M1730 Speaker problem

Hi...I picked up my newish M1730 today from a local trader. I was able to view and use the machine before purchasing. It turned out there was a problem with no sound coming from the speakers - but the headphone jacks were working perfectly ruling out a driver problem. I bought the machine anyway with a view to getting it fixed when the warranty transfers to my name. I'm just wondering if anyone else had this problem and was there an easy fix? Thanks

 

Hi,
It sounds like a driver problem. You tried to reinstall?
You can also look through your settings.
I don't know all the details, since I'm still waiting for mine yet.
You can also go through this threat:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=173512
This is a real knowledge-base for the M1730.

 

Thanks for the reply ernstig01, I searched through that thread but no-one with any problem like mine. I have downloaded the latest Sigmatel driver from Dell but no luck - again there is sound coming from the headphone jack but nada from the speakers. I'm beginning to suspect it is faulty wiring as the front speaker LEDs are different colours when it boots up (but according to BIOS, both should be red).

 

I dont think its a software based fault - its most likely hardware. As you said, maybe the wiring. You could always open the system to see if the speakers are connected to the mainboard properly. If not, contact Dell

 

Yes I was half thinking of doing that - I gather it's not that difficult to disassemble (I'm used to building desktop PCs at least). I'll probably just wait the three weeks it takes for the warranty to transfer to me and get Dell to look after it from there. The laptop cost a lot of money and taking it apart is not something I would relish. In the meantime I can live with a set of USB speakers to give me audio!

 

Have a look at my videos (link in sig).
In particular, watch the GPU upgarde video (Part 1) - that'll show you how to take the system apart etc.

 

Thanks ifti will take a look

 

Just thought I'd post an update...the Dell engineer turned up today and found that the cable connecting the speaker to the mainboard had been spiked by a screw which explains the loss of sound and faulty LEDs. He replaced the speaker and put in a 'new' motherboard as well. I think the motherboard was a refurb as it said so on the box and was running BIOS A05. All in I was very impressed with the level of service from Dell...

 

I'm happy they worked it out. It seems that something stupid like a cable spiked by a screw can mess-up your system.