*M17xR3 & M18x* Internal Speakers not working after using Optical/external audio out

[Atreiya]

I gave up since no one answered how to unstick the pin (if that's what the problem was/is), so I ended up buying a wireless Bluetooth speaker, which I figured was cheaper than sending the laptop in for repairs. It worked out, plus I didn't have any downtime. Oddly enough, for a day or two, the sound would come back intermittently from the internal speakers (never came back after that, though). I never even went near the optical port OR used the provided adapter either - it was just the regular headphone jack closest to the front of the system.

[thedarkclaw]

Originally Posted by thedarkclaw

also could you(or anyone else) explain what is an external audio out?

can someone please tell me whats the problem cause i really dont understand. do the speakers not work at all on alienware laptops?

[warez420]

Originally Posted by thedarkclaw

can someone please tell me whats the problem cause i really dont understand. do the speakers not work at all on alienware laptops?

there is a S/p dif port on the side, and when you use the supplied adapter for optical audio out, it engages a clip inside, that disables on board speakers. only fix for it is new mobo.

[AW Product Team]

Just a heads up to all who have sent us their service tags, we have consolidated and escalated to our service team.

Thank you for your feedback.

[MVER]

Originally Posted by Atreiya

I gave up since no one answered how to unstick the pin (if that's what the problem was/is), so I ended up buying a wireless Bluetooth speaker, which I figured was cheaper than sending the laptop in for repairs. It worked out, plus I didn't have any downtime. Oddly enough, for a day or two, the sound would come back intermittently from the internal speakers (never came back after that, though). I never even went near the optical port OR used the provided adapter either - it was just the regular headphone jack closest to the front of the system.

I was under the impression that only the SPDIF port had the problem. So now the normal jacks are also suspicious?
The 2 headphone jacks in my M18X don't show this behaviour. (yet)
You would suppose tons of M17X/M18X users use these on a daily bases...
Anyone know if there are any other reported cases?

[scook9]

As far as I know the problem only presents itself when using the SPDIF port with the oversized Dell provided adapter. Once it has stuck the pin though, the problem exists regardless of what jacks are used after that - the internal speakers will not work as long as the IDT drivers are installed.

[scook9]

And now (after yet another visit....) my video is straight again but the audio is back to where we started this whole ordeal....

YAY for Dell Refurbished parts where they don't fix anything! (obviously a motherboard from someone else who had the audio problem - could even be my old one)

They will likely require me to depot it now.....something I am strongly against since they cant provide a sufficient box and want me to pay for a box to send it in. Looks like I will be pushing for a brand new machine to replace this one as this is getting ridiculous.

[DJFOX]

update on mine. My BD didnt work after getting it back from service
I completely gutted the system to find the cable wasn't installed. For those who have had the great opportunity to tear apart the system to the optical drive you know that takes a long time and you have to do a lot of things that arent fun..

very frustrated i had to do that to plug-in a cable that alienware techs arent doing...

pissed would be how i classify myself after my few experiences with dell

[richochet]

Got my laptop today plugged in the adapter and bam now I'm having the same problem. OK time to start calling.

Can you tell if the computer thinks the jack is in use with a control panel? I would like a confirmation that that is the issue.

called tech support and they are sending a new mobo AW product team if you want more info let me know.

[nomar5555]

Guys i got up the courage to try and use the spdif out, but i used an adapter that came with and Optical cable i had and it worked perfectly. I have used it many times since, it goes in much easier then the A/W feels a lot less cheap

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