If your recordings are silent you may have the wrong recording input source selected as your default.

Open your master volume control by double clicking on the speaker icon in your taskbar or got to Control Panel - Sounds And Audio Devices and open your Recording Volume control.

Below is an example of a recording volume control, typical of a default configuration created during Windows installation.

As shown above, the only sounds that can be recorded are those coming through the microphone. Typically you will want to use Stereo Mix for your default recording source but you must first enable it. On the Options menu as shown above, select Properties.

In the properties windows check the boxes next to any devices that you intend to use then click OK.

Now you can see your Stereo Mix control but you still must set it as the default.

Remember to switch the default source back if you later want to record with your microphone.

You can change back and forth between the recording and playback master controls with the option in the properties window.

Below is an example of a playback volume control.

The same process is involved for exposing the various elements.

Vista Recording Problems