External Microphone - how to test?

Question

I have an Inspiron 6000 laptop without a built-in mike. I borrowed the mike from my Dell desktop (the one that came with it) to use with my Yahoo Voice program (this uses my computer as a telephone), and it worked fine.  I bought a GE mike that will not work on the laptop.    I guess what I'll do next is try the GE mike on my desktop to see if it works there.  Any other suggestions?  I keep calling people from the laptop, and they think I'm a crank caller!

Jim Coates · Answer

There is an external mic test in the audio part of Dell Diagnostics interactive test. To run Diagnostics restart the computer, and as soon as it starts to boot up hold down f12. Select 'diagnostic' from the boot menu. It will run some tests for a couple of minutes before the Diagnostic comes up. When it does, select 'custom', then the audio test, and eventually the mic test. This test is independent of Windows and drivers so it doesn't matter if they are installed and/or working correctly.

I also like to use Sound Recorder as a tester.

Open Windows Sound Recorder under Start/Programs/Accessories/Entertainment.

Click on the Edit menu, then on Audio Properties.

Click on 'Volume' under 'Sound Recording'.

Click on the 'Select' box underneath the 'Microphone' control.

Push the mic volume slider all the way up.

Click on 'Advanced' under the microphone select box. Check the mic boost box.

Click on the red Record button and then speak into the mic. If the green line moves then the mic is working.

Jim

Locked Topics – Laptops General

External Microphone - how to test?

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