Expert: Lorry - 8/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

Lately my computer speaker stop working.  I can't hear any music or sound from the computer speaker.  There is only a short beep sound when computer has something to alert.

There is a speaker icon on the right side of bottom.  When I click the speaker icon, it shows "Access violation at address 0047C718 in module ALCWZRD.EXE".  I believe the current problem is related with this message.

Can you help?  I am using window XP.  Thanks, Kim




ANSWER: Hi Kim,

Check out the following for information:

http://www.file.net/process/alcwzrd.exe.html

Using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Click "Continue to Symantec Security Check", in the next window click No when asked if you want to close this window, that will bring you to a window where you should click Virus Detection.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

I would also suggest downloading Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.37 from:

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

Hope this helps!
Lorry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Lorry,

I did "Symantec Security Check" at http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp.  But it say no virus detected.

I tried http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html, and found 3 thing and fixed.

My speak is not still working.  When I click the speaker icon at right side in bottom, it still says ""Access violation at address 0047C718 in module ALCWZRD.EXE".  

Is my computer truely not virused?  What would be a problem then?  Please help.  

Answer
Hi Kim,

G;ad to hear there were no viruses on board, that's always good news! Did you reboot after removing the threats with Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware? If not, do so.

Right click My Computer, click Properties, under the Hardware tab click Device Manager, click Sound, video and game controllers. Are there any yellow exclamation marks? If yes, update the drivers by going to the manufacturer's site to get the latest one. This problem could be related to Realtek.

Have to ask, have you checked the basics? Unplug and then plug the speakers to the computer. Verify that the connections are secure at both ends. If one wire is loose, that could stop the sound.

Microsoft explains How to troubleshoot sound problems in Windows XP at:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307918

If the above doesn't do the trick click on "Click to Run a Free Scan for alcwzrd.exe related registry errors" at:

http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/alcwzrd.exe.html

Hope this helps!
Lorry