Windows includes an accessory that you can use to record audio messages or other sounds. It is called (appropriately enough) Sound Recorder. It isn't as full-featured as some audio programs, but it is quick, easy and—best of all—free.
To start Sound Recorder, click the Start button and choose All Programs | Accessories | Sound Recorder. When the accessory starts, there really isn't much to it. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. The Sound Recorder.
To check if Sound Recorder is working properly with your microphone, just start talking. You should see a green indicator jumping about as the program detects your voice (and any other sounds in the room). When you are ready to start recording, click the Start Recording button and begin speaking into the microphone.
When you are done recording, click the Stop Recording button. Windows displays a Save As dialog box, which you can use to specify the location and name for the sound file just recorded. The size of the file depends on how long of an audio clip you recorded.
To later play the sound file, simply use Windows Explorer to locate the file and double-click on it.
This tip (12966) applies to Windows 7.
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