How do I play a CD w/o other annoying sounds?

[from the states]

I just installed a new Turtle Beach sound card and Logitech Z640 speakers. They sound great! Now for my question. If I want to play a CD while I work, is there any way to temporarily shut off those other cash register sounds, the "you've got mail", IMs, etc. without going into control panel each time. The speakers are turned up so those other sounds are deafening.

[Rick]

Going into Control panel and selecting NO Sound from the profiles is the only way I know of to turn off all the sounds at once.
Just remember to save your settings in a profile of your own so you can turn them back on later.

You can always make a copy of the Sound Icon and place it in the start menu or on your desk top to speed things up a bit

[from the states]

You can always make a copy of the Sound Icon and place it in the start menu or on your desk top to speed things up a bit

Clever idea, thanks.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

If you're just playing cd's (MP3's whatever), use the front 'send' (headphones out) of your CDROM to send to your 5.1 sound system. The Windows blips bleeps and other STUPID sounds won't interfere with your listening, recording pleasure. :)

If you just want to listen to what's on your HDD you'll have to put up with hearing Windows 'clicks' per mouse and such... Lest you make (burn) a CD and then play it as said above...

[from the states]

If you're just playing cd's (MP3's whatever), use the front 'send' (headphones out) of your CDROM to send to your 5.1 sound system.

OK, call me stupid. How do I do that?

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Do you have a small jack in the front of your CDROM? Usually has a little thumbwheel next to it to adjust the volume. Normally this is for headphones but it uses the same output as line out which is usually connected to your speakers. I don't have a soundcard such as your's and if your's has multiple outlet jacks for front, rear, center, subwoofer etc. my suggestion won't work. But if it uses just one send to an amplifier/receiver, just connect the 1/8" jack that normally goes in your soundcard to the front jack on your CDROM.

You will have no control over volume with the mouse/keys and the only way will be by the amp and thumbwheel. You WILL still control CD-player regularly though.

It may bypass some features you desire to have available. I sometimes do this to avoid the noises you speak of but mine is connected to a home theater 5.1 system which is part of my Television DVD system. It sure beats the livin' $N0T out of those little pc speakers I have!!!

Hope this helps. :)

[from the states]

Thanks anyhow, Ted. I found the Jack but I have mucho connections for this fancy new system. I've followed Rick's advice and have a little sound icon sitting in quick launch. Works great.