Sound is static-y and scratchy

Hey MGs!

I hope that this is the correct forum. If not, sorry in advance and send me on my way.

Within a day, when listening to Rhapsody, the sound from the internal speakers has become scratchy and static-like, as one might expect from a short. It happens with WMP and RealPlayer. Occurs when I use external speakers or with an audio CD.

I asked Prof. Google and from what I felt comfortable doing, noted that there were no exclamation marks or red x's in the Sound/Audio section of Device Manager. My laptop uses SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC, version 5.10.0.5515, that is apparently working properly. An attempt to update the driver (from 05/10/2007) stated that this was the updated version.

I have a Dell Inspiron E1505, running XP-Pro Version 2002, SP3, 2GB of RAM. My personal laptop also is used for work, and (apparently) part of a domain, so Everest Home edition didn't run. Tried to find the Everest Corporate and then the Ultimate version on MG's, but all I got was a blank page.

Thanks in advance!

 

Hi DavidGP,

First off, thanks for the rapid reply.

2nd - Been using Rhapsody for years. The garbled sound just started this AM. Can't be certain, but sound quality appeared to worsen when the HD was running.

3rd - Couldn't get into Safe Mode. Laptop is encrypted with a boot guard (did I explain that correctly?), and while I can get into the Dell specific options, like boot order or diagnostics, I don't get the Windows options for the different modes, i.e. Safe Mode, etc.

4th - But, check this out! I think the attempt to get into safe mode, i.e. rebooting, fixed the problem. Went to plug in headphones and sound was clear. Internal and external speakers also clear. Rhapsody or audio CD remained clear!

Thrilled that this apparently reset whatever glitched, but chagrined I didn't try the "three-finger salute" earlier. :-o

Thanks again and hope this is it.