Sped up Audio (chipmunks almost)

[Metropolis]

Greetings,

I've encountered a problem with some of my old MP3's and ripped/converted DVD sound. When played back either on Windows Media (different versions tried) or WinAmp, the sound is sped up. Mick Jagger sounds a little emasculated, etc. Not quite chipmunk speed, but getting there.

It seems to be only on different computers, ie. my laptop at home still plays regular speed audio, but plays fast at work. I've tried streaming audio from the Shoutcast network, and that is affected as well. Problem with sound is on a P4 system. Tried de-selecting digital audio with no results.

Have any of you encountered the same, and if so - were you successful in fixing it and what did you do?

[Brandon_IT]

It seems to be only on different computers, ie. my laptop at home still plays regular speed audio, but plays fast at work. I've tried streaming audio from the Shoutcast network, and that is affected as well. Problem with sound is on a P4 system. Tried de-selecting digital audio with no results.

I've had this problem on PC's at my workplace as well. It occurred on Dell OptiPlex GX240's using an Intel 845 chipset with Pentium 4's.

The problem lies in the sound driver for the built-in sound card. Windows 2000 incorrectly identifies the sound card. That is why the sound is accelerated. This probably affects all Intel 845 chipsets with integrated sound cards.

The fix is to download the correct driver from Dell's website and install it.

The correct driver is: SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio

You can verify which sound driver you currently have in Win2000 by:
Right-click My Computer on your desktop.
Choose Properties.
Choose the Hardware tab.
Press the Device Manager button.
Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.

You should see SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio listed there. If not, then you have the wrong driver and that is the cause of your problem.

Dell has recently begun requiring registration for certain parts of their Support website or I would post the exact driver location. But if you go to www.dell.com and go to Support, you should eventually find it.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Brandon