comp.

Then download the driver.

After DriverCure updated the SigmaTel driver, I did go to the Dell website, used my service tag, and tried the driver recommended for my computer. Still had the crackly audio problem.

In any case, after asking this question, my computer became infected with a fairly serious virus that installed itself in every executable file, along with very necessary system files. My first-ever virus, and I discovered the hard way that my TrendMicro anti-virus is totally useless. Even using AVG, I could not clean my system and ended up having to reinstall XP.

It was the long, torturous route, but I'm back to having the working SigmaTel driver (and will not be updating that again!).

I really appreciate your help!

I have yet to find a driver program that actually does what it says on the tin. Sorry you had the virus, but you should know that all antivirus programs are reactive - if someone had the virus already and submitted it to the virus company, they can provide a fix, if you are one of the unlucky ones who get it before there is a fix available, you are likely to have to format and start again.