Destroyed audio driver

[HutchAmpMan]

I used Winzip's Utility/Driver updater and it took out my video and audio drivers and replaced them with Microsoft basic drivers.  Finally got the video driver back, but having problems with the Realtek audio chip.  I got the HDMI and Digital drivers working (neither of which I use) but can't get the speaker our to show up.  It says speaker not installed.  This computer originally had Windows 7 but was upgraded to Win 10 before I got it.  I had upgraded it to Pro.  All was working fine until I stupidly purchased the Winzip utility.

Someone on this system suggested some links to HP driver repair, but they didn't work.   Anyone who knows of or could locate an installation disk for this system would be appreciated!  (Realtek doesn't have one, the original install software for the chipset doesn''t work now that it's running10)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Did you try the W10 driver directly from Realtek?

That would be the only suggestion I can offer.

Select the Windows 64 bit driver from the link below, install and restart the PC.

https://www.realtek.com/en/component/zoo/category/pc-audio-codecs-high-definition-audio-codecs-softw...

HP retired support for that model since it is more than 10 years old.

[HutchAmpMan]

Tried both the 32 and 64 bit versions.  In both cases, it tells me it won't work on this system.

Is there any way to completely remove the Windows generic audio driver, including references in the registry?  Yes, I know that's poking the bear, but I really don't' want to buy a new computer after Winzip's utility (which they on't refund me for, BTW) blew out my proper functional driver.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Unfortunately I have no idea how to tinker with the registry. 

There are probably hundreds of registry keys with the audio files.

If it were me, I would try clean installing W10 and see if that gets the sound to work again.