I have recently reinstalled a fresh copy of Windows XP Home on my computer.
I believe the onboard soundcard uses realtek AC'97 Software/Drivers

I have tried installing the drivers a few times, with different
versions obtained from various sources on the Internet including the
realtek website.

During the installation of these drivers the computer will do a brutal
reset, meaning no proper shutdown of windows or prior warning.

Upon load up the "Windows has recovered from a critical error" message
appears. When I click on the link to get more information it says it
was caused by the realtek drivers and there is no known solution to
this issue at this time.

My question is, is there a known solution to this issue? and if so can
you provide it?

Thank you,
Joel Herzog

Hello !

Excuse me for my english, I'm french and my keyboard is very bad (the
spacebar is dead).

Your problem is very frequently asked.

I'm not sure to know the good answer but I know a tips which work on my PC.

So, go to your controlpanel and click on the icons named "Devices" or
"matérial" ==> it's the third mitre on the right.

After click on "device manager" and search in the new widows a pci
device with a yellow icons. Click with the right button of your mouse
and select "upgrade the driver".

After this operation, reboot your PC and It may work!!

Pokito

PS: I don't know windows in english, so the name of the button may change ...
If it doesn't work, say it me !

After go to

The Best way is to use Driver detective to Find which is the sound card
http://pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,20020-order,1-page,1-c,alldownloads/description.html?tk=hsx

Thanks for your help tr_media-ga & pokito-ga I will be sure to try these methods.