I am running an HP Probook 4720 with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. I'm having issues with the sound.
First, let me start by saying the sound from the headphones works 100% all the time.
However, with no headphones plugged in - no sound. In order to hear sound from the laptops speakers, I have to go through a series of steps that I somehow managed to get working.
I have tried a combination of ways, but this is the only way I can seem to get it working. And it working at all indicates that it's most likely not hardware related. Perhaps there is a setting or something that's not configured correctly.
I have tried the troubleshooting for Windows 7 and I have also downloaded the Microsoft fix-it and they both say everything is working properly. I also uninstalled and reinstalled the audio drivers found on HP's site for my laptop to no avail.
It's honestly not that serious of an issue since I can get the sound to work. But it's a pain having to manually enable it every time I start the computer. It seems like this can be resolved fairly easily, I'm just not sure what needs to be done. Can anyone help?
There are a whole bunch of things that can be causing this. Instead of writing 3 pages of instructions for you to try; do this:
Attempt to do a ROLLBACK of your System with SYSTEM RESTORE, built into Windows utilities. This will undo whatever you did to cause this problem--I'm assuming that it didn't do this when you first bought the laptop correct? Problem here for you is if the point in time is further back than 5 mos. SYSTEM RESTORE cannot go back any further than this, so it would require much more in depth troubleshooting, backup of your data to external media*if you haven't already done*, and involved using FACTORY RECOVERY DISCS or FACTORY RESET FROM PARTITION.
So, try this quick fix unless you are over the 5 mos. ago period. Then you can post back and we can advise you further if you wish to fix yourself.
Lastly, many viruses and malware can hang around on your system even after SYSTEM RESTORE. If you can run SYSTEM RESTORE and after the rollback the problem persists it's quite likely you have a nasty virus or RootKit virus on your hard drive that needs to be addressed. Some attack sound drivers, others video, and yet others disable your Internet-networking files.:nonono: if this is the case, I urge you to pay a visit to our experts in our Virus/Malware forum see link in my signature below to visit there if necessary.:smile:
We can help, try these steps and post back your results and we will be glad to advise you further. The price is right=Free! opcorn:
The series of steps I have to take are as follows:
-Right click the speaker icon.
-Choose Recording Devices.
-Select Rec. Playback IDT High Definition Audio Codec
-Select properties for it
-Go to the listen tab
-Make sure "listen to this device" is enabled
Now here's the odd part...The headphones are already selected by default under "Playback through this device". However the only way it works is if I change this to something else, for instance speakers, then hit apply. Then change it right back to headphones and hit apply.
Then wahlah... sound from the internal speakers plays crystal clear
And I don't know if this helps anything or not, but even when I do get the sound to play through the internal speakers, it's also playing through the headphones as well. So I hear both at the same time after performing those steps.
Perhaps a certain combination of default devices or something I'm supposed to be using that automatically enables the sound without me having to manually do it?
well on some laptops their is a little switch inside the headphone jack thats made when you plug in the headphones that could be stuck shut when you pull out headphone plug. newer ones could be using software to detect if their plugged in.
Yes, that was one of the first things I attempted to do after googling. I wiggled a pin inside the headphone and speaker jacks, but still the same result.
Even further puzzling is that once I get the sound to work through those series of steps and I log off and log right back in, I have to redo the steps.
I followed the instructions to create a bootable USB flash drive. It ran fine. Opened the firefox browser and tried playing volume through multiple youtube videos and heard nothing. Made sure the volume wasn't muted or anything as well.
I would tend to agree with that assessment, however, wouldn't the fact I can enable the sound and get it working perfectly negate that being the issue?
Like if for instance the speakers were just bad, it shouldn't matter what I do in terms of the steps I take to get the sound working. It shouldn't come on at all if it's a hardware issue, correct? Yet, every time without fail I am able to get sound.
Perhaps there is a certain configuration I'm supposed to be using, some button located on the laptop itself, or even something in the BIOS I need to adjust. All I know is I've exhausted all of my computer knowledge in regards to correcting the problem, hence why I came here.
I appreciate you all for trying to help with this peculiar problem. I really would like to get this problem resolved though, so I'm open to anymore suggestions. Like I stated from the beginning, it really is not that serious of an issue since I can get the sound working. But it is quite annoying and just one of those minor inconveniences that I would prefer not to have to deal with if at possible.
well the only way I can think of is taking the laptop apart to check the switch with an ohm meter to see if the switch is closed. but if your not comfortable taking it apart then I do not know what else to suggest. running out of ideas. I will put the word out to see if any other team member has an idea.
Try using the Playing Audio troubleshooter to fix the problem. It checks for common problems with your volume settings, your sound card or driver, and your speakers or headphones.
Open the Playing Audio troubleshooter by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting. Under Hardware and Sound, click Troubleshoot audio playback.* Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
I've run the troubleshooter before. It doesn't detect any problems simply because of the fact that the audio itself plays. I just have to manually enable it to hear it through the laptops speakers. There's no problem playing audio though.
And in reference to the switch, I'm not sure what you're speaking of as I'm not that tech savvy, so it's probably best I don't take it apart. But again, if it was an issue of a switch being closed inside... why would any steps I take through Windows resolve the issue? See what I mean?
Yes, I really would appreciate you seeing if anyone has a solution to this. I'm not sure of the policy around here, but I am willing to compensate anyone who can help resolve this inconvenience via PayPal.
You didn't try SYSTEM RESTORE or WINDOWS REINSTALLATION yet?? Why Not???
This is sounding like a software corruption issue in Windows to me. Easiest way to try to repair is to do either of these. If that fails to resolve the problem you'll have to post back as you may have a common hardware issue with failed RAM (memory leak) or your Hard Drive. Either of these can cause a software type problem you have. :nonono:
You've eliminated the Malware possibility, now you have to eliminate the hardware possibility. It's clear it's not a hardware issue with the internal speakers or audio driver or cable; and common built-in windows troubleshooting rarely will solve this type of quirky problem.:nonono:
We'll await your next post after attempting the software repairs suggested to you.
I also can't do a system restore because there are no restore points to go back to. But as far as the windows installation, I do have the Windows 7 disc. Would it be possible to just repair or fix any corrupted files (audio I'm assuming) without having to do a clean install?
A start up repair is an easy thing Repair Windows 7 Using the Startup Repair Tool
The clean boot should be just as easy, so I am not sure where you're having an issue with that. Please try to give some further info on what you have a problem with on doing that.
Sorry I wasn't more clear. I meant that it didn't correct the issue after doing the clean boot.
I will try using the startup repair tool next and check back with you guys. Would running SFC Scannow or any other tools help before having to resort to a clean install?
A forum community dedicated to tech experts and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about articles, computer security, Mac, Microsoft, Linux, hardware, networking, gaming, reviews, accessories, and more!