audio problem inspiron 9300

It is probably a physical problem with the jack. The jack on the 9300 is part of the motherboard and not replaceable, but you can get a simple usb external audio interface to use headphones with.

to verify that the problem is in the software run the audio tests in Dell Diagnostics. These interactive audio tests are designed to narrow down the problem to either the software or hardware. The tests are independent of Windows and drivers, meaning it doesn't matter if those are working correctly or not. To run Dell Diagnostics

1. Restart the computer and tap the f12 key as soon as it starts to boot up .
2. Select 'Diagnostic' from the boot menu. The computer will run its pre-boot assessment tests (PSA) before Dell Diagnostics starts. During the PSA you will hear some tones through the system speaker but this does not adequately test the audio hardware. Dell Diagnostics plays an instrumental piece of music complete with drums, so if you only hear some tones then you have only run the PSA.
3. Dell Diagnostics should open after the PSA tests, or you should see an option to open it. If you have ever reformatted your entire hard drive then Dell Diagnostics will no longer be there as an option. In that case run it from the Drivers and Utilities (Resource) CD if you have one.
4. Select 'Custom', then the audio tests. (At this point - after you have opened Dell Diagnostic custom - if you can't find the option to select the audio tests that is a symptom of a failed audio chip.)
5. The tests will run and play some audio.
6. If you only hear the music in one side during the test it definitely means there is a hardware failure.
7.If you hear the audio in both earpieces during the test but not when you boot back into Windows, that means the hardware is okay but there is a software problem.

hi,

i did the diagnostics and the sound is ok when heard thru speakers.  only the headphone jack seems to have this problem.  anything we can do abt it? you suggested a simple usb external audio interface....where do i get those p lease and how much do they cost?  thx

The maximum memory is 2 Gb's (page 100 of the Owner's Manual).

Memory module connector two user-accessible SODIMM connectors
Memory module capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB
Memory type 1.8-V SODIMM DDR-II

I don't know about the hard drive but someone on the  Disk Drives Board will know. Before I replaced my hard drive I asked there about capacity etc..

This is an example of an external usb sound card with the normal features

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=872&product=17872&nav=0

Here are some simpler devices ... fewer features but good quality.

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Labs-Xmod-Sound-Card/dp/B000IZ96LQ/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_3

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Advantage-Micro-Sound-Card/dp/B0002ICGDY/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1

These might or might not work but are really cheap:

http://www.amazon.com/USB-Audio-Adapter-Microphone-Jack/dp/B000BUDHNQ/ref=pd_sim_e_1

http://www.amazon.com/External-Channel-Sound-Adapter-Notebook/dp/B000N35A0Y/ref=pd_sim_e_2

thanks again jimco..that was very detailed.  like i said i live in india..so i will try and get something here itself.

i will go the disk drive forum to confirm the max capacity

thanks agaiin and have a good day!