It seems like the perfect switch for a teenager.

I know what you mean!

Go to start / Help and Support / Trouble shooting / Tips for fixing common sound problems / Type microphone setup in the search pane then select Microphone Wizard

It says go to the speech recognition tab, but I don't have one. I am running XP Pro (as im sure you know since something is always going wrong)

In the lower right hand corner of the monitor screen right click on the speaker or sound icon. Look for references to "recording" open the properties tabs and be specific to icons depicting microphones. Find levels etc..

I have seen the levels etc, they are referring to the original question, when on a call, the microphone slider moves down, so the recipient cannot hear.

You need to configure (setup) the microphone recording levels, do not confuse with line in controls.

Bondy,

I'm not too familiar with MSN voice chat, I use Skype, but I'm sure there is a similar setting for MSN. Somewhere in the sound setup for MSN (Not for the PC) should be an option to automatically set the mic level, or set it manually, you would want to set it manually. It may also be a question you answer when you run the "Audio Tuning Wizard", something along the lines of "Do you want to let MSN Messenger control your microphone level (recommended)?"

Of course, Microsoft always "Recommends" you let it control the computer, which as you know, is NOT always the best option .

Good luck, let us know if you find that setting, might help someone else who's trying to do the same thing.

Tom

Let's have another go at this Bondy.

Specific to XP PRO:

Setup recording levels for input devices.

a. In Control Panel, select Sounds and Audio Devices.

b. Select Voice tab in the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties box.

c. The Default device is the device to use for voice recording.

d. Click Volume under Voice recording.

e. Adjust the volume slide on the Microphone Volume.

f. Click OK 2x and close Control Panel.

All set up to use your microphone for voice recording. Some programs still have their own audio and volume settings, make sure to check and adjust those.

Turn off Mic Boost in Advanced or your to close to the mike.