Resolve Missing Sndvol32.exe Issue

Purpose of sndvol32.exe

The sndvol32.exe (Sound Volume) process provides a Volume Control icon in your System Tray through which you can control the volume of the audio output from your system?s soundcard.

Sndvol32.exe ? File Information

The file size of the sndvol32.exe file is 138,752 bytes. As it is a Windows system file, by default, you will find it in the C:\Windows\System32 folder.

How to add the Volume Control system tray icon

If the Volume Control icon is not present on your system tray, you can add it manually by performing the steps listed below:

  1. Click Start and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type mmsys.cpl and click the OK button.
  3. Next, select Place volume icon in the taskbar and click OK.

Sndvol32.exe Error

The volume control icon is not present in system tray and when you try to add it manually you receive the following error message:

?Windows cannot display the volume control on the taskbar because the Volume Control program has not been installed. To install it use Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel.?

What causes the sndvol32.exe error?

The above error occurs when the sndvol32.exe file is missing or damaged.

Below are some common reasons due to which the sndvol32.exe file may become damaged or go missing:

  • Installation of incompatible third-party sound card drivers.
  • Malware infection.
  • Deletion of the file by mistake.

How to resolve the sndvol32.exe error

To resolve the above error and insert the Volume control icon in your System Tray, extract a copy of the sndvol32.exe from your original Windows installation CD. This is the only way of replacing the damaged sndvol32.exe file as it is not possible to download the file from the Internet.

To extract a copy of the sndvol32.exe from your Windows installation CD, perform the following steps:

  1. Insert the Windows installation CD into your CD or DVD drive.
  2. Next, click Start and then click the Run utlity.
  3. Now, in the Open box, type cmd and click OK.
    The Command Prompt window will be displayed.
  4. Type the following commands one by one at command prompt and press Enter after each command to execute it.

    E:
    (Changes directory to CD-drive.)

    cd i386
    (Opens the I386 folder on the Windows Setup CD.)

    expand sndvol32.ex_ system_root\system32\sndvol32.exe
    (Extracts the sndvol32.exe file from the CD to the System32 fodler on your computer.)

    Exit
    (Closes the Command Prompt window.)

    Notes:

    • In the above steps, E: drive is taken as the CD/DVD ROM drive. If your CD/DVD ROM drive is different than E then replace the letter E with the drive letter of your CD/DVD ROM drive.
    • system_root is a variable that refers to the path of the folder where Windows files are installed. By default, it is C:\Windows for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

The Volume Control icon will now be visible in your System Tray and you can use it to control the volume of the audio output of your system?s soundcard.