*M17xR3/R4 & M18xR1/R2* Internal Speakers not working after using Optical/external audio out

I gave up since no one answered how to unstick the pin (if that's what the problem was/is), so I ended up buying a wireless Bluetooth speaker, which I figured was cheaper than sending the laptop in for repairs. It worked out, plus I didn't have any downtime. Oddly enough, for a day or two, the sound would come back intermittently from the internal speakers (never came back after that, though). I never even went near the optical port OR used the provided adapter either - it was just the regular headphone jack closest to the front of the system.

 

can someone please tell me whats the problem cause i really dont understand. do the speakers not work at all on alienware laptops?

 

there is a S/p dif port on the side, and when you use the supplied adapter for optical audio out, it engages a clip inside, that disables on board speakers. only fix for it is new mobo.

 

Just a heads up to all who have sent us their service tags, we have consolidated and escalated to our service team.

Thank you for your feedback.

 

I was under the impression that only the SPDIF port had the problem. So now the normal jacks are also suspicious?
The 2 headphone jacks in my M18X don't show this behaviour. (yet)
You would suppose tons of M17X/M18X users use these on a daily bases...
Anyone know if there are any other reported cases?

 

AFAIK the problem only presents itself when using the SPDIF port with the oversized Dell provided adapter. Once it has stuck the pin though, the problem exists regardless of what jacks are used after that - the internal speakers will not work as long as the IDT drivers are installed.

 

And now (after yet another visit....) my video is straight again but the audio is back to where we started this whole ordeal....

YAY for Dell Refurbished parts where they don't fix anything! (obviously a motherboard from someone else who had the audio problem - could even be my old one)

They will likely require me to depot it now.....something I am strongly against since they cant provide a sufficient box and want me to pay for a box to send it in. Looks like I will be pushing for a brand new machine to replace this one as this is getting ridiculous.

 

update on mine. My BD didnt work after getting it back from service
I completely gutted the system to find the cable wasn't installed. For those who have had the great opportunity to tear apart the system to the optical drive you know that takes a long time and you have to do a lot of things that arent fun..

very frustrated i had to do that to plug-in a cable that alienware techs arent doing...

pissed would be how i classify myself after my few experiences with dell

 

Got my laptop today plugged in the adapter and bam now I'm having the same problem. OK time to start calling.

Can you tell if the computer thinks the jack is in use with a control panel? I would like a confirmation that that is the issue.

called tech support and they are sending a new mobo AW product team if you want more info let me know.

 

Guys i got up the courage to try and use the spdif out, but i used an adapter that came with and Optical cable i had and it worked perfectly. I have used it many times since, it goes in much easier then the A/W feels a lot less cheap

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

 

Ya the concensus is that the alienware provided adapter is way to fat and jams the jack sensing pin causing the problems seen here

 

Hi all,
Got into same issue today - no sound through internal speakers but headphones are working fine.
Never touched S/P DIF port at all and used only regural headphone output.
This means that issue is not only S/P DIF related!
Didn't have time to try any of suggestions provided in the posts above, just wanted to bring this to attention.
Was using M17xR3 for couple of months without any troubles.
Regards!

 

Your issue, although the same, looks to be caused by something different from what others are having. They have specifically isolated their issue down to the S/P DIF adapter.

I am curious as to what could be causing your issue. I will be receiving my m17x at the end of the month (hopefully sooner) and I desperatly hope I don't run into any issues. Let us know if you're able to troubleshoot your issue and if you find a possible cause/fix for your problem.

 

Does your laptop work as expected if you uninstall the IDT drivers?

 

I was thinking about connecting to my DAC with optical instead of USB.
Thank god I saw this thread.
Does that problem still exist?
If that's the case, I'll just stick to USB.

 

I had this problem within 2 weeks of buying my M17xR3 (sept 11), so I spoke to the helpline, who insisted it was a software issue. They told me to uninstall the IDT driver and use the win 7 one.

This got my sound back however, I now cant use the HDMI in for audio as it no longer appears in the sound devices

Is there any workaround for this or is it going to have to go back to dell?

The ability to use the laptop as a tv/ps3 monitor was one of the main reasons I chose this system!!!!!!

 

Hi, I have exactly the same problem. Been using NB Yestarday and at some point, youtube video was without sound. I didnt plug headphones or did anything else, just during regular usage on knees, sound through speakers was not working anymore. I tried headphones, working without problems, after unpluging again no sound through speakers. Tried different videos, mp3s, couple of restarts, didnt help. Today I started the machine, still no sound. Tried mp3, nothing. Then I did some regular windows updates (machine was off for the whole week), restarted the NB and wanted to submit this entry here to this forum ;-) Been playing mp3 in the background just for test and during typing of this message, sound just got enabled as normal. Also pluging/unpluging of headphones working againg. Strange. Just happy that I have prolonged waranty to 3 years, will keep this forum updated with next behavior ...

 

*UPDATE*

I spoke to dell today who kept trying to tell me it is a driver issue before being passed to another rep who admitted it is the S/P DIF port and agreed to replace my motherboard!

 

Bit of a strange one on mine. The sound all went after using the SP/DIF, so I called Dell who said it was a known problem and they would fit a new motherboard. Then it suddenly started worked again so I cancelled the callout. Then a week later, when I reluctantly used the optical out again, shocker, the sound went. So after leaving it a week to see if it would fix itself again (it didn't) I called Dell. The guy said that it was a known problem, and the only way was to reinstall Windows, and wait a few weeks as it was a known issue and they were working on a new version of the motherboard which would fix this issue. So because of this they wouldn't replace the mobo for now. He said to try reinstalling drivers but if this didn't work a new Windows installation was only short-term fix. I hung up, tried the drivers, didn't work. Then I called Dell again, got a different guy who said it was a Windows error, not switching between the two outputs correctly. He remoted into my AW, changed the 'playback settings' default back to 'Speakers - High Definition Audio Device', and it's been fine ever since. I just have to manually change to the correct output when I unplug the optical. It surprised me as I was sure it was a hardware issue, but this makes me think maybe not - at least not for everyone.

 

Tom83 - that does not work when the S/PDIF trigger pin is jammed. It is a hardware issue, but it sounds like you got lucky using the adapter without permanently jamming the pin. This can be confusing for the Level 1 Alienware reps because the condition where Windows does not automatically switch back to the onboard speakers as the default device is fairly common. It is proper for them to look into that as a possible solution as they did in your case.

The inexperienced Level 1 reps may not all be aware of the actual hardware problem like the first person you spoke with. When the trigger pin is jammed, the only fix (if you cannot successfully un-jamb it) is a replacement motherboard.

The consensus is that the S/PDIF (TOSLINK) adapter supplied with the system is what is causing the problem with the trigger pin jamming and not a defect with the motherboard itself. Using headphones in the S/PDIF port does not cause the pin to jamb.

I have updated the opening post with the following:

----------------------------------------
(3/1/2012) NOTE from Mr. Fox -

Growing evidence from reported user experience is that the S/PDIF (TOSLINK) adapter provided with the M17x R2 and M18x is not exactly the correct dimensions and it is causing the trigger pin to jamb in the S/PDIF port. This pin being jammed may necessitate motherboard replacement. Using ordinary headphones does not appear to jamb the trigger pin. It is recommended that you not attempt to use the adapter provided with your Alienware laptop.
----------------------------------------

 

Hey guys, I just received my R3 yesterday but ive ran into a huge problem. After trying to use the Spdif adaprer provided by Alienware, i am now not able to get any sound from the onboard speakers. The only way to get sound is by plugging something into one of the headphonetjacks. I have researched this topic and found a huge thread about the issue here on NBR bu it seems the only way to fix the issue is to get the mobo replaced. I really dont want to have q tech touch my new R3...any help would be appreciates!

 

Motherboard replacement is the only way I guess.

You could return the system and order a new one if you dont want techs to disasemble the machine.

 

In that same thread, Agent, there is talk about someone who was able to use a small object and "reseat" the connector so it would work again. See if you can do the same. From what I understand, the adapter Dell provides is slightly larger than it should be so it gets something inside the connector, stuck.

 

Try a small paperclip and bend it straight so you can move around inside the port.

 

Is Dell even including this adapter anymore, or have they pulled it? I received my system Feb 2nd and could not find it in the box. Not that I would have used it after reading everyone's experience. Curious if anyone elses recent system purchases had the adapter missing.

 

Hopefully, they will stop including the adapter with the M18x and M17x R3. It would certainly be a smart move on their part to not include it, as doing so is an invitation for problems. Judging from the post by Agent Cool Blue, it seems they are still sending the adapter, so maybe you just got lucky and they left it out of the box on your system.

 

I received my system on the 13th and it included the adapter. I researched and read through this thread while waiting on my system. I'm glad I did.

 

yea man trust me, ive had my alienware for almost a year now, made the mistake of trying the adapter, and my sound went out, not some retarded tech from dell is coming out to half way put a new motherboard in

 

in my case,i removed the IDT driver,then my sound come back,with the window defaut driver only 2 jacks is working,then i plug 1 green jack in ( FL/FR speakers) and i got sound from FL/FR and Centre/Sub also,with just 1 jack plugin

Sorry for DP,this is not a software issue,this is a hardware issue,you who got the sound back when uninstall the IDT driver because the window sound driver can only recognize the first 2 3,5mm holes,the other 2 holes,including spdif didnt appear when using window sound driver,so,thats why you got back your sound by uninstall IDT,and when IDT in your system,it recognizes the spdif hole,which had been jam,then,you dont get your internal speaker anymore,it only recognize that you have something plugin that hole,so there are 2 ways to fix it,1st replace mobo,2nd make it unjam

p/s:so the idt driver is working fine,its not the issue

Is this topic dead??anyone active?

 

Guess how I discovered this thread - yes, I used the dell adapter -.-

I've still got warranty on my m17xr3, but is there a known working way to resolve the issue by oneself? I only read "unjam the pin" so far - what needs to be done exactly? I'm pretty happy with my mobo right now and do not want to get a worse one in exchange, therefore I would like to fix this manually.

 

the unjam is like u using a unbeliveable small hook with unbeliveable skill and patient to do an unbeliveable task,good luck,if u succeed,plz,show me how to do it,im desperate

 

Oh jeez,... time to call the support I guess

 

I called the support and all I got was this lousy reply (this is the original email, including wrong spelling and whatnot):

Long story short: This seemingly stupid advice solved the problem

 

yeah,and with the default audio cant run 5.1 probaly

today,suddenly,my alien sound jack work perfectly,i dont know whats happening

 

What is an alternative to m18x's optical adapter?

I've heard of the OEM adapter that Alienware comes with makes the pin in the optical port stick where problems start occuring.

On another thread I've seen someone saying that people have used 3rd party adapters that work flawlessly.

Has anyone tried this?

 

If you buy an adapter that was built following the dimensions standard you shouldn't have problems. The one provided by Dell doesn't have the correct dimensions.

 

Geez this just happened to me as well . I sat on Alienware tech support phone for over an hour before finding this site and one other myself. I can't find the thread about using something small.

I've been trying a paper clip but I'm not hitting anything in there that moves or anything. Anyone know more specifically what to use. I'd rather not have to send for repairs especially if all they do is give me another one that will break the same way.

I will add though that on the other thread I found there was a recommendation to get the SoundBlaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 USB external sound card.

Alienware should honestly give us the money to buy these since the only reason we have to is their faulty equipment, but oh well.

 

Hi,

Recently i made use of the spdif port with the original adapter alienware put into their box. That piece of plastic is not very well produced. It wasnt easy to put into the port, I even had a bad feeling that moment , but with a little force i got it in.

Since the disconnection of the cable I do not have any sound via my alienware onboard speakers. It seems that the system thinks that a headset or other output device is connected.

Is there a software solution to control the jack-sensing pin inside the spdif port?


[edit]
The only solution I found is => resetting to windows default drivers

 

I believe only solution to this is a motherboard replacement because of that adapter which is oversized.

 

Yes but i dont want to make use of the support call yet, since with windows default drivers the speakers are working. Must have to do something with the jack sense.

I will try to set EnableDynamicDevices to "0" in the registry next...

 

Solution #1: un-jamb the pin and throw the TOSlink adapter in the trash. This can often be done with patience and effort. Try using headphones to un-jamb the pin. Insert the plug into the jack, move it in/out, back and forth, and swiftly yanking it out of the port while holding side pressure different directions. Do this a few times with audio running in the background so you will know if it worked. No guarantees, but this actually worked for me. As previously posted, another person or two used a thin wire with a small hook at the end to dislodge the stuck trigger pin. I did not need to go that far. Good luck.

Solution #2: have the motherboard replaced and pray that something does not get broken in the process. (Especially so if someone else replaces the motherboard for you. People that don't own the machine are sometimes not as careful as they would be if it was theirs. And, some of the people that do the work shouldn't be allowed to work on anything. Some of them are very good at what they do and always carefully perform wonderful work. It's a roll of the dice if you are not able to do it yourself.) And, yes, throw the adapter in the trash.

Solution #3: use Windows drivers and live with a loss of features. While this normally does restore sound output, it causes a loss of functionality that the IDT drivers provide. You know what to do with the adapter.

 

thx guys, "un-jambing" worked, with a needle =)

 

Awesome. I'm glad it worked for you. +1 Rep.

 

so is this problem only happens with TOSlink provided by AW?
i have astro TOSlink cable, will that trigger the same problem?

 

I hope not. We know it happens with the one provided with the system. Maybe someone has been brave enough to use a different TOSlink adapter without problems and can provide some advice.

 

I remember reading a little farther back in this thread that someone did use a different TOSlink adapter without problems, they also mentioned that the size difference between the one included and theirs was noticeably bigger.

 

This was me. I have been using it for months it was one I found around the house. The size difference is very noticeable when you go to put it in the laptop it goes in very easily.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Thanks for posting the info, nomar555. +1 Rep.

 

I just received my m18x today and my speakers stopped working after just using the headphones and mic jack. I didn't even touch the spdif jack. I saw this in an earlier thread and wanted to see if someone can give me a better explanation of what to do.

On systems m17x R3 and m18x
When Digital audio connected via SPDIF no sound on speakers .

Solution : Uninstall control utility IDT audio after that uninstal AUDIO drv .
After reboot set in audio the first audio output as default (second speaker selected that is the headphones speakers)
After that working fine .

Also, when I right click on the speaker and open playback devices, it has 8 devices listed and they all say Digital Audio (HDMI) 2 - High Definition Audio Device Not plugged in.

Thanks...

 

Bumped for newbs in the Community.