Calling all M17X users with sound issues.

I truly can't believe how long this went on (and still is)  and how many useless fixes there are on the issue.

Don't bother with anything except BIOS updates.  Here's why...

When my laptop starts up with no sound (red X and "no audio output device is installed) and is at the Windows desktop, I close the lid and let it go to sleep. (15-20 seconds)  When I open it back up and put my password in again and hit enter (doo-ding) there's the sound every time.     

If the sound is your only issue follow the simple steps above when it happens and go on with life.  Dell can't fix it and they know it.

Just for the record, I sent my M17X R4 in for warranty repair back in 2013 because the first time I booted it up it had this issue.  They sent it back to me in literally 2 days with no paperwork and no explanation of anything that was done and the same sound problem.  I paid $2400 for that honor.