M17x R3 clean reinstall, no audio? (using updated drivers)

[Imoq]

I reinstalled my M17x R3 (not from respawn, but a clean Windows 7 reinstall) and after few everything works perfectly and don't have any device marked as "not working" or "unidentified" in control panel.

However, even if I installed audio driver from here:

Drivers and Downloads

I don't get sound at all. Windows detects the sound card, I do get the icon and when I do volume up/down, I get the little green indicator of a sound being played, also when I try to play a test sound I do get it, as if the sound was playing but nothing from it.

Any ideas as what is causing this and how could I fix it? Things I have tried so far:

- Making sure the windows sound service is running (in "services").
- Making sure sound is not muted ¬¬

I haven't tried plugging an earphone yet, didn't have any available at the time.

[katalin_2003]

Hoping this is not a hardware issue, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound and in the new windows right click Speakers and select "Set as default device".

Restart the system.

[Imoq]

Thanks, I will try that.

I don't have my Alienware with me right now, away from home.

I got my motherboard replaced few days ago and did the clean Windows 7 reinstall. Everything seems to be working but the sound.

I too hope it is not a hardware issue, as I spent almost all day yesterday to get everything working :X

[katalin_2003]

Did you had sound output before reinstalling Windows?

[Imoq]

After mother board was changed Windows wouldn't boot at all, that's why I had to reinstall.

But yeah, prior to my old motherboard failing there was sound for sure.

[katalin_2003]

It can be a bad connection somewhere.
Did a tech install it for you?

[Imoq]

Yeah, a tech went home to replace motherboard, but he probably did something wrong as this topic shows:

Replaced motherboard, no more Optimus. Good or bad thing?

I am willing to open my computer, where should I check if the sound card is connected properly?

Thanks a lot for the help!

[Imoq]

Sorry for the double post.

I am at home now. I plugged in some earphones and I get sound coming from them! But still not sound in my speakers. Already made sure they were selected as default device and all.

Next step is to open my computer and check the connections, I guess, I just need to know what to look for exactly. Any input, please?

[katalin_2003]

I don't own a M17x R3 but you can look in the manual on how to disassemble it.
If you're not comfortable doing it, call Dell and tell them about your problem, you have warranty afterall and it's not your fault.

But as an advice for future tech visits: Don't let the tech go until you test your system first!!

[Imoq]

Thanks, I'll follow the guide here:

Documentation

About the tech, since Windows wouldn't boot and I had to do a clean reinstall that took a while, there was no way I could test my system without him going away But I'll keep that in mind for future cases!