T61p : Volume control freezes computer

[awmyth]

Hi everyone.

I have a Thinkpad T61p running on Windows XP SP3.
It has SoundMax as the sound card.

The last couple of days, trying to change the sound volume is freezing the computer.
It crashes whether I use the sound control buttons or if I try and change it on screen via control panel / notification area.

All updates for Windows and drivers are up to date.
I did a recent update via ThinkAdvantage System Update. I do not know if it also updated the sound driver.

I ran a Lenovo hardware check, and it Passed all tests.
I have uninstalled and re-installed the SoundMax driver. Hasn't helped.
My anti-virus is Bullguard. I have run a full scan, there are no viruses or malwares.

I tried to do a System restore, but for unexplained reason it says it is unable to do a System restore.

The sound volume is now set at Maximum. I cannot change it. Even trying to mute will crash.
Is there a different driver for the volume control that may have got corrupted?

Please help.

[TuuS]

I think it's likely a software problem but may not be related to your sound drivers, rather the onscreen display. I suggest you try booting from a linux liveCD and see if the sound works properly in linux, if it does, then you'll know it's a software problem and in which case the easy fix would be to reformat and install windows, however if you want to try to salvage the windows installation I'd first look at lenovo power manager, in fact I'd remove all lenovo drivers/apps then install only the ones you need. I've seen similar problems when people allow windows update to install drivers so be sure to get all your drivers from lenovo.

[awmyth]

I think it's likely a software problem but may not be related to your sound drivers, rather the onscreen display. I suggest you try booting from a linux liveCD and see if the sound works properly in linux, if it does, then you'll know it's a software problem and in which case the easy fix would be to reformat and install windows, however if you want to try to salvage the windows installation I'd first look at lenovo power manager, in fact I'd remove all lenovo drivers/apps then install only the ones you need. I've seen similar problems when people allow windows update to install drivers so be sure to get all your drivers from lenovo.

@TuuS
Many thanks for your advice.

The sound works fine, just stuck at Maximum, for I'm unable to bring the level down.
I have disabled the Soundmax driver for now.

I think you are right. The problem started soon after a series of driver updates.
I did remove the onscreen display but it didn't help.
I will do as you advice. There are a lot of drivers I do not need, I'll remove them all.

I'll let you know what happens.