Hello,
In Windows XP you were able to connect, for example, a USB headset and then
set that device as the "Voice" device while keeping the main computer
speakers as the default device for all other sounds. This allowed a person to
keep their headset connected and use it for voice conversations using IM
programs while still being able to have their speakers for music and other
sounds. Even during a voice conversation the normal speakers could be used
for music while the voice of the person being communicated with was coming
out of the headset. In Vista it appears this feature has been taken away
despite its usefulness and growing demand. In Vista when a usb headset is
connected it becomes the default device, and when you try to make the
speakers the default device while it is connected, it changes it back to the
headset automatically.
Is it possible to once again use the usb headset for voice only?

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/com...rdware_devices

I agree. This feature is critical for VoIP programs. Without it, one has to
reset the default audio device in the VoIP program every time it's launched.

"Guru" wrote:

> Hello,
> In Windows XP you were able to connect, for example, a USB headset and then
> set that device as the "Voice" device while keeping the main computer
> speakers as the default device for all other sounds. This allowed a person to
> keep their headset connected and use it for voice conversations using IM
> programs while still being able to have their speakers for music and other
> sounds. Even during a voice conversation the normal speakers could be used
> for music while the voice of the person being communicated with was coming
> out of the headset. In Vista it appears this feature has been taken away
> despite its usefulness and growing demand. In Vista when a usb headset is
> connected it becomes the default device, and when you try to make the
> speakers the default device while it is connected, it changes it back to the
> headset automatically.
> Is it possible to once again use the usb headset for voice only?
>
> ----------------
> This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> click "I Agree" in the message pane.
>
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/com...rdware_devices