Tema
Really appreciate that you have stuck with me on this 
. Thank you.
The downloaded file from acer was a zip file (do they offer a non-zip alternative?).
I have a lot of trouble with zipped files opening, so I can't be sure this one did or not. I do know that very quickly, after it opened, a lot of white text on a black background scrolled on that screen, and I saw a lot of 'installing...." but it went by to fast, then it closed and nothing else happened. Does that sound normal? It was odd. There was nothing to indicate anything at all was done, other than that scrolling text mentioned.
Anyways after that was done, I rebooted (since for everything else I've had to). Silence.
Went to control>programs/features>No Realtek showing up.
Assuming that means not installed?
In Device manage > sound/video/game> I now show the two microsoft HDAD's, location 0 for one, location 3 for the other, and the unimodem.
Would a system restore (if even possible) prior to the update that led to all this, be a option? Would that set my computer back to when it did have sound? And would that delete everything done since in the process?
Setting back to factory specs....I have some programs that cannot be replaced that I use all day, every day, so I'm hesitant about doing that unless all else fails..and then I have to honestly contemplate..and the alternative of a new cpu (since except for sound everything works fine on this one). I do not however want windows 8. I've heard nothing but bad stuff regarding 8. I wouldn't even GET another windows OS, but since I have no clue how to use a mac! To many bad experiencese with windows. Sorry for the rant. I just very frustrated.
I think this is where I am forced to bite the bullet 
I clicked on the Install link below number 1. It went through a bunch of screens and then asked to reboot. I said finish, and it rebooted. Still soundless.
Oh, I have no cd for this computer. It didn't come with one, and despite several tries, was not able to create cd backup for the computer (or any other cd). It's able to read from cd's, etc., but can't burn them for some reason, and in the case of creating backup, failed. Wasn't as computer savvy back then, and so never even thought to look for online support regarding that.
Also, now in the device manager, the 2nd hdad device (for realtek), is back to a yellow triangle with exclamation point. . And speaker icon in the bar with start menu, shortcuts, etc. now had red x on it.
Now we will go for the uninstall process of servie pack.
Please follow the below steps for the same.
The easiest way to uninstall a Windows Vista service pack is to use the Programs and Features item in Control Panel. To uninstall the Windows Vista service pack by using the Programs and Features item in Control Panel, follow these steps:
- Click Start, type Appwiz.cpl in the Start Search box, and then click Appwiz.cpl in the Programs list.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
- Click View installed updates.
- Click the service pack that you want to uninstall, and then click Uninstall.
If you cannot see the Uninstall option for Windows Vista service pack in the list, go to method 2. - Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete the uninstall process.
Ok. Will this make any programs not function? Just so I have a heads up, or give me any odd alerts? It's service pack one update that led to all this sound trouble . Also, I am leaving today, and will be gone until Late Tuesday night. This is a desktop, so it can't to with me.
I will have to try this when I get back. The soonest being on Wed. Will update you as soon as I get a chance to try it. Thanks so much for your help . Have a great weekend.
Oh: Is there an easy way to find my thread if it gets buried due to inactivity for 4-5 days, or will it get deleted?
United States