I made a big, big boo-boo

[shokan]

My integrated ALC883 audio chipset no longer works on my HP Pavilion A1514N PC. It happened because I installed a so-called Vista-like version of XPPro from a torrent download. This was a mistake. The original HP drivers now won't install for sound. I am abandoning trying to fix this HP driver issue (and, of ever using torrent hacked programs again!) in favor of simply getting a new PCI sound card and drivers for it. One question: this new card and its drivers will completely by-pass the old integrated ALC883 audiochipset, correct? If so, how do I make sure the new hardware and drivers become the default for my PC?
Thanks much.

[tech1]

Welcome to Audioforums, and contratulations on your hard-learned decision to stick to reputable software!! We appreciate seeing statements like this. To answer you question, yes, a PCI-based card would replace you existing built-in card. You can disable the built-in card either in your system's BIOS (consult the motherboard manual), or else through the Device Manager (right-click My Computer, choose Manage, right-click and disable the device).

Hope this helps, and good luck on that boo-boo.

[shokan]

Yep, I'll go and get that card. Thanks for your help.