Internet telephoning microphone problems

[thetada]

Hi,

Does anyone know, on Windows XP Sp2 Prof, do you have to have the speech recognition software installed to use a microphone to make internet calls?

It's the first time I've tried to use the microphone port on my notebook, (Sony Viao, 2002 model), and it's not picking up anything. Well, it's picking up a tiny scrap of sound, when I make calls the other person can hear me but only very very faintly so it's basically not possible to make calls.

All the help information is saying i need to go to the speech recog part of the Control Panel to configure the mike but the speech recog part isn't installed. I had to have Windows reinstalled bya Chinese technician as my computer crashed in China. If I do need the software, is there some way I can download it or something? If I don't need it, what do I need?

Thanks

Tom

[-pops-]

As far as I know, all the processing of the microphone signal is done by the Internet telephone software and has nothing to do with the Windows speech recognition.

I have tried Internet phones and had them working (but not persisted with them for other reasons) and never had to do anything with Windows speech recognition - well, certainly never had to make any adjustments.

Perhaps re-installing the phone software will help.

If you do want to re-install Windows, you should have a disk provided with your Vaio which will allow access to the hidden partition and let you renew/repair/re-install.

[dadyassa]

Like pops said, the software sets the sound stuff up, you dont need voice recognition.

I tried Skype and found although the nice lady on the test said it was working fine, the microphone volume was no where near as loud as her voice.

I needed to have the mic nearly in my mouth to get it right, I think they assume you are using a headset or usb phone.

Using a usb phone instead sorted the volumes out so that they are the same.

[thetada]

Thanks guys,

The weird thing is, when I used this headphone / mic set with a different computer, a desktop provided by the school I work for, everything was fine. I can't use that computer now so I've reverted to my laptop and now the same headphone / mic set just doesn't work. I didn't think it could really have anything to do with any speech recognition software, I've got exactly the same problem dadyassa had, the damn things just too quiet. Maybe I'll have to buy a USB phone, are they expensive?

Pops, the software I got with my VIAO can only be used when the computer has irrevocably crashed, it completely reinstalls windows, and the 2002 version at that, rather than the updated version I got from the Chinese guy. Do I have any other options?

[-pops-]

I'm not very familiar with Viao machines but when I have seen them for "rejuvenating" the recovery disk arrangement was as I said previously. It seems that this varies.

What software are you using for your telephone system?

[dadyassa]

I got mine for 10€ at a boot sale, but Try Here 17 quid

[thetada]

I'm using Skype. I had absolutely no problems when I used it with a desktop. Now, using the same headphone mic set, I'm having problems, it's all very strange.

[-pops-]

You could try re-installing or, if it has the facility repairing, Skype on that machine.

[thetada]

You were right Pops, the fourth of my recovery disks is usable without effecting a full recovery. I was able to find the original audio drivers and reinstalling them seems to have solved the problem.

Thanks both for your help. The generosity of forum-dwelling netizens worldwide never ceases to amaze and cheer me.

[-pops-]

Stick around - we're a very friendly bunch :)