Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Fix quiet microphone on Acer Aspire 5100 after install Windows 7

After installing Windows 7 on my system the microphone was extremely quiet with the default Microsoft drivers. I finally was able to fix the problem using the following steps:
  1. Download driver from Acer.com (http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Driver/Audio/Audio_Realtek_10.0.5605_Vistax86.zip?acerid=633640464374493351&Step1=Notebook&Step2=Aspire&Step3=Aspire%205100&OS=V10&LC=en&BC=Acer&SC=PA_6).
  2. Next disable Windows automatic driver download and installation. Type "change device installation settings" into Start and select the option of the same name. Change the settings to either "No..." and "Never..." or "No..." and "Install...if not found...". (This is the critical step.)
  3. I also changed the driver install to work in compatibility mode. This is done by right clicking on the Setup.exe, selecting properties > compatibility and changing to Vista mode.
  4. Install the drivers and restart your computer. If you are as lucky as me then your built in microphone will now work.