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    e1505 WinXP downgrade issues

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by schleeb, Apr 15, 2007.

  1. schleeb

    schleeb Notebook Consultant

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    My Inspiron e1505 came with Vista and I deleted it and used a store bought copy of WinXP instead. After discussions with Dell etc. to get the "required" drivers to finish out the installation it seemed like it was working pretty well.. Enter Skype... I've been having serious audio issues with Skype. It works well for anwhere from 10 seconds to 5 minutes, but eventually the audio just wigs out and all it produces is loud static. You have no choice but to end the call. Enter my daughter... say hello Julie... "Hello"... Well I bought her a Dell that I thought was identical to mine but since she didn't want Vista, I ordered her a Inspiron 6400 configured the same as mine. This way she could order WinXP as the default operating system. Well guess what...? Her's works fine with Skype and mine don't. So I figured she must have something, software wise, that I apparently don't have. So we compared what was installed in our respective notebooks. She has all kinds of stuff I don't have... No wonder it doesn't work. What a mess with the whole Vista/WinXP thing. Why is Dell such a bunch of asses that they require the poor slob consumer to use Vista, but if you order a "business" machine they will sell you XP? I tried everything I could think of to try to get them to configure my 1505 with WinXP but they wouldn't do it. I even told them I was going to send it back... they sent me an RMA.

    Does anyone have any experience with Skype and getting the audio to work properly? So far I've tried a Logitech Notebook Deluxe (which my daughter uses...) and now I'm using a Microsoft SX-6000 web cam. I've also tried just using a regular headset/microphone all with the same result. :confused:
     
    schleeb, Apr 15, 2007
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  2. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    If you don't already have a good VOIP headset, you should really get that. The free-bee microphones provided with new desktops, and the built in mics in many notebook are not to par at all.

    Once you have installed drivers for the new headset, test out volume settings by calling the Skype Test Number. You'll get a woman with a British accent telling you to record your voice in order to test it. If it doesn't work, adjust settings within Skype, and make sure Skype is using the device you want (as opposed to some other device) as a mic.
     
    Gautam, Apr 17, 2007
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