Adding new sounds to System Pref "sound effects".

[Dean M]

Hi. I downloaded some wave sounds that I like to a folder on my HD, but can't figure out how to add them to the 'sound effects' folder in my System Preferences. What's the procedure or am I going about this all wrong. Thanks Dean M

[Satcomer]

Because you are doing the procedure wrong. What's the name of the sound effect program you are trying to use? Which OS X version are you using on which Mac? What does the program's README file say?

[ElDiabloConCaca]

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106409

[Dean M]

Hi Satcomer. I am running a 17" flat screen 125 GHz Power PC G4. With OS version 10.4.11.

I downloaded about 20 'sounds' several months ago to my 'Home' folder, to add to the System Preference Sounds ' alert' sound effects as I didn't really like any of the built in ones.
The new ones all have a Quicktime icon, and it's not an .app with a 'read me' or anything else. They will play through QuickTime and are like 'applause', 'booing', honking', hoots, whistles, etc......
I'm fairly new to Macs, so I thought like Windows, you could just browse to the folder and drag them to Syst. Pref.
So How DO I get different 'alert' sounds into System Pref. sound effects? Thanks. Dean M

[Satcomer]

It doesn't matter. All you have to do is make sure the sound has an .aif file.

[Hughvane]

Originally Posted by Dean M

Hi Satcomer. I am running a 17" flat screen 125 GHz Power PC G4. With OS version 10.4.11. So How DO I get different 'alert' sounds into System Pref. sound effects?

S'been a while Dean, but I knew I'd read a Sys Sound question somewhere. If you haven't already worked around getting new sounds into your Mac's system, here goes:
1. Go -> Computer -> System -> Library -> Sounds
Any added files must be in .aiff format. When adding sound files to the Sounds folder, the process will be blocked by the warning "xxxxx file cannot be moved because ........"
2. Click Authenticate
3. Type in your Password at the next prompt
4. The new sound file will be added to the Sounds folder.
New sounds can then be used via System Prefs -> Sound -> Sound Effects
You can load multiple sound files in .aiff format into Sounds with just the one Authentication.

Regarding the sounds you downloaded, Sound Converter will modify them to .aiff format. http://www.pure-mac.com/audio.html#soundconverter

[Dean M]

Thanks Hugevane ! Solves all my problems. Dean M

[Hughvane]

Originally Posted by Dean M

Thanks Hughvane! Solves all my problems.

This is what we like in forums - satisfied customers And thanks to you Dean for responding .... Cheers, Hugh