OLEXP: How to Troubleshoot Audio Problems in Outlook Express E-mail Messages

This article describes how to troubleshoot audio problems when you add sound to an Outlook Express e-mail message.

Sound Does Not Play

If the volume is turned up on your computer and you do not hear sound, something may be wrong with your audio card. Check your audio card drivers to see if they are installed correctly, and then reinstall them if necessary. To reinstall the drivers, start Microsoft Windows Media Player, and play both a .wav file and a .mid file. To start Windows Media Player, click Start, point to Programs, and then click Accessories.

In addition, check the following list for other possible situations that may cause problems when you try to play a sound:

• Make sure that the speakers are plugged in to the computer and connected correctly to the batteries or the power outlet.
• Make sure that the volume control on the speaker is turned up.
• Adjust the volume control in Windows. To do this, click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
• Make sure that you can hear sounds in other programs. If you cannot hear sounds in other programs, make sure that you have properly installed your sound card. Check the sound card manual or call the sound card manufacturer.

To find out if you have a sound card:

1. On the Microsoft Windows desktop, right-click the My Computer icon, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Device Manager tab. If you have a sound card, it is in the Device Manager list.

If you receive the "Sound is not available on your machine" error message:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs, click the Setup tab, and then click Multimedia.
3. Click Details, and then click to select the Audio Compression check box.

Sound Is Distorted or "Fuzzy"

When you play sounds at a higher volume than your speakers can manage, the sound may be distorted. You can adjust the volume by following either of these steps:

• Turn down the volume dial on the back of the sound card (in the rear of the computer where the speakers plug in to your computer).
• Change the volume control in Windows. To do this, click the speaker icon on the taskbar, and then adjusting the controls.

The Whole Sound Is Not Played

Most audio cards play one sound at a time; therefore, other sound-producing programs may interrupt the sounds from Home Publishing. If you have other sound-0producing programs, do not use them while you use Home Publishing.

Sound Files Only Play One Sound at a Time

If you set up multiple sound files to play simultaneously in an e-mail message, only the file that you inserted first plays.

.WAV Files Do Not Play in Netscape Navigator

If you create an HTML page, insert a .wav file, and then open it in Netscape Navigator 4.05 Standard Edition, the sound does not play because this version of Netscape Navigator does not include the necessary sound player Java applet. To play a sound, you must use Netscape Navigator 4.05 Professional Edition or later.