Win7 RC1I get a loud thump sound at start-up & shutdown.It doesn't matter what the sound level is set at.It doesn't occur in vista or any earlier version.Any way to stop this?

Dan, Does your sound work otherwise, and are your system sounds intact? They should be located in C:\Windows\Media\, depending on what theme you have selected (the defaults are \Windows Shutdown.wav and \Windows Startup.wav).-Alex

Yes, everything works fine ... just the damn thump!

I have the same problem and glad to find that it not only me. My computer sound configuration is perfect in every respect so I hope that MS can isolate the reason for this very loud thump on startup and prior to loading the OS

Not an answer from the technical side, more the sound engineer side to assist an answering the problem:Usually a 'thump' in audio equipment on startup is caused by one of two things:1. When the equipment is at rest the signal voltage is not (less or greater than) 0v. If this is the case, when the equipment turns on it jumps from that 0v (must be 0v when it's turned off)to the voltage that it normally runs at. No equipment should do this, it's an error, but it's common.2. When the equipment starts it sends a small surge voltage through the signal wires, this voltage is sudden and is amplified, as before, as a 'thump'. This sometimes happens when it is turning off as well.It sounds like the thumphappens when the soundcard is givenpower for the first time druing boot and turned off during shutdown.I can be more specific if you give me more details on howyour system is set up. e.g. are you running powered speakers, an amp etc etc.This may relate to windows 7 in that the operating system may be giving a 'silent' signal (When there should be no sound) at something other than 0v, causing the first issue. There are ways to test that, but again, i need to know what else you are running.Assuming you are running a normal set up (powered or unpowered speakers, no amp) the best way to figure it out is to create a 3.5mm cable with a switch (a switch could just be exposed wires) and turn it on and off. If the thud is there when you turn it on and off, then your issue is #1. (I will elaborate if you wish)ExUbuntu

I have exactly the same annoying problem.BTW I didn't install any third party drives, all hardware including audio was detected automatically by Windows 7.

sound scheme engaging and disengaging. Try changing sound scheme to something else, and reboot (right click speaker in tray, choose Sounds.) (also right click speaker in tray, choose Playback devices, highlight speakers, click properties, and check for no enhancements.) Hope that helps! - - - Kris