Smart Audio Won’t Initialize

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I recently upgraded to Win 10 from Win 7. All seemed to go well. However, now, each time I log in, I get a message that “Smart Audio Failed to Initialize”. I think this is a remnant of Win 7 and probably isn’t needed. I’ve searched the web for Smart Audio and it appears to be related to Win 7 & 8. Any suggestions on what to do to end the error message; or, if needed, how to get it re-installed?

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Look in your startup programs using the Startup tab in Task Manager to see if you can disable it there.

--Joe

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That did the job. Thanks. Actually, there are two listings of it in the Task Manager. I disabled both; one wouldn’t do it. It is curious, however, that deleting it from the list of installed programs didn’t do it. Perhaps I need to find the executable file and delete those directories? I’m assuming that Win 10 doesn’t need it for anything. I just noticed that my ear phones don’t work. Maybe that is a separate issue.

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As you’ve updated from W7, you should check for updated drivers. Some of the old ones may not be compatible with W10.

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As you’ve updated from W7, you should check for updated drivers. Some of the old ones may not be compatible with W10.

I was able to fix the earphone problem by deleting the driver and letting Win10 re-install it during re-boot. I selected “update” for another and it came back with the message that the installed driver was the best one. So, Is it best to check drivers one by one or is one of the driver managers available on the internet a good tool.

Actually, I am tempted to do a clean install of Win 10 due largely to unneeded win7 remnants. However, if I understand what I’m reading, a clean install would lack dvd/cd play and read/write ability. I have it now because of it being a win7 remnant, I think.

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Driver Managers are a two edged sword – they can do more harm than good. They have been known to install the wrong version of a driver which can then brick the system. If you want to try one, SlimDrivers is one of the better ones and its free. The best way is to download drivers from from the manufacturers websites as then you know you are getting the correct version.
The ability to play DVDs was removed in W8, but installing the KLite Codec Pack will allow you to play them and a lot of other formats in WMP.
W10 will still burn disks. That hasn’t changed

https://www.slimwareutilities.com/slimdrivers.php (Do not use the big green download button. You will get PUPs if you do.)

https://www.codecguide.com/download_kl.htm

Always check for bundled unwanted extras when downloading and installing any new software and be sure to decline them. Use custom install when it’s available.

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Calimanco,
Thanks for the tips and links. I’ve been suspicious of the driver managers anyway. Think I’ll avoid them unless I get into a real bind. I did read some stuff yesterday about the KLite Codec Pack, but wasn’t sure enough to pull the trigger on it. If I proceed with a clean install, I’ll certainly make use of that.

Man! I hate those big green download arrows. These days you’ve got to read the sites very carefully in order to find the correct download button.
Thanks again.

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