As requested, the following link will serve as a complete step-by-step guide towards re-installing Windows 7 on the machine. This is a time consuming process and we would definitely suggest that you have a backup for all your documents/pictures/music/videos/application installers.
I tried the above mentioned steps. The results were positive. I could hear sound only from speakers in certain steps and when headphone was inserted i could hear it only from headphone.
**
I was out of office on Thursday and Friday, and just had a look at the reply. If you were able to hear sound through the Speakers and Headphones distinctly through the 32 bit testing system, then your hardware appears to be fine.
You should look at a clean windows installation/clean factory image restore as a possible solution.
Ideally, i would recommend that you backup your essential data first; And I'll help you out with instructions for a dell factory restore/windows re-installation.
As requested, the following link will serve as a complete step-by-step guide towards re-installing Windows 7 on the machine. This is a time consuming process and we would definitely suggest that you have a backup for all your documents/pictures/music/videos/application installers.
Hello Shomprakash_R. Your instructions are for an installation of Windows from an installation dvd disk. I disagree with that approach for a couple of reason.
> It is time consuming as you said.
> Mahesh_88 probably does not have the disk because Dell no longer ships them with new laptops
> Most importantly it does not return the laptop to the original factory configuration so it is useless as a diagnostic tool. What I mean is this: the audio worked correctly with the original configuration -- when it was fresh out of the box. If the laptop is restored to the original factory configuration and the audio still does not work then it is positive proof that a hardware defect has developed. If Windows is installed from a disk and the audio still does not work, that is a very strong indication that there is a hardware problem but not proof positive.
I have been advising folks for 8 years on this forum and based on those years of experience my advice is to use Dell Factory Image Restore to do this.
Mahesh_88, there is a "hidden" restore partition on your hard drive and it contains an image of your operating system,drivers, and any software that was pre-installed. Everything just as it was when the laptop left the factory. You have to back up your data before using it but the process itself only takes a few minutes, maybe 10, which is why I called it "a quick solution" (assuming that you have a software problem although I believe it is hardware).
The purpose of the restore partition is to easily solve (or diagnose) problems when you run out of other things to try, so using it would be ideal in this situation. I provided a link to the online instructions but they are also in your manual, the N5010 Setup Guide, on page 65 of the English version.
As correctly pointed out by Jim here, you can try the Dell Datasafe Local- Factory Image Restore.
This process re-writes your hard drive with a snapshot taken from the inital factory image.
The process can be done in two ways.
Option 1 : Through Advanced Boot Options (F8 Menu)
1. Tap F8 at the Dell Logo to get to the Advanced Boot Options, like before.
2. Select the option "Repair My Computer"
3. You would be asked to enter your Windows Login credentials.
4. Next, you will be given a couple of options to repair the machine
5. Select "Dell Datasafe Local Emergency Backup & Restore" which would be the last option on the list.
6. The Recovery Enviroment Wizard will startup, allowing you to select options to backup your files and do a factory restore, or restore without preserving. Looking at the current scenario, I would recommend that you first perform a manula backup, and in the recovery enviroment, please restore without preserving, This will ensure that the purpose of us doing a clean factory restore is served.
Option 2: Start Datasafe from within windows
1. Boot to Windows completely
2. Click on "start"
3. In the Search box, type "Dell Datasafe Local"
4. Click on the accurately matching result at the top of the Start Menu : "Dell Datasafe Local Backup" (With a Green Icon)
5. Once DSL Starts up, Choose "Restore" from the options on the Left Hand Menu.
6. From within restore options, Choose "Factory Image Restore" > Click on "Restart". This will take you to the same recovery environment that's mentioned in Step 6, Option 1.
Jim,
I would like to thank you for your continued assistance on this case. I would like to clarify the reason behind suggesting a clean OS Re-installation in comparison to a PC-Restore.
Primarily, the PC-Restore option is effective only if the original Hard Drive Configuration is Undisturbed (If the HDD has never been formatted)
Secondly, if the problem has been present through the initial period of system usage, a OSRI would be more advisable.
Still, the step is definitely advisable, as it saves the time it would normally take to re-install all essential drivers/applications back on the machine. Also, it preserves the Microsoft Office Starter Edition, if present.
And to answer a previous query, the Windows 7 Re-installation DVD is now Optional to Order, and is still available as a recommended add-on during point of sale. ALternatively, it can be acquired later by contacting Dell Technical Support over the phone too.
Thanks again Jim for the valuable inputs, it is much appreciated.
Mahesh,
Please let me know if the PC Restore/OSRI steps turn out to be useful. If it still continues, kindly PM me the service tag of your computer, I'll check with the technical support teams to see if someone can get in touch with you regarding hardware replacement options if required.
Mahesh_88, I just remembered that a year ago someone else with an N5010 reported that a program named "Steam" can take over the audio and make it play through both headphones and speakers. Man I am so sorry that I did not recall this information earlier. I am old and forgetting things. Here is the thread:
@Jim, There is no program named "Steam" installed in my Laptop. I think i should go ahead with Factory Image Restore.
@Dell-Shomprakash, I tried to get Windows 7 Re-installation DVD when i bought new Laptop, but the support agent said that they have stopped providing Windows 7 DVD's. I tried to convince her the importance of that DVD, but she said the same.
If its still available let me know how to get one, it might useful in future.
I will go ahead with Factory Image Restore and let know if i need any help.
That means it is a hardware problem that can be repaired under your warranty. Sorry you had to go through the process but it was necessary to get a diagnosis.
Its okay Jim. The entire task was interesting and helped me get good knowledge of Audio System. And the right way is to try every possible steps and then arrive at a proper conclusion.
There had been a bunch of "social media" people from Dell on this board during the last couple of months. I haven't seen any activity out of any of them for the last couple of days. Don't know if they went away or if if was just the weekend.
Dell_Shomprakash_R said "I'll check with the technical support teams to see if someone can get in touch with you". Maybe he is waiting on a reply from them.
Someone from technical support could have atleast replied. They need 1 week for simple issue with Sound System. I can continue without this issue being fixed, but what if a person has greater issue with Laptop. Entire work will remain pending.
I tried to send an Email to Dell support, even that doesn't work saying that warranty has expired.
They are busy providing support to buyers of new model.
Dell-shomprakas
21 Posts
1
July 28th, 2012 04:00
Hi Mahesh,
As requested, the following link will serve as a complete step-by-step guide towards re-installing Windows 7 on the machine. This is a time consuming process and we would definitely suggest that you have a backup for all your documents/pictures/music/videos/application installers.
Here's the link -
support.dell.com/.../document
Kindly let me know if this helps.
Regards,
Dell_Shomprakash_R
Dell Social Media Responder
Dell-shomprakas
21 Posts
1
July 28th, 2012 04:00
Hi Mahesh,
I'm replying to your message :
Posted by Mahesh_88 replied on 07-26-2012 4:21 AM
Hello Shomprakash,
I tried the above mentioned steps. The results were positive. I could hear sound only from speakers in certain steps and when headphone was inserted i could hear it only from headphone.
**
I was out of office on Thursday and Friday, and just had a look at the reply. If you were able to hear sound through the Speakers and Headphones distinctly through the 32 bit testing system, then your hardware appears to be fine.
You should look at a clean windows installation/clean factory image restore as a possible solution.
Ideally, i would recommend that you backup your essential data first; And I'll help you out with instructions for a dell factory restore/windows re-installation.
Again, sorry for the delayed response.
Kindest Regards,
Dell_Shomprakash_R
Jim Coates
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
July 28th, 2012 05:00
Hello Shomprakash_R. Your instructions are for an installation of Windows from an installation dvd disk. I disagree with that approach for a couple of reason.
> It is time consuming as you said.
> Mahesh_88 probably does not have the disk because Dell no longer ships them with new laptops
> Most importantly it does not return the laptop to the original factory configuration so it is useless as a diagnostic tool. What I mean is this: the audio worked correctly with the original configuration -- when it was fresh out of the box. If the laptop is restored to the original factory configuration and the audio still does not work then it is positive proof that a hardware defect has developed. If Windows is installed from a disk and the audio still does not work, that is a very strong indication that there is a hardware problem but not proof positive.
I have been advising folks for 8 years on this forum and based on those years of experience my advice is to use Dell Factory Image Restore to do this.
Mahesh_88, there is a "hidden" restore partition on your hard drive and it contains an image of your operating system,drivers, and any software that was pre-installed. Everything just as it was when the laptop left the factory. You have to back up your data before using it but the process itself only takes a few minutes, maybe 10, which is why I called it "a quick solution" (assuming that you have a software problem although I believe it is hardware).
The purpose of the restore partition is to easily solve (or diagnose) problems when you run out of other things to try, so using it would be ideal in this situation. I provided a link to the online instructions but they are also in your manual, the N5010 Setup Guide, on page 65 of the English version.
Dell-shomprakas
21 Posts
0
July 28th, 2012 07:00
Hi Mahesh,
As correctly pointed out by Jim here, you can try the Dell Datasafe Local- Factory Image Restore.
This process re-writes your hard drive with a snapshot taken from the inital factory image.
The process can be done in two ways.
Option 1 : Through Advanced Boot Options (F8 Menu)
1. Tap F8 at the Dell Logo to get to the Advanced Boot Options, like before.
2. Select the option "Repair My Computer"
3. You would be asked to enter your Windows Login credentials.
4. Next, you will be given a couple of options to repair the machine
5. Select "Dell Datasafe Local Emergency Backup & Restore" which would be the last option on the list.
6. The Recovery Enviroment Wizard will startup, allowing you to select options to backup your files and do a factory restore, or restore without preserving. Looking at the current scenario, I would recommend that you first perform a manula backup, and in the recovery enviroment, please restore without preserving, This will ensure that the purpose of us doing a clean factory restore is served.
Option 2: Start Datasafe from within windows
1. Boot to Windows completely
2. Click on "start"
3. In the Search box, type "Dell Datasafe Local"
4. Click on the accurately matching result at the top of the Start Menu : "Dell Datasafe Local Backup" (With a Green Icon)
5. Once DSL Starts up, Choose "Restore" from the options on the Left Hand Menu.
6. From within restore options, Choose "Factory Image Restore" > Click on "Restart". This will take you to the same recovery environment that's mentioned in Step 6, Option 1.
Jim,
I would like to thank you for your continued assistance on this case. I would like to clarify the reason behind suggesting a clean OS Re-installation in comparison to a PC-Restore.
Primarily, the PC-Restore option is effective only if the original Hard Drive Configuration is Undisturbed (If the HDD has never been formatted)
Secondly, if the problem has been present through the initial period of system usage, a OSRI would be more advisable.
Still, the step is definitely advisable, as it saves the time it would normally take to re-install all essential drivers/applications back on the machine. Also, it preserves the Microsoft Office Starter Edition, if present.
And to answer a previous query, the Windows 7 Re-installation DVD is now Optional to Order, and is still available as a recommended add-on during point of sale. ALternatively, it can be acquired later by contacting Dell Technical Support over the phone too.
Thanks again Jim for the valuable inputs, it is much appreciated.
Mahesh,
Please let me know if the PC Restore/OSRI steps turn out to be useful. If it still continues, kindly PM me the service tag of your computer, I'll check with the technical support teams to see if someone can get in touch with you regarding hardware replacement options if required.
Kindest Regards,
Dell_Shomprakash_R
Dell Social Media Responder
Jim Coates
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
July 28th, 2012 11:00
Mahesh_88, I just remembered that a year ago someone else with an N5010 reported that a program named "Steam" can take over the audio and make it play through both headphones and speakers. Man I am so sorry that I did not recall this information earlier. I am old and forgetting things. Here is the thread:
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3517/p/19390313/20031417.aspx#20031417
Well, I guess if you don't have Steam the information won't help anyway, or if you have already restored the image then that will fix it.
Mahesh_88
17 Posts
0
July 29th, 2012 08:00
@Jim, There is no program named "Steam" installed in my Laptop. I think i should go ahead with Factory Image Restore.
@Dell-Shomprakash, I tried to get Windows 7 Re-installation DVD when i bought new Laptop, but the support agent said that they have stopped providing Windows 7 DVD's. I tried to convince her the importance of that DVD, but she said the same.
If its still available let me know how to get one, it might useful in future.
I will go ahead with Factory Image Restore and let know if i need any help.
Thanks,
Mahesh
Mahesh_88
17 Posts
0
August 1st, 2012 13:00
Factory Restore didn't help. Problem with sound still persists.
Jim Coates
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
August 1st, 2012 16:00
That means it is a hardware problem that can be repaired under your warranty. Sorry you had to go through the process but it was necessary to get a diagnosis.
Mahesh_88
17 Posts
0
August 2nd, 2012 00:00
Jim, thanks for spending time on this issue.
Mahesh_88
17 Posts
0
August 2nd, 2012 00:00
@Jim
Its okay Jim. The entire task was interesting and helped me get good knowledge of Audio System. And the right way is to try every possible steps and then arrive at a proper conclusion.
Thanks,
Mahesh
Jim Coates
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
August 2nd, 2012 05:00
My pleasure. This is a hobby for me that I enjoy doing.
none2_c77292
3 Posts
0
August 2nd, 2012 06:00
n
Mahesh_88
17 Posts
0
August 7th, 2012 22:00
Its been nearly 6 days, i sent Dell-shomprakash private message to add me as friend, so that he could inform me on fixing Hardware Issue.
I haven't received reply. Will once again try call support, which makes its customers wait for almost half an hour.
Thanks,
Mahesh ( Owner of OUTDATED Inspiron model )
Jim Coates
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
August 8th, 2012 06:00
There had been a bunch of "social media" people from Dell on this board during the last couple of months. I haven't seen any activity out of any of them for the last couple of days. Don't know if they went away or if if was just the weekend.
Dell_Shomprakash_R said "I'll check with the technical support teams to see if someone can get in touch with you". Maybe he is waiting on a reply from them.
Mahesh_88
17 Posts
0
August 8th, 2012 12:00
Someone from technical support could have atleast replied. They need 1 week for simple issue with Sound System. I can continue without this issue being fixed, but what if a person has greater issue with Laptop. Entire work will remain pending.
I tried to send an Email to Dell support, even that doesn't work saying that warranty has expired.
They are busy providing support to buyers of new model.