Driver Installation Failure: Access Denied

[Guest]

Ok, I've searched and searched to no avail.

XP Home SP2, using Owner account, no other accounts on machine.

The machine "lost" it's drivers for the onboard sound (SoundMAX). XP comes
with the drivers. I "Updated Drivers" from Device Manager. The files
installed normally, but then failed. "Device installation error. Access
denied".

I rebooted to SafeMode and repeated - same result.

Nothing in the Event Logs either time.

Using the ACL "reset" tool I've seen mentioned probably won't work - it's
for XP Pro only. This machine came with XP preinstalled, so no upgrades
outside of SP2 and Critical Updates. I've seen no evidence of malware
intrusion.

Any thoughts?

 

[Plato]

The machine "lost" it's drivers for the onboard sound (SoundMAX). XP comes

Find the drivers for the onboard sound from the mobo maker and install
them according to the docs.

 

[Guest]

Create a new Admin User Account.

Yours is probally pooched. it happens. this is a pretty easy fix.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, guys.

No dice - same error with a new admin account.

Also, looks like there's no such thing as an .exe installer for this
motherboard - HP doesn't even offer the driver for download.

Any other ideas?