Optiplex 740 Audio Problems

Hi kajoiner,

I suggest you to uninstall and re-install the audio drivers and check for the issue resolution. You can download the drivers from the following link by punching in the Service Tag:
http://dell.to/117d6Zu

You may also try moving any wireless source away from the system tower.

Please let me know about the status.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I have already uninstalled the drivers a couple of times and have also tried installing prior versions of the drivers. 

As for the wireless adapter (USB device), it is on the end of a USB cable and about 5 ft from the tower and not near any of the speakers.

Any other suggestions?

Hi kajoiner,

Thank you for your reply and for providing an update on the status. I suggest you to run the Microsoft Fix it utility that can automatically diagnose and fix Windows audio playback problems by visiting the following link:
http://bit.ly/JvQScV

Please let me know about the status.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I ran the Fix It utility and it did make some changes to the settings, but it did not correct the problem.

Hi kajoiner,

Thank you for your reply and for providing an update on the status. I suggest you to disable the Microphone from the Recording devices as this can cause static sound and let me know about the status.

Thanks for the suggestion, but this had no effect on the poor sound quality.

Hi kajoiner,

Thank you for your reply and for providing an update on the status. I suggest you to connect a headphone to front and the rear ports and check if the static and crackling sound is heard through it.

Please let me know about your findings.

Sorry that I did not state it earlier, but that was the first thing I tried to see if it was possibly the speakers or the rear ports.  The sound is the same for both the front and rear connections.

Hi kajoiner,

Thank you for your reply and for providing an update on the status. I suggest you to re-install the copy of Windows XP and check for the issue resolution. The motherboard has to be replaced in case if the issue occurs after re-installation.