Way to manually enable built-in speakers?

Question

I have an inspiron 5100 running XP and my headphone jack is broken. This happened after I accidentally tripped over a headphone cable that was plugged into the computer. Now, it seems to think there is a set of headphones plugged into it all the time, as the speakers never produce any sound, but if you plug some headphones in the headphones work just fine. Is there a registry hack or any way I could bypass this so the integrated speakers stay on?

Thanks,
Tyler

Jim Coates · Answer

There is no software configuration fix for this. It is purely a mechanical spring-leaf contact switch in the jack. It seems that the contacts are not mating after the plug is removed. Jim

hoyakoni · Answer

i agree with jim, there is a possibility that the connectors in the jack might be in a suspended mode, only way to rectify that is by replacing the sound card, if the sound card is integrated on the mobo, then mobo has to be replaced,  you can also try this: start-->conrol panel-->sound speech audio device--> sound, speech audio devices-->volume-->advacne  under the  speaker settings-->tehn choose laptop stereo speakers

Tyler5710 · Answer

This computer is going to be replaced pretty soon anyway... I'd rather just solder or bend the contact closed... Do you have a link to a guide on removing an inspiron 5100 motherboard?

hoyakoni · Answer

is there a price for this one dude? kiddin, ive heard theres a website that is available but only dell certified expererts has to access to it, dell only offers intructions in removing customer removable parts but for factory removable parts.... i dont think they supply such info

Tyler5710 · Answer

I know you have to totally rip in to a laptop to get at the mobo, It's cool though, I am experienced at computer repair.  I have been searching for a tek but have been coming up blank so far...I challenge YOU to out-google me! ;-)

hoyakoni · Answer

uninstalling the mobo might be a lil difficult, you have to take the computer literally apart, im unable to pull up a website for such, but if the system still has an active warranty, then let dell do the dirty job.

Jim Coates · Answer

manuals Try the service manual. It has instructions for disassembly. Jim

Tyler5710 · Answer

Perfect!  Exactly what I needed, Thanks!

Jim Coates · Answer

Forgot that I had saved this link: Inspiron 5100 thread with pics and a discussion of how to use the mic jack to replace the headphone jack: 5100 jack thread Jim

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Way to manually enable built-in speakers?

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