Inspiron 1000 clicking noise - Read if you are looking for a solution!

Question

I have been on the phone at least 15 times with a Dell customer service technician.  I have sent my laptop in to Dell 3 or 4 times.  They have switched out my laptop once.  I have updated and reinstalled the drivers numerous times.  I have tried different audio sources from the both the speakers and headphones jack including mp3s, cd audio, internet streams.  I have 'reformatted' the computer back to its out-of-the-box specifications.  NOTHING has stopped the clicking noise.  I finally was transferred over to a 'specialist' after over a month of not getting any results from Dell technicians.  After sending my computer to him.  He said he did not hear any ticking from the computer, and Dell could do nothing further for me.  This leaves only one solution:  the ticking noise is caused by some kind of environmental interference.  I still have not gotten my laptop back, but when I do, I am going to try and use it in other places to check to see if it still ticks.  At this point, I have given up hope and Dell is not going to do anything further for me.  Will update you further when I can check to see if the problem is environmental.  This problem CANNOT be in my head, if a lot of other people are having the same problem.  If any Dell employees are out there, I would just like to say that, at this point, I will probably never buy another product from Dell because I have a product that does not work correctly--that I've been told works correctly--and that is unacceptable.  Dell is known for their customer service.  I would assume that if you couldn't fix a customer's problem that you would MAKE a solution, but that has not been the case.  I am extremely disappointed.   Luke   EDIT TO POST:  I just tried removing the wireless card and playing audio without the card:  still ticks.  I might as well list everything I've tried to this point: 1.  Updating BIOS 2.  Returning hard drive to out-of-the-box specs 3.  Reinstalling Drivers 4.  Rolling back drivers to previous version 5.  Was sent a totally new Inspiron 1000 6.  Tested both speakers and headphones:  ticking in both 7.  It was suggested to replace the motherboard of my computer, but that never happened.  Was told that COULDN'T be it when it came back from Dell. ***None of these things got rid of the ticking noise.   Message Edited by wanbaclone on 02-16-2005 11:36 AM

sunnychandi · Answer

i had the same problem.

after reading that a format was needed to fix the clicking/ whirring/ fuzzy static noises, i tried it, having told the tech staff in the uk about what i'd read.

they talked me through it and it worked.

no more dodgy noises, that was 2 months ago and has been fine since

although when running on battery power there is a slight constant sharp noise ive been told and read this is common when on battery power.

anyway the noise related to audio has now gone, have you tried a format?

edit- there are 2 sound related issues:

1) sound card- via internal/ external speakers, static, clicking noise when audio played- format solved this

2) not sound card related- seems more to do with hard drive, quiet but sharp beeping every so often, perhaps with loading of a program etc. dell uk say related to power connection and earthing. should not be present when on ac power. also try disbaling usb root hubs to see if this make a difference

Message Edited by sunnychandi on 02-18-2005 02:58 AM

wanbaclone · Answer

Yes, I did try 'reformatting' the hard drive.  I don't know how your computer works in the UK, but the 1000s in the US don't actually reformat:  the computers do not come with Windows XP start up discs.  The 'reformat' (as listed in my list of things I've done) just returns the computer to its out-of-the-box specs (deleting anything you've put on after getting your computer), but it is not an actual reformat.  I'm glad it worked for you, but I had no such luck.  By the way, I have both of the problems you described, but the clicking audio noise is the one that drives me up the wall.   Luke

obeilix · Answer

Yeah.. i have exact the same problem on my US bought Inspirion 700m and it drives me crazy... I am currently using Skype to call my riends back home in Norway and they say that the sound is terrible. I have used a program to capture the sound when the mic is plugged... You can hear this clicking noise all the time.. I serously don´t know what the problem is. I also tried to update the drivers..

I was thinking that it could be smart to mail tech support a recording of the noise in mp3 format so they can hear what it is all about...?

Anybody else has this problem??

Jorgen

wanbaclone · Answer

I wanted to update this post by saying that I returned the 1000 (with a hefty restocking fee) after never being fixed.  The final Dell technician I sent my computer to said there was no problem with my computer.  Of course, I got it back and it still clicked.  To my knowledge, Dell does not have a reliable fix for this problem.  My suggestion is that if you buy a 1000 and it clicks, get a refund quickly!  After the 30 day trial period--service plan or not--they will charge you a large restocking fee for a computer that never worked properly.  It's sad to say, but I can safely say that Dell provided the worst customer problem/resolution I've ever experienced.  Everybody was nice on the phone, but that doesn't fix a computer.  I got the runaround for over a month.   Luke

jestuts · Answer

Hey...
The fact that you described my exact situation is unnerving. They said they were replacing the motherboard/soundcard and speakers but after what you said i doubt it will help. The only other option is to buy a ground loop isolator which iv'e heard people have had success with. I sent my laptop back after they couldn't diagnose the problem over the phone. I hope i an get this problem rectified so I can use my laptop for what I intended to use it for, mobile Djing. As you can see this would be a problem if my sound card didn't work. I'll let you know if the ground loop isolator works, or if they fixed it at the factory.

*Fingers Crossed*

obeilix · Answer

Let me tell you.. they also replaced MY motherbord, heatsink and dvd-burner.... and guess what..... Not only was the clicking still there when i got my laptop back... they had also replaced my dual dvd burner with a dvd-ROM!!!! Thanx Dell :)

I got my dvd-burner back though.... after 1.5 week..

Jorgen

GilesKennedy · Answer

Any joy anywhere here?

On my I5100 there is a faint clicking if I use the built-in headphone jack. I think it is just a "feature" of the very cheap Sigmatel sound card.

With my still cheapo Soundblaster USB MP3+ the clicking goes.

With both cards there is background noise if the PC is plugged into mains, but none if running on battery (i.e. the opposite of what Dell seem to be saying). Ground loop isolator or DI box with earth lift seem to be the answer. I think cheapo power supply (not sure if it's the external bit or something inside the PC case) is putting some sort of a signal onto the ground of all the PC's external interfaces. And yes the signal is affected by HD activity!

I think this is not uncommon with laptops these days.

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