How Identify, Fix, and Prevent AC97 Driver
Installation Errors on XP SP3 PCs

 

There seems to be a common problem for people who have a Windows XP PC with Service Pack 3 and are trying to install the Realtek AC97 audio driver.  Usually what happens is that after the driver is downloaded and installation has started, you will be issued the following alert: “Unsigned driver. Do you wish to continue?”  If you press yes, installation will usually continue for a few seconds before the PC crashes and reboots.

 

As you can imagine, this frustrating and stressful problem should be handled with caution.  The following is a possible solution that may or may not help you successfully install the Realtec AC97 audio driver.

 

Before Starting

 

Before doing anything, scan your PC for viruses and do a SFC scan (Start > Run > “sfc /scannow”) to check your system files that may be corrupt and inhibiting your audio driver.  Disable any antivirus and antispyware protection before proceeding.  Disconnect from the internet during this time if it makes you feel more comfortable.  

 

Downloading Chipset and Sound Drivers

 

Search for and download the Intel INF chipset drivers.  Then download the Realtek AC97 audio driver.

 

You can search for the drivers in the search bar on Intel's homepage. 

 

 

 

 

 

Removing Your Sound Driver

 

Go to Start > Control Panel and select Add or Remove Programs.  Wait for the list to be populated, then search for and remove the AC97 Realtek Audio driver and remove it.  Then go into your hard drive into the Program Files folder, search for the Realtek folder.  If it is still there, delete it. 

 

Also go into your device manager (you can find it in the Control Panel) and make sure it is gone from your computer.  Reboot after this is done.  When you reboot and are back at the desktop, the New Found Hardware Wizard will pop up.  Simply exit out of it or cancel it.

 

 

Installing Drivers

 

Note: Before you start, remember to REBOOT BETWEEN INSTALLATIONS. 

 

This is extremely important or you will have to start over, and that is never fun.  Follow all steps in order and precisely to ensure that you complete it properly if this fix works.

 

Install the chipset driver first.  Just double-click on the file you downloaded and follow the steps.  Then restart your computer. 

 

Next, install the sound driver by clicking on the file you downloaded and follow the instructions.  Reboot yet again and check to see if your sound works.  Check the device manager yet again for any yellow exclamation points or errors.

 

This is not a guaranteed solution.  Because each PC has different components and different CPU and motherboard makes.  Don’t be discouraged if this does not work, there is still hope.