Speakers Make Occasional Pop/click noise independent of volume

[TheZman]

Lately my HP Pavilion dv7 -6135dx has been making a popping noise from the speakers which is independent of both the laptop's set volume and the devices plugged into it. I have checked, and I'm certain that it's not the "Click of Death," as it's not consistent, comes from nowhere near my hard drive, happens independently of memory usage, and will sometimes cause my headphones to "dull" in volume for a brief second. SMART data checks via DiskCheckup also say my HD is working fine, though as I know, SMART isn't always reliable.

The sound comes either from my speakers directly, or from my speaker region at the back of the laptop. Covering the speakers muffles it, so I'm almost certain it's the speakers themselves. The only way I'm able to replicate this sound is to unplug an inserted audio device like a headset. Otherwise it happens at seemingly random intervals. As I said, it's not consistent, but it's happened multiple times in a row before. I think the highest string was five.

My device manager says that the drives are working fine, and this problem has only recently started in the past week or two. I haven't updated my drives recently (at least that I'm aware of) so I don't think it's that either. Google's been of little help as well. The laptop's not even a year old, but it sees a heavy amount of use.

EDIT: I recently moved in for a visit with my father to Okinawa for a two month period. I've heard interference from a wireless network could cause similar problems to this. Could the new wireless connection be causing it? They also use Japanese AU smartphones.

 

[Anak]

I would start checking for RFI Sources.

More:
RFI TIPS AND TRICKS

RFIing Computers

http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/pdf-libr...s/rfi-investigation-and-resolution-guide.pdf/

Identifying Sources of Radio Frequency Interference Around the Home

EMI - RFI page

 

[TheZman]

Is there a way to check and see if that's the problem first? Would disabling the wireless on my laptop effect it if that were the case?

 

[Anak]

You could try that, some wi-fi adapters can cause RFI. Check this link especially the two replies by CyberVisions: Internet constantly disconnecting - HP Support Forum

I know your concerns don't include dis-connects, but there is some good advice there. RFI's can be hard to track down.

It might be easier to make a Faraday Cage out of aluminum foil to check.

Just get a box large enough that your dv7 will fit in, and cover it securely with the foil.

Work with the dv7 while it's inside the box, this will in all probability defeat your wi-fi.
Make sure you do not have any electrical devices or metal on you such as a portable phone.

• Change positions every 90°'s, (because the box has an opening)
• Change rooms.
• Go to a different level of your house if your in one.
• Does it happen at a friends/relatives home?

See if that stops the pops, and clicks.

If it stops then concentrate your search in the areas that the dv7 is shielded from.

It is harder to do with your dv7 because it is a Laptop, but on my desktop I had to cover our speakers with foil to stop the RFI.

By chance...
Your not using any after-market accessories like a power cord or battery for your dv7 are you?
They may be inferior to approved HP products.

 

[TheZman]

Hmmm... Alright, I'll do that when I get the chance then. Probably on tuesday when I'll have the house to myself for a while and I can go through it all without interruptions.

 

[Anak]

I've been thinking about your problem, and there have been other reasons for speakers to pop or crackle, and as I looked into this further it seems you may have a DPC latency situation, and should look into that instead of RFI.

See this thread for help: http://www.sevenforums.com/sound-audio/73543-dpc-latency.html

Causes for latency: http://www.sevenforums.com/sound-audio/73543-dpc-latency.html#post669923 Post #14

Make sure your machine is fully up to date.

Are we talking about the dv7 you mentioned or the Toshiba you have listed in your System Specs?

It would help if you could supply more System Information on which one you are having the problem with. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

More:

We are aware that many HP Pavilion DV7 users have experienced issues with USB audio devices: not just Line 6, we have seen M-Audio Audio Interface owners experiencing the same issues.
I believe the issue is that the USB ports on these AMD Turion X2 Dual Mobile motherboards are for whatever reason not supplying enough power internally, so whatever audio interface device connected will yield results where the user perceives this in the form of the click/glitch/pops.

One of the users in Europe discovered that a powered USB hub (which under any other circumstance other than these particular laptops are NOT supported by us) helped to greatly reduce the clicks/noises. In case you didn't read that, here's the doc with a that info (you most likely read this):http://line6.com/community/docs/DOC-1533

Source: Community: Another "crackling/popping" thread.

dv7 IDT HD Audio headphones/speaker problem - HP Support Forum

 

[TheZman]

The thing is that I haven't been using a USB audio device. The only new USB device I've introduced to the laptop has been a new 8GB flash drive (PNY Premium Rotatable) to back up my personal files when I got here, as I'd forgotten my own at home. I've been using headphones that plug into the laptop via green speaker jack, and as I said the pop/crackle happens even when there's nothing plugged in, just not as frequently. Could dust in the audio jack possibly be causing this? Perhaps making the PC thing something is being fumbled around inside there when it actually isn't?

Also, I'm on a dv7. I had a toshiba when I registered with these forums. My laptop had been bluescreening at the time. Turns out it was an incompatible windows update.

Anyways, here's the system info:

CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2410M CPU @ 2.30GHz

Motherboard: Hewlett-Packard 1659

BIOS: InsydeH2O Version 03.60.48F.1B

Total Memory: 8 GB

Usable Memory: 7.95 GB

HDD: Hitachi HTS547575A9E384

Sound Card: (1) Screaming Bee Audio (2) IDT High Definition Audio CODEC (3) Intel(R) Display Audio

Graphics Card: (1) Mobile Intel(R) HD Graphics (2) Radeon (TM) HD 6490M

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1

 

[Anak]

Did you read this?

Causes for latency: http://www.sevenforums.com/sound-audio/73543-dpc-latency.html#post669923 Post #14

Make sure your machine is fully up to date.

USB isn't the only cause of Latency.

The DPC Latency Checker tool

If any kernel-mode device driver in your Windows system is implemented improperly and causes excessive latencies of Deferred Procedure Calls (DPCs) then probably drop-outs will occur when you use real-time audio or video streaming applications. For an explanation of this effect see Background information below.

Source: DPC Latency Checker

Thanks for the added info, please update your "My System Specs".

 

[TheZman]

The DPC Latency Checker tool

If any kernel-mode device driver in your Windows system is implemented improperly and causes excessive latencies of Deferred Procedure Calls (DPCs) then probably drop-outs will occur when you use real-time audio or video streaming applications. For an explanation of this effect see Background information below.

Source: DPC Latency Checker

Thanks for the added info, please update your "My System Specs".

Alrighty, specs updated. I used the Latency Checker and there were some spikes, but they hardly ever passed the green line (500) and never reached yellow (1000.)

Now that you mention the device driver, is it actually possible that the flash drive's original driver installation is causing the latency? Now that I think about it, I think I also installed my logitech webcam in a different usb port.

 

[Anak]

Alrighty, specs updated.

Thank you.

I used the Latency Checker and there were some spikes, but they hardly ever passed the green line (500) and never reached yellow (1000.)

For how long did you use it? Long enough that you heard the pops/crackles?

Did you try to replicate it while the DPC Latency Checker tool (DPCLCT) was running?

The only way I'm able to replicate this sound is to unplug an inserted audio device like a headset. Otherwise it happens at seemingly random intervals. As I said, it's not consistent, but it's happened multiple times in a row before. I think the highest string was five.

Does it happen when you plug a headset in?

I'm beginning to think its a loose headset jack, does it wiggle when you touch it?
If it does, and you feel industrious, here's the service manual to show you how to take the covers off:
HP Pavilion dv7 Entertainment PC Maintenance and Service Guide pdf

Here's a smaller one: HP Pavilion dv7 Notebook PC Maintenance and Service Guide.pdf

EDIT: I recently moved in for a visit with my father to Okinawa for a two month period. I've heard interference from a wireless network could cause similar problems to this. Could the new wireless connection be causing it? They also use Japanese AU smartphones.

Now that you mention the device driver, is it actually possible that the flash drive's original driver installation is causing the latency? Now that I think about it, I think I also installed my logitech webcam in a different usb port.

The new connection will need to be check along with the flash drive, and webcam while the DPCLCT is running.
You will need to go to the respective vendor sites to make sure you have the newest installation/driver version.
I don't know for sure, but I don't think the AU smartphone would cause problems unless it was plugged in to the dv7.

This will take some sleuthing on your part, follow the "Analysing drop-out problems with DPC Latency Checker" section here: DPC Latency Checker

   Warning

Take heed of the Warning section:
Warning: Don't disable devices that are essential for your computer to function!
You should not disable:

 

[TheZman]

Alright, sorry I've not responded in a while. I've been doing some volunteering at the naval hospital on base with Red Cross and it's been eating up a lot of my time. The latency spikes (more like small hills) seem to be independant of the popping noise. I'm not sure how to check and see if the drivers for the flash drive and webcam are causing the problem, so I may just delete them all together and see if anything changes. I'll try to keep you posted.

 

[Anak]

Alright, sorry I've not responded in a while. I've been doing some volunteering at the naval hospital on base with Red Cross and it's been eating up a lot of my time.

That is not a problem, it is admirable that you are able to volunteer.

The latency spikes (more like small hills) seem to be independant of the popping noise.

There will be a time difference that is undetectable to you, and it only seems like they are independent of one another.

I'm not sure how to check and see if the drivers for the flash drive and webcam are causing the problem, so I may just delete them all together and see if anything changes. I'll try to keep you posted.

For the flash drive, and webcam you would have to go to the vendors site, to see if there are any newer drivers for those devices, and update them.

 

[TheZman]

I remember you said that insufficient power can sometimes cause similar symptoms. I've looked at my Beat Audio control panel and in the advanced settings under "Power" it was set to go to a power saving state after ten seconds. Could this have been causing the popping noise? I've disabled it just now. It still pops once when unplugging a headset, but I'm not sure if the laptop does that regardless and I just haven't noticed until now. We'll see if the random popping continues.

EDIT: Also, no word on what could be causing latency spikes, though again DPC Latency Checker isn't detecting any major fluctuations.

 

[Anak]

I looked back through your thread, and couldn't find a reference to me mentioning insufficient power.
It may have been in one of the links I provided, but I wouldn't know where to begin to look.
A bad or malfunctioning PSU is a possibility, how to check.

Something else I thought of, did this start after you arrived in Japan?

Excerpts from dv7 Manual | Section: Power Cord Set Requirements | Sub-section: Requirements for specific countries or regions:

Requirements for specific countries or regions
Country/region Accredited agency - Accredited agency - Applicable note number

Japan - METI - 3

3. The appliance coupler, flexible cord, and wall plug must bear a “T” mark and registration number in accordance with the Japanese Dentori Law.
The flexible cord must be Type VCT or VCTF, 3-conductor, 1.00-mm² conductor size. The wall plug must be a two-pole grounding type with a Japanese Industrial Standard C8303 (7 A, 125 V) configuration.

Operational power supplied by a Country other than where the machine was built for can cause a lot of problems.
But, If you, and your Father are living on base or "American soil" its possible because of agreements that your "Japanese" power is already being converted to "American". It can get rather confusing.

Try not to go the cheap route, worst case can be a fire in the device.

The METI link is a search there for Power Requirements.

The Beat Audio setting could be causing the noise, you will have to take the time to check different settings to troubleshoot.
Any device or its settings can be suspect.

It won't hurt to keep the DPC running.

 

[TheZman]

I'll look into checking the PSU. Everything checks out okay outwardly, but I know how deceiving.

According to at least this source (and a few others I found) electricity is equal to that in the states on American Military Bases.

http://www.city.okinawa.okinawa.jp/sitemanage/contents/attach/2212/Electricity.pdf

Also, here's where I got the idea from you.

By chance...
Your not using any after-market accessories like a power cord or battery for your dv7 are you?
They may be inferior to approved HP products.

Basically the question made me think about checking the power supply going into the audio output. Sorry I didn't clarify better.

The Pavilion's been active for a few hours (total) and hasn't made the sound yet without me unplugging the headset.

EDIT: Nevermind, it's popped once or twice independently now. It may be that being here on the base is causing the problem as I haven't really found any "reliable official" source that says there's no power difference from the states.

Tell you what, I'm heading back to the states on August 15th. I'll see if it's still a problem once I get back. I can handle it for now just fine. It's not a consistent or constant noise and nothing else has been effected by it. It's just kind of annoying.

 

[Anak]

According to your PDF it's good to hear the power supply is not that different from the States 100V/60Hz compared to 110V/60Hz. Hertz's are the critical part with voltage secondary, and 10V low isn't that bad to compensate for.
The Base receives the main power from Okinawa Electric Power Company, then runs it through a transformer to raise the final 10V.

Have you thought of checking around to see if any one else has a problem similar to yours?
If so, that could indicate a problem with the Base's power supply.
There should be filters to clean up the outflow from the Base transformer station to the rest of the Base, they could be pumping "Dirty Electricity", and I don't necessarily mean health problems, more with frequency, and wave properties.

No problem with the clarification.

About your edit:
To see what your service is you would need a V-OM to take readings from the outlets in your domicile or find a Base Electrician buddy to take them for you.
When we moved into our home 35years ago, I couldn't figure why we kept blowing light bulbs. I took some readings, and found the outlets were supplying 132V :shock: it has been straightened out, but those 110V bulbs were sure taking a beating, some would blow as soon as I turned them on.

Aug. 15th? Now there's serendipity, that happens to be my B-Day!
You have a safe trip!

 

[TheZman]

DPC spike of 2250098282

I think we've found my problem.

EDIT:

Another spike of over 90,000. I'm uninstalling programs that I installed roughly around the time this started happening, and it only spikes so high while a program is uninstalled. Does a computer normally spike in latency when uninstalling?

EDIT 2:

Used Latencymon to watchdog my processes. I had that spike while uninstalling Skype Click-to-call. Here's what it has to say.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb311/zmanwarrior/DPCCurrent.png Current Total DPC

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb311/zmanwarrior/DPCHighest.png Highest Execution.

Does that mean that ndis.sys is the problem? I've browsed around and it appears that this is a common cause. I know that the process is involved with wireless networking. Could it be that the new network my computer was introduced to somehow caused this? This wasn't a problem with my older Toshiba laptop while I was here, so I'm not sure.

OmigodmoreEDIT:

Here's a few more screens after another, much less severe spike.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb311/zmanwarrior/DPCHighest2.png Highest Execution.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb311/zmanwarrior/DPCGraph2.png The bar graphs and advice it's given me.

HolycrapfourthEDIT:

Wait, hang on. Could disabling additional wireless adapters cause ndis.sys to spike latency? On my college campus for some reason having the additional network adapters activated would cause interference and knock my connection out, so I just disabled my wireless entirely and got an ethernet jack for the wall, but when I left campus I only turned my primary wireless adapter back on.

 

[Anak]

Holy Edits Zman, I saw your post earlier, and I'm glad I waited to reply!

1.)The ndis.sys is a system file lets see if this will help. I'd like you to run: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html and run it 3x's as it instructs with re-boots in between each run.
Sometimes it will catch files on the second or even third run, should take about a half hour.

2.)You could try this tool: Home-WLAN Optimizer - Optimize wireless gaming, audio and video streaming...
Disable the background search and use streaming mode, while leaving autoconfig enabled.

3.)It also wouldn't hurt to make sure these drivers are up to date. If there is a bad mix between the NIC, and Audio, that can cause spikes.

Sound Card: (1) Screaming Bee Audio (2) IDT High Definition Audio CODEC (3) Intel(R) Display Audio

You could use the Using HP Support Assistant (Windows 7 and Windows Vista) HP Pavilion dv7-6135dx Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
Or
Voice Changing Software, Online Games, Voice Overs, Instant Messaging, Voice Changer

http://www.pcpitstop.com/drivers/download/IDT~High~Definition~Audio~CODEC.html

I'm not sure about the Intel Display Audio. You may find help with the HP assistant or here: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Default.aspx

4.)More: latency spikes dv7 -6135dx Entertainment PC - HP Support Forum Check out the solved one.

5.)Check the Power Management Tab settings in all network adapters, Control Panel\Device Manager\ Uncheck both "Allow this device to wake computer", and "Only allow magic packet to wake computer".

6.)Check this This latency is killing me! link to check if you have Intel's EIST system in your BIOS, it's not the first link I've seen concerning win7 ACPI/power management.

Check after any of these steps see if you still have the noises.

 

[TheZman]

Alright, tried HP Support assistant. I've had it for a while but I never really used it.

Here are several out of date drivers that may be the cause of the problem:

Important Updates:

"Intell Wireless Drivers, Intel PROSet, and My Wifi for Microsoft Windows 7"

"Intel Wireless Driveres for Microsoft Windows 7"

"Realtek Card Reader Driver" (Maybe? If it deals with the graphics card then I'm not updating, as the last time I updated the drive it screwed the card up and I had to restore to before it was installed.)

Recommended Actions:

HP Bios Update UEFI"

"IDT Audio Driver"

There are several others related to programs I never use, such as the validity fingerprint sensor and the HP On-Screen-Display utility. I don't think those are the culprit.

 

[Anak]

Are you asking me if you should proceed or have you already?

The only one I would be cautious about would be the BIOS Update.