Sound crackling on Dell Dimension 9200

Considering what you say you have done, the only thing left is the motherboard.

It's not a hardware problem.  It's a driver problem.  Works fine in WIndows XP and Vista.  I also have a Dimension 9200 (XPS 410) and have been plagued by this issue since installing Win7 x64 RTM a few months ago.  I tried everything I could think of, and scoured the web for solutions to no avail.  Tried several drivers, and also tried disabling various combinations of advanced audio features per "solutions" found online.  I was using the default audio driver Windows uses at first.  When I installed the newest Vista x64 driver available on the Dimension 9200 support page ("6.10.0.5511") the problem went away ... for awhile.  A week or so later it came back.

Eventually I searched on the version string for the above-mentioned Vista x64 drivers ("6.10.0.5511") and came across this page:  http://www.edbott.com/weblog/?p=1965

It looks like Dell uses the same chipset on a large number of systems but doesn't always advertise the full list of systems to which a driver applies.  In the case of the newest version available that's listed on the Ed Bott page above ("6.10.0.5866 "), it only lists Optiplex 740.  It's actually compatible with a wider range that Ed lists, but the Dimension 9200 / XPS 410 isn't even in THAT list.  However, the driver installed without a hitch (it IS indeed for the chip contained in the 9200 / 410), and the audio crackling/popping issue went away (so far permanantly).  I believe this driver also works with the XPS 420.

I find it absolutely appalling that Dell has not released (and appears to have no intention of doing so) a set of Windows 7 drivers for these Dimension & XPS machines, leaving their users (even sophisticated ones) to scrounge around in frustration trying to find a fix.  In fact, Dell only lists a single (!!!!!!) desktop Dimension model (the 2010) as being "compatible" with Windows 7 (see this page: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/document?c=us&cs=2684&docid=360683&l=en&s=pub) .. and only four XPS models.  Even though all of these systems run Windows 7 beautifully (once you manage to find the the right drivers that Dell disguises so well).  Shame on you Dell !!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, the 6.10.0.5866 drivers should solve your problem.  See the Ed Bott link above, or go here: 

Hi Spec, thanks for your reply. I'd basically given up on finding a fix for this and was pretty certain I was buying a new PC. I tried what you mentioned above but I'm afraid it didn't work. I'm running Vista Home Premium 32bit now. Still have the sound problems after installing and restarting.

Thanks for your help anyway

Tom

That Dell list, as I have been told, is ONLY the ones that qualify for the Free upgrade if purchased during the free upgrade period.  It is not a complete list of systems that are Windows 7 compatible.  However, some models may never get Windows 7 specific drivers (usually the Vista drivers work and there is no need for Windows 7 drivers).  I have an "older" Dimension E510 that is not listed but it will support Windows 7, 32 bit if I wanted to install that.

Also, with "older" systems, keep in mind that Dell is in the business of selling new computers.  Although they will support some older models they shoot themselves in the foot by supporting "discontinued" models.   I have a recent Acer laptop that came with Vista and there are no Windows 7 drivers (or applications) on the Acer website for this model.  I upgraded the laptop to Win 7 Home Premium (the Vista drivers all worked) and the Acer "e net management" program to manage wireless connections is not Windows 7 compatible and there is no Acer update and I had to uninstall the program.

Update info from another post about the popping and crackling with a SoundBlaster Xfi card.  As it turns out if there is over 3GB of RAM that can happen with the current SoundBlaster Xfi drivers.  There is a Beta driver version on the Creative web site for the Xfi and that seems to have fixed the problem when there is more than 3GB of RAM.

I'm afraid I only have onboard sound in my Dimension 9200, Sigmatel I think.

Hey madheavy, thanks for the post. I went onto that site but couldn't find the version 6.1.7100.0 to install, and im not sure what one to install from the list.

Sorry about that.  here is a link to the drivers I used. I put them up on rapidshare. (limited to 10 downloads...sorry)

Hi, thanks for the help but I'm afraid it just said it wasn't compatible with the version of Windows I'm running (Vista at the moment)