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I'm at my wits end for sound on this Inspiron 6000

post #1 of 7
1/27/09 at 7:19pm
Thread Starter 
Hi guys.

I have been trying everything to get the sound to work on this Dell Inspiron 6000 of my son's (he's in Iraq) and despite my best efforts and even the efforts of the IT guy here at a networks company in the silicon valley. We could not get any sound no matter what and it says there are no sound devices installed even though it lists the SigmaTel C-Major audio driver in Device Manager. The IT guy says he has never seen something like this so I am wondering if a format and fresh install of Windows XP is in order? It seems my only option.

Thanks,

Mike
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post #2 of 7
1/27/09 at 9:34pm
The best option in my opinion is to burn a Linux live cd and boot into it. Then see whether your sound works in Linux. This way you will be able to tell if this is a software problem and whether a reformat would work to solve it. It sounds totally like a software problem to me but this is just to make sure.

You may notice that this post only tells you whether or not a reformat would help you. It does not, however, suggest any alternate actions you can do because I'm not really a Windows guy. I will try to do some searching for you later but this is all I have off the top of my head.
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post #3 of 7
1/28/09 at 5:36am
Dell's own 32bit diagnostics will also work. Look for it under custom tests. The audio test isn't part of the standard testing regime.

However, I know with that much time spent on that system, you're probably best off to just cut your losses and reinstall.
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post #4 of 7
1/28/09 at 10:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad View Post
Hi guys.

I have been trying everything to get the sound to work on this Dell Inspiron 6000 of my son's (he's in Iraq) and despite my best efforts and even the efforts of the IT guy here at a networks company in the silicon valley. We could not get any sound no matter what and it says there are no sound devices installed even though it lists the SigmaTel C-Major audio driver in Device Manager. The IT guy says he has never seen something like this so I am wondering if a format and fresh install of Windows XP is in order? It seems my only option.

Thanks,

Mike
What is your current OS version? XP SP1, XP SP2, XP SP3? Have you checked and see if the windows patch of High Definition Audio (KB888111) has been applied BEFORE the audio driver installation?

cheers ...
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post #5 of 7
1/28/09 at 9:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by qhn View Post
What is your current OS version? XP SP1, XP SP2, XP SP3? Have you checked and see if the windows patch of High Definition Audio (KB888111) has been applied BEFORE the audio driver installation?
I believe you're mistaken, the Sigmatel codec in the i6000 is not a high definition audio solution, therefore the patch you mention shouldn't be offered by windows update. My i9300 uses the same codec and I've never been offered that patch to install (the i9300 is nearly the same as the i6000 but with a 17" screen instead of 15"). So I don't think this is the OPs problem or solution.

I would try ZZ's sugestion, get the latest version Knoppix or PCLOS Linux distros. I've found both to be invaluable in diagnosing problems over the years. Both distros will run from the CD and don't require installation, if your sound is properly detected and running under Linux then your problem isn't hardware related, but software (Windows) related.

Once diagnosed post back here with the results so a more thorough trouble shooting can occur. I hope this helps.

Ciao
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post #6 of 7
1/29/09 at 8:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiburon666 View Post
I believe you're mistaken, the Sigmatel codec in the i6000 is not a high definition audio solution, therefore the patch you mention shouldn't be offered by windows update. My i9300 uses the same codec and I've never been offered that patch to install (the i9300 is nearly the same as the i6000 but with a 17" screen instead of 15"). So I don't think this is the OPs problem or solution...
Stand corrected.

cheers ...
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post #7 of 7
1/29/09 at 10:46am
Thread Starter 
Thanks everyone. I am going to just reformat and install my Windows XP Home edition on it from my desktop.
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