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Name: Kurt S
On the newer Dell laptops, if you shut off the Windows sounds, it activates the system beeps. Unfortunatly these beeps are absolutly deafening. We have tried everything possible to shut off the beeps but to no avail. Nothing in the BIOS either to mute the system beeps.
So I guess what I'm asking is, what part of Windows translates the need to make a beep through the system speaker and is their a file I can delete that will stop this translation?
Kurt,
I think your problem is NOT software related, it is hardware related. I'm assuming you do not have speakers attached to the computer, so the sounds are being played through the internal case speaker. This is a function of the hardware. On some computers, the sound is set to go out through the internal speaker by default. When you connect speakers they bypass the internal speakers.
I am aslo assuming that you want other sounds to be played since muting the sound on the system is not an option. Although, that would be the easiest solution.
So, if all my assumptions are correct, I know of one possible solution. Remove the wav file that creates that beep. The system sounds are located in the Windows/Media folder. If removing it causes an error because it can't find the file, find a "blank" wav file and rename it like the original file.
Michael J
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These are latops with speakers (and obviously a sound card) built in. The problem is when you choose to shut off the Windows sounds, Windows reverts to using system beeps (not a wave file sound). This is not a function of hardware, it is Windows making the call.
I am using a temp fix which is to leave the Windows sounds on and as you said use a silent wave file but I would like to find a real fix to this.
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It seems like you could just lower the volume to near zero instead of disabling the sound. That way the default beeps wouldn't activate.
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OK, try this. Download the TweakUI Power Toy from Microsoft. Once you install it, run it then go tot he General properties page. There is a setting called "Beep on errors". Try disabling that. Note: the description states it is a per-user setting.
Michael J
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OK, I just tested this on my Dell Desktop. When I disabled sounds in the control panel applet, I was able to reproduce the internal beep you spoke of. Disabling the "Beep on errors" setting worked for me. Good luck.
Michael J
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Maybe I am missing something. But if you are getting error beeps, shouldn't you be working on finding the reason for the errors. I don't know about Dell, but most generic bios' will check the temperature and voltages and beep if they are out of normal range.
Do yourself a favor BACKUP!
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@ham30,
He's talking about the "Error Beeps" in Windows, not the BIOS. These do not necessarily mean an error, just term used for the sound which is used as an indication that something has occured. For example, if you open the simple voume slider and change the volume level, the error beep will be played when you adjust the sound - assuming you have turned off windows sounds.
Michael J
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I believe this is the reghack that Kurt speak of. The site doesn't recommend turning it off altogether.
i_XpUser
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