I'm using Mandrake 9.1. This is the message I get while in the KDE Sound System Control Module (using default settings and pressing Test):
Sound server informational message:
Error while initializing the sound driver:
device /dev/dsp can't be opened (No such file or directory)
The sound server will continue using the null output device.

If I try to open the Alsa Mixer gui, I get this:
alsamixer: function snd_ctl_open failed for default: No such device.

What do I need to do so I can restore my sound? Do I need Alsa...if so, how can I get the service started (it's stopped and I can't get it to start).
If you need more info please ask.
Thanks.

What kind of sound card do you have? Have you tried opening up Alsa by the command line "alsamixer"? You could also try Kmix. Maybe you need to install the alsa drivers for your card, try www.alsa-project.org for the drivers.

rberry88

my soundcard is Avance Logic ALS4000. I tried the command line for alsamixer and get the same message.
I'm looking at the Alsa web link you provided.... getting the right drivers makes sense...but being a newbie i'm not too sure how to proceed.
Should i go ahead with the quick install option? see link:
http://www.alsa-project.org/alsa-doc...module=als4000
Also, note that when I go into Mandrake control center, it lists my soundcard as a: VIA Technologies VT82C686 [Apollo Super AC97/Audio]. Module: snd-via82xx. Media class: MULTIMEDIA_AUDIO.
Why? My soundcard is an ALS4000...

I would go ahead and build the modules as outlined on the alsa-project link you have there. Just follow the directions exactly as they have them and you should be fine. I don't have much experience with recompiling kernels as I have only done it twice and wouldn't know how to walk you through it and feel comfortable at the same time.

rberry88

Thanks rberry88,
I just didn't feel comfortable enough to go through all that code...I just backed up my files and did a re-install of Mandrake and that fixed my problem. All in less than 30 minutes.

You have received such error messages:
with alsamixergui: "snd_ctl_open failed" and at the start of KDE: "device: default can't be opened for playback (no such device)"
I use Debian Sarge testing.

The problem was that the sound card was not installed or badly installed. If you try in a terminal: ...:~$ cat /proc/asound/cards and receive --- no soundcards --- then your sound card is not or badly configured.
I found the solution simply running alsaconf as root. You answer the 2 or 3 questions and its done.

Kinds to all.

Yeah, try running alsaconf and see if it correctly sets up the card again. If you had sound at one point you obviously had the correct modules already, so something may have happened to the alsa configuration. alsaconf should correct it.