[No audio output device installed] solution for Window Vista.

I had this exact same problem as well as the crashing flash shockwave issue.

Being the tinkerer I am, I started to do this and that with my computer.

Delete files. Restore files.

Delete some more, restore some more.

Then I let myself into the msconfig menu.

In there, I was able to get my sound working.

The same issue occurred after the fix, and I repeated the same actions and got my sound back, so it is a reproducible result.

Hopefully this will end your soundless Vista problem.

Step 1 : In the startup menu, type in 'msconfig' in the search bar and press enter.

Step 2 : Go to the 'Services' tab.

Step 3 : Uncheck the box named 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'.

Step 4 : Reboot.

Step 5 : Once rebooted, go to msconfig again and recheck the 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'.

Step 6 : Reboot.

Step 7 : Listen to your music files. NOW.

Enjoy. I hope this works for all the suffering folks out there. If not, you have my sympathy.