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How do I install a microphone to my laptop

 
Dan - Master Tech's Avatar
  • Answered by:Dan - Master Tech
  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Positive Feedback: 96.7 %
  • Accepted Answers: 181
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Customer Question

How do I install a microphone to my laptop?

 

Optional Information:
OS: Windows XP; Browser: Firefox

Already Tried:
LITERALLY EVERYTHING. My mic won't work in Skype, so I've gone through EVERY control panel on my computer, searched for every option in volume controls, run every test I can find, and I just CANNOT get my microphone to pick up any sound! I have tried this with and without a head set. PLEEEASE HELP! I'm desperate and frustrated :(

Submitted: 1648 days and 5 hours ago.
Category: Computer
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 5 hours ago.

GreetingsCustomer let's see if we can find a solution to your problem. First it would help to know a few things and don't be insulted by some of the questions if they seem too simple. What brand and model of computer do you have? Do you know if you have a working microphone? Are you plugging it into the right jack on your computer? Has this computer ever worked with a microphone before or is this the first time?
That will do for starters. I'll look for your reply.
Dan

Customer replied 1648 days and 5 hours ago.

I have a Dell Inspiron 600m. It came with old software and I had a computer designer pull everything off and reload it with the latest version of windows XP

Since this update and newly reloaded material, I have no clue if I have a working mic or not. It does not work with or without a headset. I'm plugging the headset directly into the designated port, and I've checked to verify it's the correct port, etc.

I have never tried to use a mic on this computer prior to today.

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 5 hours ago.

OK, this makes it interesting. Make sure you have the right audio driver for your system. Here is a link to the 600M download page:
Dell Insiron 600M

After downloading:

Install

1. Double-click the new icon on the desktop. For example labeled R12345.EXE.
2. The Self-Extracting window appears and prompts you to extract or unzip to C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R12345.EXE. (Example path). Write down this path so the executable (Example - Setup.exe) file can be found later.
3. The Self-Extractor window appears.
4. Click OK.
5. After completing the file extraction, if the Self-Extractor window is still open, close it.
6. Click the Start button and then click Run.
7. Type C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R12345 in the Open textbox and then click OK.
8. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
Dan - Master Tech39756.9875808218

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 5 hours ago.

I had to update the link. Just select Drivers and Downloads

Customer replied 1648 days and 5 hours ago.

I will give it a try right now!

Customer replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Everything was going fine untilI got to these steps:

5. After completing the file extraction, if the Self-Extractor window is still open, close it.
6. Click the Start button and then click Run.
7. Type C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R12345 in the Open textbox and then click OK.
8. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

My computer does not offer an "installation" option when I follow step #7. It simply opens a new box with a looong list of words / documents and the date they were modified.

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Using windows explorer, open your directory as it is listed:
C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R12345

Is there a Setup.exe file in that folder?

Customer replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Same results. Here's what pops up when I go through "run" or the explorer directory:

file:///C:/dell/drivers/R90698/WDM/

Customer replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

woop- that link did not work... basically a page shows up that says a list of alphabetical files with the dates these files were modified. IE: "version," "Data1," and so forth.

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Lol, ok wait. I just noticed the "fine print"

Customer replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

By the way, if this works I'm advertising your company to my group of 300 students. I'm so frustrated I'm ready to throw this laptop out the window!!!

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Is there an executable ( filename.exe) in C:/Dell/Drivers?

Customer replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Again, leads me to a list of:

WDM
MDM
DATA1

and about 15 other options... each option leads to a new path of nothingness...

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

OK, I will download the file and look at it.

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

OK, this time double click on the file you downloaded, only this time you are going to tell it where to expand itself. when the window opens that says where the file will go, click on the square box to the right of the window path and select Desktop then OK. Click once in the window and after Desktop type: \Driver then click OK
It will tell you the folder doesn't exist, click OK to create it. When I did it the install program started immediately

Customer replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Yes, your instructions worked. Does this mean the mic should work now? :)

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Maybe, restart your computer if you haven't already

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 4 hours ago.

Now I need you to open your sound mixer panel. Since it may differ from the standard windows version we may have to figure it out as to how to get to the input or record panel.Dan - Master Tech39757.0349054051

Expert TypeComputer Support Specialist
Category: Computer
Pos. Feedback: 96.7 %
Accepts: 181
Answered: 11/5/2008

Experience: Over 35 years experience in the service and repair of all types of electronic equipment.

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Customer replied 1648 days and 3 hours ago.

YAAAY - I did not need to do your last tip-- it worked! I checked my windows sound recording device and skype-- success! Thank you!!!!

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Expert:  Dan - Master Tech replied 1648 days and 3 hours ago.

That's great. I'm glad it worked. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know. It's been a pleasure and thanks for using Just Answer.

 
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