Bonzi Buddy Does Not Talk After You Upgrade to Windows XP (283121)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
This article was previously published under Q283121

SYMPTOMS

When you upgrade to Microsoft Windows XP, or perform a clean install of Windows XP, you are unable to hear what the Bonzi Buddy character is saying. However, the text in Bonzi Buddy's dialog balloon is displayed.

Bonzi Buddy is an interactive character that helps you search the Web; the character is capable of converting text to speech.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because Bonzi Buddy uses MSAgent, which uses Speech Application Programming Interface (SAPI) 4.0. SAPI 4.0 has been removed from Windows XP and is replaced with SAPI 5.0, which is architecturally different.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, contact the following Bonzi Web site to inquire about a program update:

http://www.bonzi.com

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

You can install MSAgent and the text-to-speech engine at the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/workshop/c-frame.htm?/workshop/imedia/agent/default.asp

To install MSAgent and the text-to-speech engine:
  1. Click Download Microsoft Agent.
  2. Click Text-to-Speech Engines.
  3. Choose the language you prefer from the Select a text-to-speech engine drop-down menu.
  4. Click Download selected engine.
  5. After the download is complete, click Download the Microsoft SAPI 4.0a runtime binaries.
Bonzi Buddy can then talk. This does not interfere with SAPI 5.0, because it can coexist successfully with SAPI 4.0.

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/15/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB283121
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