Windows XP startup sound distorted

[cuppajava]

Hello,
My computer is a Dell Dimension 4700C with Windows XP sp2.
The little jingle that plays when Windows starts up, is distorted.
Furthermore, all audio and video has crackles and plays haltingly. Even
streaming media like internet radio, ie Launchcast, plays gravelly.
The speakers are properly connected and I've tried uninstalling the SoundMax
Digital Audio. When I restart the computer, the startup jingle is still
distorted as well as all other audio I attempt to play.

All suggestions welcome.
Thank You

 

[Ron Badour]

I had a problem like that a few years ago and it was the brand (I forget
which--probably McAfee) of AV I was using.

 

[cuppajava]

I've had a lot of problems with 'Norton' but this would be the strangest
indeed.
I have Norton 360.

 

[Guest]

Re -run the sound driver, see if it improves.

I've had a lot of problems with 'Norton' but this would be the strangest
indeed.
I have Norton 360.

 

[Ron Badour]

I don't use Norton but others who do have reported a ton of strange problems
so perhaps your problem is AV related. If you can disable Norton or shut it
off in msconfig startup screen, you could test to see if it is the problem.
There also might be something else starting at boot that is causing the
problem.

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316434