PCI is not installing and there is no sound on my laptop?

Question

I recently had a virus on my laptop, its a Dell with Windows XP, after I removed the virus and my laptop started working again. However it kept saying that the PCI needed to be installed but when I try to install it, it ask for software so it can download. I don't have this software, and I'm not sure what it means. Also there is no sound, the volume icon on the task bar doesn't show up. When I try to adjust the volume it says that there isn't an audio device. I don't know if these two are related but if I could receive help with both that would be great!

Answer 1

Your sound drivers aren't installed. That's the problem.



The solution? Handy that it's a Dell!



On your laptop somewhere, you'll find a Dell sticker with a Service Tag number on it. Head to Dell's website and go to download drivers. Put that Service Tag number in the box provided and it'll show you all the available drivers for your particular model of machine. Find the sound/audio driver in the list, download it and install it. Job done.



Alternatively, you could try Windows Update and search for 'Custom' updates, see if any missing drivers are available there also. The Dell website is probably your best bet though.



Hope it helps.



EDIT:



In response to 'wiseman'



I totally agree about Dell's support with their Service Tag system. It's among (if not the best) system of it's type out there. Others should adopt it. (or something along those lines, of course!)

Answer 2

Removing that virus apparently removed the audio driver from your laptop.



Go to Dell's support site and install the audio driver for your laptop and the sound should come back and the PCI error message should disappear.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&ServiceTag=&SystemID=STUDIOXPS16&os=WLH&osl=en&catid=&impid=

Answer 3

It needs a 'driver' file for the sound card. Look on your laptop, it will have a 'service tag' on it - make a note of that.



Dell are very good with support and if you enter the service tag on their support site, it will allow you to download the drivers specific to you computer:



http://support.euro.dell.com/support/index.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

Answer 4

go to device manager and see whats flagged