MxMC 2.8 will not start on PC without Sound Card - Windows Server 2019

[Mx-JoergS]

For a knowledge base article or troubleshooting guide, I would make it more concise, technically precise, and easier to follow:

MxMC Crashes During Startup

Overview

Since MxMC Version 2.8.1, the audio subsystem has been enhanced with additional audio APIs, including SDL support. Users can now disable audio directly within the MxMC settings.

If MxMC crashes immediately after startup, the issue may be related to unsupported, missing, or malfunctioning audio hardware or drivers on the Windows system.

Recommended Solution (MxMC 2.8.1 and Later)

If MxMC starts successfully, audio can be disabled through the application settings:

1. Open MxMC Properties.

2. Navigate to Audio.

3. Select Sound API.

4. Set the Sound API to Disabled.

5. Restart MxMC.

Alternative Solution (Registry Method)

For older MxMC versions, or if MxMC crashes before the user interface becomes accessible, audio can be disabled through the Windows Registry.

When is this required?

This issue can occur if:

• No audio hardware is installed.

• The sound card is not supported.

• The audio driver is corrupted or malfunctioning.

• The system configuration changed after upgrading MxMC.

Users who previously operated MxMC 2.6 without issues may experience startup crashes after upgrading to Version 2.7 or later. This behavior is related to changes introduced in the audio subsystem beginning with MxMC 2.7.

Disable Audio via Registry

1. Press Windows + R.

2. Type regedit and click OK.

3. Navigate to:

   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mobotix\MxManagementCenter\preferences
   
   

4. Create a new key named:

   audio
   
   

5. Inside the audio key, create a new String Value (REG_SZ) named:

   soundapistring
   
   

6. Set the value to:

   disable
   
   

7. Close the Registry Editor and restart MxMC.

Additional Information

Beginning with MxMC 2.7, MOBOTIX introduced multiple audio libraries and APIs to support a wider range of audio hardware configurations. In rare cases, incompatible or defective audio devices and drivers can prevent MxMC from starting correctly. Disabling audio typically resolves the issue and allows the application to start normally.

This version is suitable for a release note, FAQ, support article, or internal knowledge base.