Problem: The computer cannot play audio because Windows Audio Service is not enabled.

[any ANONYMOUS forum user]

For almost a week my sound has not worked. I have a Windows Vista (that explains it...). When I put the cursor over the sound image on the icons bar, it says the Audio Service is not running.

When I get the opportunity to change it, the prompt says "The computer cannot play audio because Windows Audio Service is not enabled. Would you like to enable Windows Audio Service?" I always click yes, User Account Control asks to permit the program, and then my systems configuration thing comes up that says everything is working (except Stereo Mix under the Recording tab). When I try to disable, configure, or set as default to any of the sound components, it does nothing.

Would someone please be able to help me get my sound working again?

Try to download the latest version of sound card drivers from the manufacturer of your hardware.

If it doesn't help, you can try to do an in-place upgrade or a re-install Windows Vista.

An in-place upgrade repairs Windows Vista while retaining your applications, files, and settings as they were in your previous edition of Windows. If you have installed Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista and your original Windows Vista DVD does not include this Service Pack, then the Upgrade option will be disabled, thus preventing you from doing an in place upgrade you will need to Uninstall Service Pack 1 from your PC prior to attempting the upgrade. Microsoft always makes it easy

After performing In-Place Upgrade, your personal data and installed programs will not be removed, but some of the applications may stop working. You should also run Windows Update to install all the available updates for your system to update these system files to the latest version. Microsoft has made this troubleshooting process very very time consuming, so it may take several hours to complete.

How to perform the In-place Upgrade:

1. Boot with your Windows Vista
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
3. If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now.
   
   If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps, then Click Start, click Run, type Drive:\setup.exe, and then click OK. Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.
   Click Install now.
   
4. When you reach the "Which type of installation do you want?" screen, click Upgrade to upgrade the current operating system to Windows Vista.
   
5. Please run Windows Update again as you will need to download and install the most current updates.
   
6. If you do not have the Windows Vista Installation DVD, then the situation is pretty bad. You can order a backup DVD from your PC manufacturer, but this could cost you $50-100. Or you can download Windows Vista from a torrent, but you can potentially get a virus with it as well.