Getting Windows 7 to record the audio it is playing

[Ruzdreg]

Up untill Windows 7, every Windows OS has always allowed the user to simply hit the record button on various audio related programs, such as MS Sound Recorder that comes with Windows, and Windows would then record any and all audio that your computer is playing. But it appears that in Windows 7 MS have taken this feature out, making it so recording only works via input from an external source, such as through the line-in port or from a microphone.

I actually found the ability to record the audio my computer was playing to be usefull and I would like to know if there's anyway I can get this back, even if it's through the use of a specific program.

So, does anyone know how I can get this feature back or know of a program which can do this?

[Hirmetrium]

I'd check the sound settings on control panel - if you can, setup the Stereo mixer correctly, and set it up as the recording device. Mute the mic, but have it playback microphone input - that should put everything (Mic, windows sound, etc) all through the stereo mixer, and viola - record from that "device". It depends on audio drivers however too - which is an area where I fail.

I've had to do this a few times for my podcasts and shoutcasts in the past, so its definitely possible - just complicated.

[Ruzdreg]

Thanks for the help, I've got it working!

Although, all I had to do was just enable stereo mixer - but the twist was that it wasn't listed in my recording devices tab, as it was disabled by default. I had to tell windows to display disabled devices so I could then activate it. (Although it automatically activated itself once windows displayed it.)

Thanks again - I have missed this feature.

[adamstrange]

It also seems that all the Sound Blaster audio cards that I have had has a feature in the recording section that's called "WHAT YOU HEAR".

Once you select this it will record whatever is playing on your PC.

I use Sound Forge for all recording and editing.