ALERT: Conexant Audio Driver FIXED (T400/500, Others)

[KBAM]

(Mods: Please move if appropriate.)

All,

Since Lenovo's release of upgraded ThinkPad R-, T- (not including T400s), W-, and X-series audio drivers several weeks ago, installation of this Conexant audio suite (for systems based on its CX20561 codec) has consistently bombed, *even if* installation is reported as successful.

If you have downloaded (either from ThinkVantage System Update, or manually) Vista v4.92.5.0 or XP v3.64.6.0, dated 05/29/09, you have either failed to set up Conexant High Definition SmartAudio 221 at all, or you have likely broken its predecessor, Conexant High Definition SmartAudio (Vista v4.92.2.0 / XP v3.64.2.50, dated 04/13/09). (Prior to the April driver release, which did work but was buggy, Conexant's HD SmartAudio functionality was not available.)

To verify the state of your driver, do not be fooled by the reported version number. Go to Control Panel and launch the black SmartAudio icon (no, not the red one; this is the basic driver that should continue to operate). If you do not have the black icon in Control Panel, or if the applet (which should bring up a console) fails to load (usually, complaining about a missing file), you should review the page hyperlinked below.

Lenovo has incorrectly built the driver installer for Vista v4.92.5.0 / XP v3.64.6.0, but a determined ThinkPad community has just now developed a simple and effective solution. There is no need to wait for an official correction to this version. Complaints about this driver have appeared from all corners of the world but, alas, Lenovo sleeps. Amazing.

The community's 32-bit fix appeared on 06/30/09. The 64-bit version should be forthcoming shortly.

Post comments or questions as appropriate. Enjoy.

--BAM

What you need to know is posted here:
http://forums.lenovo.com/lnv/board/mess ... &jump=true