Media Skips in Windows XP

[Guest]

For the last 2 months I have developed a problem with my laptop computer
running XP. itunes and Windows Media Player both seem to stutter at random
points during playback of audio (and vidio on WMA). This is worsed by any
concurrent activity of other programs (Explorer, Solitaire, etc.)

Also, playback is garbled on both plug in desktop speakers and on the built
in speakers.

Upon backing up the song and replaying the portion that stutters for 1 to 2
seconds, it does not stutter.

I have a large libray of CD's that I have burned onto my computer (mostly to
use with iTunes and my iPod). I have ripped several new CD's back into the
system, using the latest updates of iTunes and WMA, using error correction
when possible.

No change in the performance.

I have removed Zone Alarm, Avast Anti-Virus, and Spybot, and switched to
McAfee System Security. I do have Windows Defender. I utilize a registry
cleaning program and Window Washer on a regular basis.

I have not had an infection/spyware/trojan horse for over 6 months.

Audio playback for the Internet has not been a problem, especially when
using Web-base audio players.

I do not know if Real Player or Quicktime are affected (they never get used)

I have yet to play an Audio CD directly and test the sound.

My specifications:
Gateway M505 notebook computer (3 years old)
Pentium-M Centrino at 1.4 GHz
1024 MB or RAM
Windows XP SP2 (fully updated)
Regular spyware and virus scanning

I have upgraded the Realtek ALC655 AC97 drivers and codecs (2006 is the
latest)
I have upgraded to Direct X 9.0c, and have even changed the acceleration to
basic and the problem persists.

I have yet to remove the Windows Media Player 11 and iTunes 7.2 and
re-install them.

Otherwise, the computer functions normally.

Any suggestions out there?

 

[Guest]

I did try to play a CD in the drive, and it too stuttered and sounded
garbled. Much of this is since I upgraded to WMP 11 and iTunes 7.2.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MikeS in SGA

 

[Guest]

Resources for Troubleshooting Sound Problems in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q307918

 

[Guest]

Byte, thanks for the help.

I went through the XP troubleshooter without success, and I tried to play
music via mplayer2, and tested Direct X according to the directions, and
again I had no success. I even turned off video acceleration in the WMP.

The sound is garbled through my desktop speakers, the built-in keyboard
speakers, and via headphones, even while using the sound manager to adjust
for the proper output device.

Otherwise, the computer seems to be functioning normally, although XP and
its programs have their usual speed (a bit slower than newer machines, as
this Gateway is nearly 3 1/2 years old).

I'd appreciate any other recommendations.
Thanks again,

MikeS in SGA

 

[Guest]

Byte,

I also tried turning off the Windows Defender real-time protection, without
benefit.
I used the Realtek AC97 program to test speakers, and even on the test
patterns it still stutters (and the sound is somewhat harsh, although a tiny
bit better since turning of the AC97 equalizer and sound environment option).

I'll post more observations as I continue to tinker with the system (a
professional amateur I am with computers. XP is still alot better than the
old Windows 2.0)

MikeS in SGA

 

[Guest]

The below may or may not be of help.
Realtek AC97 audio driver package a 3.98 download
http://www.softwarepatch.com/utilities/ac97.html