WD2002: Error Message: "Could not initialize volume meter..." When Configuring Microphone (280311)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002

This article was previously published under Q280311

SYMPTOMS

During initial setup of the microphone for speech recognition, erratic behavior or errors may occur if there are sounds playing through the sound card. This includes sounds played from a compact disc, game, or a Microsoft Agent character.

For example, if sounds are playing during microphone initialization the following error message may appear:
Could not initialize volume meter. Please select a different audio input device.

CAUSE

This is due to a limitation in the sound card. Sound cards are not sharable resources. If speech recognition is unable to determine if the sounds coming through the sound card are from the microphone or from another source, initialization of the microphone fails.

RESOLUTION

Uninstall or disable any Microsoft Agent characters or other sounds while initializing the microphone. Also, uninstall or disable the Microsoft Agent characters or sounds when you activate the microphone and enable speech recognition.

MORE INFORMATION

Whether or not a microphone is attached to the system physically, sounds playing through the sound card when speech recognition is enabled can be recognized by speech recognition as input text or voice commands. Microsoft recommends that you not install Microsoft Agents or play music or sound effects when speech recognition is enabled.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/27/2006
Keywords:kbfix kbprb KB280311