I have a Gateway MX6426 laptop. I upgraded, (new install), from W$ xp to W$ Vista. I mouse over the speaker icon, which has an X through it, it states, "no audio output device is installed". I'm certain that this is a driver issue. When I look in the device manager, I have no directory listing for "sound, video and game controllers". In listing labeled, "other devices", the Mass Storage Controller, and the Multimedia Audio Controller are listed with no driver, (a yellow exclamation point).
I have looked for updated drivers, and found out about the missing sound folder while I was searching.
Also, I went into regedit, on my desktop, and exported the sound files from there, (same OS), copied to thumb, installed on gateway, hoping to create the directory. NOPE
I dont know what else to do, HELPMEPLEEZ.
Thank you,
Billy

I have also considered installing a Linux Dist on this Gateway. I wonder if there are any known issues that I should be aware of,(drivers, etc)?

I know this. I asked, "are there any known issues
with installing linux on a gateway MX6426, original os -> windows xp media edition.
Right now my main issue is, I up graded to w$ vista, (new install), after everything is installed, (all updates,drivers etc),---NO SOUND! I look in the device manager and see my multimedia driver listed in "other" category, with failed driver install. I looked up more info. There should be a folder listed, "sound, video and game controller", in the device manager, but there isnt.
Whatcha think?

If you know the chipset of your audio controller and mass storage controller, simply go to the site for it and get the drivers for Vista.

I do have the correct chipset installed. If it is installed correctly, I dont know, but I do know its there. It didnt report any errors when installed. Installed easy.

Linux uses generic drivers (for example Intel e1000) that cover all cards based on a chipset. Windows uses more precise drivers, so the driver can be in some way incompatible even if it says the same stuff, its often picky about differences that dont even show up in lspci

I have converted few boxes from vista to xp it was nightmare untill I found why it won't work. At the end it was a windows bug, I had to download a KBxxxxxx fix from Ms to fix that and then the driver worked (google for something like : windows xp kb intel hd audio)

I'll get right on that. Report back soon. thx

I couldnt find much info on that.
Also, my device manager doesn't have a directory for sound. It listed my audio components under -> other, with failed driver installation.

Thanks for your thoughts.
I know it wont fix this issue, but I think I am going to install a Linux Dist.
I have never really used Linux since all my work is on my W$ OS. So I figure if I cant fix it to sell it, I am going to experiment with it and try out Linux, and run two laptops. Which brings me back to the question, "any known issues with a Linux Dist on a Gateway?
Thanks all,
Billy

I don't know about a gateway, but you might want to check the HCL:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php/cat/507

Nothing listed that matches.
How would I go about posting my issue there?

Boot the cd of your linux on the computer and check yourself. Most linux cd's are live cds which means they boot into the os itself an not into a setup wizard