Skyrim sounds no longer work

[Akivazh38]

After spending a year away from Skyrim, I decided to replay it again. After trying to play it, I got a notice that it didn't open due to mods being put of date. 1st thing I did was update the script extender and then checked all my other mods for updates before opening it again. It managed to work, but I noticed that all I could hear was the music, no sounds from the NPCs or weapons, traps or anything else. I have the newest version of Vortex, and only 14 mods. I tried opening a Skyrim extension from a year ago, but I kept getting a notice that it didn't recognize it, so I deleted it. Do I need to not use Vortex and just manually add them to an overwrite folder, or is there some way I can fix this?

[7531Leonidas]

You probably need to post your LO (in a spoiler) and Skyrim game version.  Did you allow Skyrim to update to the latest version (1.6.1170)?  If you did, it might just be a simple case of a corrupted d/l, and you should try to verify the game files.  Don't try this, if you are on an older version than 1.6.1170, as it will force the update.

If you are on a version lower than 1.6.11xx, then you need Backported Extended ESL Support (BEES) for newer mods to run.

[Hietanen]

Try this mod, which is supposed to fix sounds not working as they should in Skyrim SE:

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/71567

[Akivazh38]

I have the current steam version (1.6.640). I tried the mods but all I get is static which I assume is the sound trying to work.

[7531Leonidas]

FYI - the current steam version is 1.6.1170 - you must have something that is blocking the update, so DO NOT verify your game files.  There is some way to get a fresh copy of older versions of Skyrim through Steam's Download Depot, but I don't know how to do it.  Maybe try an internet search for Download Depot and 1.6.640.

[Akivazh38]

Looked it up but I'm not the most tech savvy so I'm scared of ruining the game. i DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY i WOULD NEED  AN OLDER GAME IF i HAVE THE LATEST Skyrim SKE mod which should technically work.

[7531Leonidas]

You have already made a mistake - the latest available Steam version of Skyrim is 1.6.1170, and the SKSE64 version that matches is 2.02.06, there is a list at https://skse.silverlock.org/ - be very careful, the GOG SKSE64 version has the same version number, but is not compatible w/the Steam version.  There is an 'archived builds' link on that page that is easy to miss.  I think that you need 2.02.03 for 1.6.640, and it also has a GOG version numbered similarly.  Later versions of SKSE are NOT compatible with earlier Skyrim SE/AE versions.

[Akivazh38]

See screenshot. I have the correct Script Extender. Should I download an older one? If so, which one?

[7531Leonidas]

On 12/26/2024 at 7:16 PM, Akivazh38 said:

I have the current steam version (1.6.640).

This is the SE version that you said you had...  And this one does NOT work with the SKSE64 for v. 1.6.1170.

28 minutes ago, Akivazh38 said:

Should I download an older one? If so, which one?

Your answer depends on exactly which version of Skyrim you have installed right now...  You can check on the compatibility match-ups at ( https://modding.wiki/en/skyrim/users/skse-plugins ).  It's found here on the Nexus.

[Akivazh38]

I misread which version. I put 1.6.640 since steam called it Update 1.6.640. When I loaded the one in the screenshot, the game was able to open but it had the sound issue. Unlike the old version which wouldn't let me open the game.