Thursday, September 17, 2009

C-Media AC97 Audio Device - This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)

Error Message:

Cannot start this hardware.

There was a problem installing this hardware:
C-Media AC97 Audio Device

Symptoms:
There is no sound. When you open up Device Manager, there is a yellow exclamation mark on C-Media AC97 Audio Device. When you double click C-Media AC97 Audio Device, under device status, it says:
This device cannot start. (code 10)
Click troubleshoot to start the troubleshooter for this device.

Screenshot:


Probable Cause:
This is a common problem when you have Realtek AC97 chipset. Somehow Windows XP recognize Realtek sound device as C-Media AC97 Audio Device.

Solution:
Download and install the latest version of Realtek AC97 driver and it should be fine. Here's a screenshot of a working one:

at 12:40 PM

20 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 7, 2009 at 5:05 AM

    thank you! it works for me!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 21, 2009 at 10:03 AM

    Thank you very much for this info. I couldn't understand this problem, so I was pulling out plugs and fiddling with wires, until I searched on the net and found your advice. I downloaded the file and everything is now fine. Best Regards.

    ReplyDelete
  3. EdmarOctober 21, 2009 at 10:12 AM

    Glad to help!

    ReplyDelete
  4. marlaOctober 30, 2009 at 9:07 PM

    Finally, got it working. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 9, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    Sir, You have no idea how long I have fiddled with this issue. I thank you wholeheartedly for resolving this for me. I was able to get that audio chip to work using linux, but had problems with other things so switched back to XP only to have the same audio issue re-appear. I have searched long and wide for a solution. Thank you! It is finished...

    ReplyDelete
  6. EdmarNovember 9, 2009 at 9:43 PM

    Glad to help! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. 4inkjets coupon codeNovember 28, 2009 at 2:17 AM

    thanks for this information.It halped me a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Houston Computer RepairDecember 10, 2009 at 12:01 AM

    Thanks for all of your helpful information. I am longing for a site that can help me repair a computer without the need of a computer technician and I'm so glad I found yours.

    I never expect that I can fix a device on my own. I also read others of your post and all is great and very informative.

    ReplyDelete
  9. sctrjJanuary 6, 2010 at 2:43 PM

    I see others have had their challeges fixed by this. What if my Realtek driver does not show up incorrectly in the list and I still get the Yellow triangle and a code 10? I have downloaded the newest driver. Nothin!! I have uninstalled and reinstalled. Nothin!!! I am using XP SP3. Please help.

    ReplyDelete
  10. ayissazamsFebruary 6, 2010 at 4:43 AM

    Woooot! Finally! This works! I've been dying to know what's wrong with my audio device. Thank you so much for this blog. It really helped me! I've reformatted my pc the past few days for the first time and I didn't know that I still have to backup some drivers. But thank you, now I've learned :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. NateFebruary 14, 2010 at 12:13 PM

    Downloading it now
    Hope it works!!
    have been googling for 4 days now with out result!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2010 at 6:06 AM

    You are an ANGEL! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2010 at 6:43 AM

    Mucked up the shared computer, been tearing my hair out trying to fix this; did what you said and it worked! You saved my bacon mate, many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousApril 11, 2010 at 2:04 PM

    Dude, you are a LIFESAVER. I've spent weeks of vague attempts and then three hours of concentrated attempts trying to fix this issue. Forums make it so complicated and provide a myriad of links, demand all sorts of computer info... I find your page and wham! Fixed. Thanks so much.

    -Sarkywoman

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousMay 10, 2010 at 8:37 PM

    OMG YOU ARE THE FREEKIN BEST!!! omg i was going to rip my hair out! hours and days of trying to figure it out... this is legit shit =) THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!! =D

    ReplyDelete
  16. alene55May 11, 2010 at 11:49 PM

    You guys are AMAZING! Thank you--this worked and SO EASY! My goodness, if everyone knew how to cut right to the chase. Thanks, my heros today!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    Hi,
    My computer shows cmedia ac 97 and it works, but my sound is choppy. Both programs are listed separately in the add/remove programs. Should I remove cmedia and only have realtek?

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousMarch 2, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    you are a genius!! I have had this problem for 5 years but now I can finally watch films on my computer!

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousApril 16, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    got a new pc for my daughter with lots of game but no sound so no use for my kids, they are upset for past 4 days . I am searching net for solution, downlaoded this driver today and if it loads well then my prayers to Lord Mahaveer and ganesha and all 360 million gods and goddesses of hindu mythology to help and protect you

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    ThankU! My device is now fixed, but I still can't hear any sound when Im playing music. Did I forget to activate something?

    ReplyDelete

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