OK, let me take a stab at this. ?

Your onboard card should be OK for recording. Obviously you'll need to plug your guitar into it (or amp, or amp modeler, pedal, whatever ? ) - into the Line In (Mic might do as well). You should be able to hear your playing through your speakers as is, but you might experience some latency. Basically you pluck a string and the sound coming through your speakers is delayed. To fix that you need ASIO drivers. That should fix the latency problem. Try the driver from http://www.asio4all.com/ - if all goes well, it's a simple install and configuration ( RTFM ? )

Once that is all fixed you'll need some software. I've heard people using Audacity and such things, but considering it's free, why not go for Reaper ( http://www.reaper.fm/ ). Bit of a learning curve, but it's pretty easy to get some basic recording done.

I think that's it. My setup is similar (I just set it up about 20 minutes ago). Only difference is that I have a USB interface that doesn't need the ASIO drivers.

If I've missed anything, others can fill in ? Hope it helps, though.

Once you have Reaper up and running, and you've recorded a few lines and have the basic hang of it, it might be worth checking out this thread:

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/recordings/going-legal-free-vst's/

There is a list of VST's - virtual instruments/plugins that you can use to model an amp etc. It should sound better than recording directly and means you can modify your tone without re-recording.

RobK wrote: Try the driver from http://www.asio4all.com/ - if all goes well, it's a simple install and configuration ( RTFM ? )

My sound card wouldn't play nice with that prog (although it seems that it works a treat for other people)
I battled with that on my "ye olde Optiplex" , eventually I just ticked the "listen" box in XP on my mic inside my mixer and then just let it feed my guitar back to me in "real time" over my pc speakers. Then in audacity I deselect the box that lets you listen in real time while recording another track, seems to be ok but I'm sure its probably not 100%, just my sound quality is crap.

Will give it a go? thanks.

What cable will I need to run it through my amp.

Seventhson wrote: Will give it a go? thanks.

What cable will I need to run it through my amp.

I haven't tried connecting my amp, but I'd assume it would have to have some sort of headphone output. I had Guitar Rig installed on my old pc, so never needed to plug the amp in.

Dude I need help. I record but when I play what I recorded no sound comes out

And when I add fx it does work

I am running it straight to the pc. no amp.

Honestly, the best thing would be to work your way through the first few sections of the Reaper 'Getting Started' manual, assuming Reaper is what you're using.

You're doing metal I assume? What's your amp sim?

For amp simulation download these free VSTs: BTE TSS; TSE X30; Poulin Lecab. Put them in the effects chain on your Reaper track in that order. (I.e. the time honoured combination of Tubescreamer - Amp - Cabinet.)

Can I have a link my good man?

fixed it. But it kinda is all fuzzy and the sound goes now and then

Seventhson wrote: Dude I need help. I record but when I play what I recorded no sound comes out

And when I add fx it does work

I am running it straight to the pc. no amp.

Only thing I can think of is - have you armed the track for recording in Reaper?

ok I figured it out and running it through my amp

http://www.quickshare.co.za/files/zugklklg/First_attempt.mp3.html

first attempt. I need to play it a little softer though