Check Audio Drivers in Windows XP

Posted February 21, 2007

Checking video and audio drivers has always been a difficult thing for me. I am sure there is an easier way, but at the same time, it could be as hard as figuring out the motherboard information. Last night I had to help my parents with a new game they got, which isn’t working correctly. The game developer’s website suggests updating the video and audio drivers. Having no idea how to update the audio driver other than poking around in some areas in XP and doing a general search on the internet.

However, I found some instructions on how to at least find the audio brand or manufacturer.

Step 1: Type Windows > R

Step 2: In the window that comes up, type “dxdiag”

Step 3: A window prompt will come up asking if you want Windows to check your DirectX diagnostic tool, just hit “OK”.

Step 4: You will see a series of tabs, click on any of the tabs that say “Sound”.

Step 5: Under the information listed for “Device” you will see a fieldset called “Name”, and this is where you will find the audio manufacturer as well as other related information.