Volume controls

On Windows XP, is there anyway to set my notebook to be auto muted until my headset is plugged in? I really hate it when it goes off with the stupid windows start up noise (or any other noise for that matter) in the middle of class if I forget or am too lazy to plug in my headset. And I'd rather not have to toggle mute on and off constantly whenever I connect it.

I'd prefer a natural Windows tweak if available, but I might consider a software control if one exists as well.

(slightly unrelated: I know you can use all manner of drivers (NVidia's and a bunch of unofficial ones made by other people) for vid cards, but does this option exist for sound as well? The default drivers on my Dell leave something to be desired in terms of output for Ventrilo, and was curious if I could get a different set of drivers to solve the issue)

 

yea, if you have classic control panel set-up, go there and open "Sound and Audio devices." Then, under "Device Volume" click on "Advanced..." Once the volume window opens, go to "options" and check "Advanced controls." By now, there should be a new button named "advanced" under the main volume slider and click on that. Finally check both "PC Spk Mute" and "SPDIF Interface" and that should keep your speakers muted but also have your audio ports enabled.

I'm not sure about audio drivers though. sorry.

 

Note that this depends on the motherboard of your notebook. Older motherboards which do not support SPDIF will not be able to do this.

 

That's perfect, thanks. I was wondering what those two options were. I suppose the first one should have been ridiculously obvious, but I suppose that's what I get for not paying attention.

 

No problem, glad I could help

 

So does it work in Vista? I only have Sound ,and it looks a bit different...

 

Ooh, I *just* uninstalled vista yesterday so I have no machines to use as a reference, but I don't imagine it being too different, sorry.

Clever signature btw .