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Reinstall sound driver?

On a MacMini running OS 10.5.8 I have completely lost the native sound driver for both input and output. The only driver present is from LogMeIn, i.e., the LogMeInSoundDriver. This is so despite the fact that LogMeIn is no longer installed on this system. Amd the LogMeInSoundDriver provides no sound whatsoever so I am effectively without any audio at all on the system.


I have confirmed that the same is true in the Audio MIDI Setup. There is simply no driver showing as available other than the LogMeInSoundDriver.


I have also created a new user account and checked to see if any other driver appears there. No, again only the LogMeInSoundDriver displays.


I have checked the forums at LogMeIn and the generally accept solutions to problems somewhat akin (none exactly the same) seems to be to run the following command in Terminal:


Sudo kextunload /system/library/extensions/logmeinsounddriver64.kext


I have run that command, as well as varied it for a 32-bit version. No change.


I do not need or want LogMeIn functionality. I just would like to get back audio capability on this system. Help, please?


Thanks.

Posted on Oct 19, 2013 9:21 AM

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4 replies

Oct 12, 2017 7:39 AM in response to Phillip_A

There is no separate sound driver for the Macs built-in sound it is part of the operating system. Yes there maybe a kext for the specific model of Macs sound hardware but this is installed as part of the operating system.


As an example there is AppleUSBAudio which I am guessing would be for things like USB headsets. However I think in most cases the one that would apply is AppleHDA or similar. (Presumably stands for High Definition Audio.)


The most common issue I have seen with losing sound capabilities on a Mac mini applied to the older models i.e. 2009 and earlier. These older models had the sound chip on a separate daughter board connected to the main logic board via a ribbon cable. It was typically necessary to unplug this ribbon cable when taking the Mac mini apart to upgrade the memory or hard drive. Even if you remembered to fit it back when reassembling the Mac mini if not pushed in firmly enough it might work loose. This would not apply to the 2010 and later models of Mac mini which had everything on the main logic board.


If it is not the ribbon cable issue then I would agree with reinstalling the operating system. Also consider doing this on a fresh i.e. empty drive - even if only as a test. Also consider resetting the PRAM and SMC.

Oct 19, 2013 9:25 AM in response to Phillip_A

I suggest you uninstall the LogMein software, then reinstall Leopard via:


How to Perform an Archive and Install


An Archive and Install will NOT erase your hard drive, but you must have sufficient free space for a second OS X installation which could be from 3-9 GBs depending upon the version of OS X and selected installation options. The free space requirement is over and above normal free space requirements which should be at least 6-10 GBs. Read all the linked references carefully before proceeding.


1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.


Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions


Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now restart normally.

If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.

2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.

3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.

4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.

5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.

6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.

Oct 24, 2013 5:58 PM in response to Kappy

Kappy,


Thank you for the detailed instructions re your suggestions. I have now finished the process, and sadly I must report that while every other aspect of the system seems to be functioning, I do not have a sound driver. I am a scooch ahead at least, finally the logmein sound driver has disappeared. No mac driver has appeared, however.

And this is so despite the subsequent upgrades I also had the system download and install.


Any further ideas, anyone?


Thanks.

Reinstall sound driver?

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