You may receive an error message when you run an application that uses audio recording or playback functionality in Windows Vista

When you run an application that uses audio recording or playback functionality in Windows Vista, you may receive an error message that states that a file or a Microsoft Windows component is missing or could not be started.

For example, when you click Mixer in Windows Media Encoder 9, you receive the following error message:Note The specific error message that you receive depends on the application.

This issue occurs because some older applications use files or components that were developed before Windows Vista. The names of these audio components may be different in Windows Vista. If the calling application uses hard-coded file names, the new files and components cannot be located.

For example, Windows Media Encoder 9 tries to start Sndvol32.exe. In Windows Vista, this component is named Sndvol.exe. Therefore, Windows Media Encoder 9 cannot locate the file, and you receive the error message that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods to change the audio settings for a device.

Method 1: Use the Windows Volume Control

To use the Windows Volume control to change the audio settings for a device, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the notification area, and then click Recording Devices or Playback Devices.
2. Double-click the device for which you want to adjust the settings. For example, double-click Microphone.
3. Click the Levels tab.
4. Move the slider up or down to set the volume level that you want, and then click OK.

Method 2: Use Control Panel

To use Control Panel to change the audio settings for a device, follow these steps:

1. Click Start
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   , click Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, and then click Sound.
2. Click the Playback tab or the Recording tab.
3. Double-click the device for which you want to adjust the settings. For example, double-click Microphone.
4. Click the Levels tab.
5. Move the slider up or down to set the volume level that you want, and then click OK.