Display the Stereo Mix option in Windows Vista

Q When I followed the Computeractive's instructions for recording sounds from a computer using the Stereo Mix, I got the same icon as described in that article, but it was labelled ‘CD audio’ high-definition audio device, not stereo mix, so I could not record sounds.

My computer is relatively new: it has Windows Vista Home Premium, with onboard sound and an Asus P5KPL motherboard. Does this mean I cannot record sounds, or is there something I can do?

GF Wheeler

A The problem here is that Windows Vista sometimes disables the Stereo Mix option and does not display disabled items in the Recording Devices window. Click on the Start button and then on Control Panel.

Left-click on the Hardware and Sound title and then on Manage Audio Devices in the Sound section. Click on the Recording tab.

Right-click in an empty part of the white section and then left-click on Show Disabled Devices. The Stereo Mix icon should appear, but it will be grey to show that this input has been disabled.

Right-click on it, then left-click on Enable. The icon will now be in colour and you can select Stereo Mix in recording software such as Audacity.