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Help please: Inspiron 531S running XP has no sound and freezes when I run diagnostics
Suddenly my 531S stopped having any sound. I reinstalled the drivers from the Dell web-site and they worked fine after rebooting but only for a day or so. So I decided to try running diagnostics, this makes the computer freeze up I have to do a hard power off. I tried disabling my Norton anti-virus to see if that was the problem but no. Now when I reinstall drivers it has no effect, still no sound. Any ideas?
I tested my speakers by plugging them into my Ipad, they work fine
DELL-Saurabh A
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March 20th, 2013 20:00
Hi Fynrfin,
Please share details of the 'Diagnostics' that you tried. If attempting the 'diagnostic test' within 'windows', it could freeze up due to a conflict with another software (though unlikely); would suggest you to run the 'on-board diagnostics' and capture results. These 'diagnostics' run independent of the 'Operating system' and should not freeze up due to the presence of any other software in the system.
To run the on-board diagnostic test, restart the system and repeatedly tap 'F12 key' at the 'Dell logo' > Highlight 'Diagnostics' and tap 'Enter' to initiate 'Diagnostics' > Capture and share 'error(s)' if any
Also open 'Device Manager' to see if the 'Audio drivers' are installed:
- Open 'Control Panel' > 'Device Manager' > Expand 'Audio, Video & Game Controllers' > Check if the 'Audio drivers' are installed
If yes, you may check if the 'playback devices' are properly configured (Since you mentioned that you successfully installed the drivers and they worked fine; seems like they are still uninstalled. If not, you may try installing them again):
Check to make sure that the 'Sound Playback Device' is enabled. This can be done by right clicking the 'sound icon' on your 'taskbar'. This will bring up a menu of options to choose from. Choose 'Playback devices'. (Refer to the image below)
Within the 'Sound Playback device window', select 'Speakers' by clicking on it. Then click on 'Set Default' and finally click on Apply or OK. (Refer to the image below). If 'Speakers' are not visible in the list of 'playback devices', right click in a 'blank area' in this window and select 'show disabled devices'.
Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any other questions; would be glad to assist.
To know more about Dell’s products, services and drivers & downloads, please go to http://dell.to/YBlak6
Fynrfin
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March 22nd, 2013 10:00
Dear Dell Sarabh A
When I try to run diagnostics in windows the screen freezes. I tried disabling the virus protection, but same result. When I tried to do what you suggested i get a different screen when clicking on the speaker icon, I get a different screen, from realtek, but it recognizes speakers installed. I checked the audio device and it is enabled. I reinstalled the drivers from the website, and it did not help. When I pressed F12 at boot up, I do not get any "diagnostic" choice.
Any more ideas?
DELL-Saurabh A
710 Posts
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March 25th, 2013 03:00
Hi Fynrfin,
Thank you for the reply.
Please share details of the items listed on tapping 'F 12 key' at start-up. A screenshot would be useful, if possible.
Would also like to know the status of 'audio device' on 'Device Manager' page. You may follow the steps listed in my previous post to expand 'Sound, Video & Game Controllers'. Check if any device is listed under this category; or under 'Other Devices' category with a 'yellow mark' besides it. If yes, please share its details (Attach a screenshot if possible). This will represent a missing/corrupt device driver and updating it is likely to fix the issue.
If the 'audio device' is installed, use the following steps to configure the 'sound playback device'. The screenshots I shared in my previous post were for 'Windows 7'; therefore the options may be different; apologies for the miss.
Go to 'Control Panel' > Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices (Similar image should appear)
Click 'Sounds and Audio Devices' > Sounds and Audio Devices panel will appear > Click Audio tab > In the Sound Playback section: from the drop down menu, select the audio output device that your speakers are plugged into (Image attached is only a reference one; your system may not show 'Soundmax')
Click Volume button > Volume Control panel will appear > Find the Options menu button and click on it > Click Properties > Check all the unchecked boxes > Click the OK button (Reference image attached)
Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings.
To know more about Dell’s products, services and drivers & downloads, please go to http://dell.to/YBlak6
rdunnill
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March 27th, 2013 17:00
If it's freezing while running the Dell diagnostics, you may have a hardware problem like a failing power supply.