svchost.exe / sondcard problems / no system restore - virus?

McGraw · 12-01-2007, 11:33

Recently my Dad has been having problems with his pc.

His soundcard works (music plays etc.) and is ok in device manager but programs won't accept it's there and he has lost his volume control in software. It's a C97 onboard chip. If you go into advanced properties, all the options, e.g. midi are greyed out and show "none".

Although he has system resore points they don't work. Windows says it is unable to restore.

He also gets regular svchost.exe problems.

Apart from this, his pc is fine.

He runs AVG which I believe is up to date and has a firewall and spyware program.

Does anyone think he has a virus?

Thanks very much for any help.

Paul K · 12-01-2007, 11:42

Thorough spyware, virus and trojan scans are always a good idea but have you tried removing the device from device manager and then reboot? Also can you download new drivers and install them?
Easiest way to resolve some issues like this is a repair install.

Tightscot · 12-01-2007, 11:42

RE the SVChost, it could be a virus... you need to check that AVG is definately up to date and then run a FULL scan... but SVC host problems can be a result of loads of different stuff - so don't panic .... yet

Re the C97 audio, have you tried downloading the latest drivers? Also is the audio driver the default playback device thingy if you look in control panel/sounds and audio?

McGraw · 13-01-2007, 00:21

I did try a remove and reinstall but it just hung.

I will do a full check up of virus and spyware when I see him on Monday.

As for checking it's the default device, that's not possible as all menu boxes think the card isn't installed. He doesn't even have a volume control yet the sounds play!?

nffc · 13-01-2007, 01:45

Hmm, is the sound chip listed in Device Manager? Is Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator under system devices, or is it ISA PNP Data Enumerator? Windows Audio service started? Anything in the event logs?

All things to check

McGraw · 15-01-2007, 16:38

Thanks, will look tonight.

McGraw · 16-01-2007, 09:37

Sorted it.

The svchost.exe problems were being caused by one of the programs that gets installed with BT Home hub. Uninstalling them all sorted that.

I also uninstalled the soundcard drivers from within control panel but it hung whilst doing it.

When I rebooted the card was working properly and didn't seem to reinstall.

Did a full virus and spyware scan as well as a defrag.

Everything works great now.

Cheers for the help.