Suggestions on Laptop sound issues

[David]

My wife has a Dell Inspiron 5150. She noticed that the sound was crackling when playing an audio file. She used headphones and the headphones did not work. Now there is no audio sound, headphones or the standard laptop built in peakers.

From what I have read, most likely the on-board sound went out. And for that I believe I would need to replace the motherboard or get an external audio card... correct?

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[*POTS*]

I have a similar problem: my built-in laptop speakers have ceased working right after a "maintenance session". I brought the laptop back to the same technician who made the "maintenance" and he told me the sound card is probably damaged and I may have to buy an external one, but it's not worth the effort since the laptop is very old.

Ok now I know I was having "crackling sound" issues before the maintenance, but dammit the speakers stopped working right after his work...

Anyway unlike you David, I can still use the headphone channel.

My suggestion: buy an external sound card or a new laptop. If it has to be an external one, I'd suggest a Creative one, since they're those who made the well known Sound Blaster cards. Shame on those new buit-in semi-unknown sound cards.

[Hermskii]

Uninstall and reinstall the drivers is my best answer. Sorry.

[David]

Uninstall and reinstall the drivers is my best answer. Sorry.

I thought of that as well and I tried it but it did not work. It looks like if my wife wants sound coming from the speakers or headphones, I will have to buy another laptop (used and on Ebay..) The external sound card would work (I believe) with headphones but not with the built in speakers. Thank you though.

[David]

I am looking at buying another laptop (same brand and model). The reason for the same model and brand is because I could use the upgrades I bought and used on the original to put into the replacement. My new question is if I did get the same model, the Dell Inspiron 5150 (3.2 ghz) laptop can I place my original hard drive into the replacement without formatting and starting from scratch.

My mind says it would be best to format, but there might be a chance that it would work. What are your thoughts?

[-SuPreMe-]

aslong as they are both the same models and use the same drivers then the old harddrive should work perfectly on the new laptop without any formatting

[David]

Well I found a laptop with the same specs but it is a Dell Insprion 5160 instead of the 5150. I wonder if there is a big difference?

[*POTS*]

Just a question David.
Is this broken laptop the same you were talking about here?

Dell Inspiron 5100 Laptop
Here are some specs..

Here are the wonderful speaker system (the speakers cost more than the laptop) Logitech Z-2300 (THX certified)

Prophet...

Anyways, I should not brag/boast, because Karma likes to put me in my place. So, I am not bragging, just sharing. Need to find enjoyment in life somewhere, such as listening to some good music.

You may want to take a look here also:

"Known critical motherboard defect in 51X0 series!!"

Summary: There is a known motherboard defect in the Dell 5150 notebook that causes pressure shut down and motion shutdown. Since Dell has refused to admit this is a systematic problem, there is no indication that the 5160 notebook has addressed this problem.

This is a problem wherein the notebook will abruptly power off when tapped on the bottom of the case or even just slightly tilted. This occurs due to motherboard overheating causing the plastic tabs of the "C" slot on the case bottom to impact the motherboard and disrupt the chipsetting.

If you buy this system, you take a VERY expensive risk. Dell has refused to recall the 5150 series, instead pushing out the 5160 series to try and cover their tracks. BEWARE!!!!


Many 5150 users have posted this problem at:

http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforu ... ng&page=40
http://p068.ezboard.com/fi5150usersfrm2
http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/42970/
http://p068.ezboard.com/fi5150usersfrm2 ... D=13.topic

Here's the original thread:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_Inspiron_5 ... tag=txt;uo

[David]

POTS, no that is not the same one. That one is still working (knocking on wood). My wife's is a different one that has been a decent laptop.

Prophet........no just a person who knows history will repeat itself.....

P.S. I just got the news that my wife's car has two antifreeze coolant leaks. One at a corroded fitting and the other is at the Intake Manifold........you got to love history when it slaps you in the face and laughs at you......... I do not think I will be spending money right now on a replacement laptop. I need to take care of the car situation for the family.

[*POTS*]

Good luck David, I'm sorry for you.

[David]

Good luck David, I'm sorry for you.

Thank POTS, but there is no need to feel sorry. That is life. Need to roll with the punches, and sometimes life kicks you. But that is ok, it could be worse.

Thanks.

[Hermskii]

Isn't that the same car you just did a ton of work on?

[David]

Isn't that the same car you just did a ton of work on?

Well I did replace the A/C condenser and replaced the radiator. They work great..... The aluminum radiator keeps the car running cool, it does not get past the 1/4 mark on the temperature gauge. The A/C works fine...... Now this... I can not afford a new car payment.......To answer your question Herm, yes it is.

Oh well that is life.