How Do I Silence System Sounds?

[GlennJames]

Hi. Does anyone know how to stop a VB programme playing the Windows default system sounds (either specific sounds or all Windows system sounds)? I am writing an audio playback application for use in live broadcast studios. The programme cannot allow Windows to play any system sounds (for example, Windows XP Ding.wav). I would like to include the code in either a module or in the form load section. I guess the code will be an API call - but I can't recall ever seeing an API call that does this! Please help! Thanks. Glenn.

 

[BobStubbs]

This is a non-programming solution, but it may help.

Why not disable the machine's system sounds via Control Panel, then turn on the 'sound sentry' feature available in 'Accessibility Options'?

If you do this, you will have a completely silent machine, which displays visual cues when it would normally play sounds ... and no programming involved!


Bob Stubbs

 

[GlennJames]

Hi. Thanks for your suggestion. Yes, that is a good idea - although I want to make the application as 'fool proof' as possible (so a programming solution is what I need)! I'll keep on thinking about this problem - thanks.

Glenn

 

[johnwm]

To control .WAV volume use the WavOutSetVolume API. There is an example here:

http://www.mentalis.org/apilist/waveOutSetVolume.shtml

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[GlennJames]

Hi johnwm. Many thanks for your reply. I should have made my original thread a little more clear! I need to silence the Windows system sounds (using a programming solution) but whilst being able to play user selected sounds. Using your suggested API would contorl the volume of all .wav sounds. Any thoughts? Many thanks. Glenn

 

[strongm]

Can't you just load the "No Sounds" sound scheme?

 

[GlennJames]

Hi strongm. Thanks for your suggestion. Is it possible to load AND unload the 'No Sounds' sound scheme using just visual basic? I don't want the end user having to go to the Windows Control Panel and doing this manually. Thanks. Glenn

 

[strongm]

> Is it possible

I'm sure it must be. It's just registry settings, after all. However, I don't know off the top of my head what those settings might be. I leave it as an exercise for the reader...

 

[GlennJames]

Hi. Just a quick message to say thanks to all who suggested a solution. Thanks, Glenn.