My E1705 is about to go down the stairs.

[Inspiron9100]

Alright guys, well about 1-1/2 weeks ago, I was playing WoW, and started getting crackling sounds while playing. I lived with it for a day, called Dell, they were no help at all. I ended up doing a complete (slow) re-format, re-installing everything, and it's been perfect since.

Today, the crackling started AGAIN while playing, only lasted for about 10 seconds, then I heard it again for a bit longer... I was hoping it would just go away. Now everytime I start up WoW, there is constantly crackling

I mean, I had my 9100 for over a year, and never had ANY problems like this, and it's really starting to PISS ME OFF. I know how to maintain a computer properly, and have NEVER had any issues with any of my previous computers.

This is not spyware, virus, etc related - I have all the best programs and run them religously every 2-3 days...

Basically, it was working perfect for almost two weeks, and started crackling here and there, now it does it as soon as I open WoW.

I'm not about to re-install everything to play WoW every two weeks!

I'm so heated I feel like tossing this piece down the stairs right now.

Has anyone had a similiar problem?

[GBmanNC]

Does it do it in all games? With headphones?

[5150 Joker]

That's why I told ya to buy a brand new E1705 when you were shopping for one. :\ If you have warranty left on the system, contact Dell and let them know it's giving you trouble and ask for a system exchange. Say you feel the entire system is faulty including the 7800 go. Maybe they'll give you a brand new E1705 complete with a 7900 Go GS. I'm over my 21 day period but I convinced Dell to send me a brand new E1705 since all they've done since I got mine is send me crappy refurb displays.

[ACHlLLES]

Yah, you really should give them hell about it.

[Inspiron9100]

Only in WoW...

Yes, with headphones...

I've already contacted Dell, and they have crap for advice.

I cannot be without the laptop.

[Inspiron9100]

First, I tried to re-install audio driver... Didn't do anything.

Then I deleted the driver, and it's not crackling...

What the hell.

[ACHlLLES]

Could it be the "overheating problem" causing the whole system to run shitty is the question you should be looking into though. I can't say/give any tips on card since I don't have it.

[Inspiron9100]

Thanks guys... I don't know whats going on...

All I know is I played WoW ALOT today, and the problem popped up, just like last time...

Damn, this new laptop is great but at far as reliability, it fails miserably

My 9100 was a tank, but I never had one issue.

[Deadbolt360]

Yeah, I noticed the same thing in BF2 with my E1705. I bought it brand new though. It has stopped and it hasn't happened the last few times while playing. No complaints here as for that anymore. I am on day 18 with it, so far I'm pleased with it. A few minor complaints such as the ram feeling ridiculously hot. I want a laptop cooler or something, unless ram is supposed to get hot like that.

[ACHlLLES]

The sound driver... Here's my experience w/ that. When I clean installed my system, I didn't have few drivers that came along w/ Dell cd, so the Dell guy on the phone suggested me to let him get control of my lappy via dell direct BS. He logged on to my system, installed all the drivers(via online), but Creative HD audio thingy WOULD NOT INSTALL. There was few unknown drivers on my device manager that he had no idea of which later found out was caused by the sound drivers. Because of this deep shit I had to reformat/reinstall the whole thing by myself (great tip from the guy) I think you may have installed wrong driver is what I'm trying to say is my guess.. . . . . .. . Hope this helps in a strange, mysterious way which will solve your problem.

[GBmanNC]

Does it happen to do it only when you move the mouse?

[kaltek]

i would say it sounds like a driver problem from what u just said insp9100. never had the problem when i had the system i would suggeest either updating WoW if they have any and/or udating drivers or using other companies sigmatel drivers

[nightanole]

Crackling in a audio jack....

Has anyone tryed to clean the poor jack that has had daily use for over a year now? Try this:

get a paper Q-tip, not the ones with the plastic shaft but the ones with the paper shaft.

Cut the tip off the Q-tip.
soak the now bald tip in rubbing alcholal(sp)
make sure the bald tip is not dripping wet and ream the headphone jack out.
also clean the head phone plug out too.

I have to do this with ipods all the time due to all the gunk from daily use.

[ACHlLLES]

Brand new system though.

[Inspiron9100]

Uhm... it happens through the SPEAKERS, I mentioned it happens through headphones just to eliminate the possibility of a blown speaker... Read?

Thanks for stopping by Kal Your a great seller, and answered all my PMs/questions quickly, thanks!

WoW is updated.

I couldn't find drivers on SigmaTel's site...?

Where else can I find the proper driver?

Its now working with no driver... Will this cause any problems?

Also, its weird how after playing for two weeks, the crackling starts... Not right away... Just odd!

Thanks everyone, double reppage for everyone listening to my complaining