Change the Sounds Associated with Windows and Other Programs

• Are you tired of the standard sounds made by Windows when you first log on, or make an error, or open and close a program?

• Are you turning off your sounds to avoid those that bug you?

• Are you just plain old sick of "You've got mail!"?

Here's a way to change the sounds in all programs to just about anything you want:

** These screen captures are from Windows 98.  Dialog boxes may appear slightly different in other versions of Windows, but, basically, the process is the same **  

1. First, determine what sounds you would like where.  All sounds used must be in a .wav format.  There are loads of free .wav files you can download from the Internet or you can buy .wav collections on CD's, which are relatively inexpensive.  Also, go to Start-->Find-->Files or Folders and search your hard drive for *.wav.  This will show you the locations of all .wav files on your computer.  You might be surprised at some of the choices you have available from games you've installed, etc.

(Words of Warning:  Only download from trusted sources on the Internet.  Also, note the sizes of the files you use; .wav files can be very large and may cause programs to run more slowly.)

2. Or, you can make your own custom .wav files using your Windows wave recorder:

        a.  From your Start button, select "Programs", then "Accessories", then "Entertainment", then "Sound Recorder".

        b.  Click on the Record button and record your sound, then hit the Stop button. (Most newer PC's have a built-in microphone on the front of the monitor.  With other PC's, you may have to use a mike with a jack, which usually connects to your CPU, monitor, or speakers.  See your PC's manual for instructions.)

        c.  Click on "File" then "Save As" and name and save your .wav file in a place where you can locate it later.

3. Now, back to your Start button, but this time select "Settings", then "Control Panel", then "Sounds".

4. In the Sounds Properties dialog box, scroll through the list under "Events:".  You will see all of your sound-producing programs there. Any event that has a speaker icon next to it, is already using a .wav file.

5. Click on any sound to highlight it, then click on the "Preview" button and you will hear the sound that is currently assigned to that event. 

6. If you want to change any sound or add a sound to an event that does not yet have a speaker icon next to it, highlight the event and click on the "Browse" button, then find the .wav file you want to use and click on "Open".

7. Then, simply hit  "OK" and go into that program and enjoy your new custom sounds!

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