Inspiron 1525 audio/wireless issue..

Hi everyone..

 

My Inspiron 1525 T5800 CH-07 came last Tuesday with only FreeDos cd (there wasn't an option to buy it with Windows). I installed XP SP2, downloaded Dell drivers, installed them in the exact order the instructions on Dell site say.. and was so sad to realise I had a problem: the audio cracks and pops every minute or so..

 

At first, I didn't know what it was, but a little bit of googling, and to my horror I found bunch of forum threads about this topic.. First thing I did, I disabled and deinstalled my wireless card - and hey, the sound is now perfect!

 

I have tried and tried almost any advice there is out there, including the ones at http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19142484/19265470.aspx#19265470

 

I tried installing the SP3, then went to Vista.. the sound improved a bit, but still you could hear those awfull cracks..

 

Then I tried installing ubuntu 8.10 - and it works flawlessly!! :emotion-1:

 

But, as linux is not an option for me, regarding what programs I intend to use, I am back to Windows (and cracky audio).

 

I have contacted my dealer (here in Croatia we don't have the 21day money back..) who told me that they were familiar with this issue, and since it is a software bug due to lousy drivers, the warranty doesn't cover for it! The online store where I bought my Inspiron is very supportive though, they've offered me a lot of tips and tricks that might help, but still, no improvement.

 

They did say that if nothing else worked, they would take the laptop back and install a hdd drive with preinstalled windows and drivers. If that wouldn't work, there is possible (!?) solution of returnig the laptop alltogether and switching it for a new one..

 

My question is this: the ones of you who have had or are stil having this issue.. was your Inspiron delivered to you with preinstalled Windows, or did you do it yourself? In the former case then, the solution my dealers are offering me, won't actually help a lot..

 

Question number two, has anyone tried altering the IRQ numbers assigned, I have read about it on some forums (although it shouldn't be an issue nowadays, but still)? As I understand, it is almost impossible to do it under XP, what about Vista?

 

My wireless card is currently sharing IRQ with the Standard AHCI 1.0 Serial ATA Controller and Intel Family PCI Express Card - IRQ 17, while the audio is on IRQ 21 shared with two universal host controllers..

 

Any help is highly appreciated! :emotion-5: