(2018) HP Spectre x360 right speaker static...

[yingjie_]

Hi everyone,

Am looking for a new solution to a problem I've had with my otherwise great spectre laptop that I've seen many others experience, with varied success at resolution.

For the past year, since a certain Windows update, my laptop's speakers have been faulty. At first, the speakers weren't working, and only the headphone jack worked (as in this user's post: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/HP-Spectre-x360-Convertible-13-ae0xx-Audio-speaker/td-p...)

After trying multiple solutions such as:

1. Downloading all updates recommended by HP Diagnostic Assistant

2. Shutting down, pressing power & F6 for 10seconds, then rebooting as normal. 

3.  Opening Device Manager in the control panel, uninstalling my audio driver (Realtek High Definition Audio SST) and then....

      - Reinstalling the driver here:

      - Rebooting such that my laptop reinstalls the default speaker

I decided to take my laptop to a support centre, where they said it might've been a hardware issue and they apparently replaced some parts of the motherboard...? 

Since I got it back, sound comes out from the speakers at least, but the right speaker has been very noticeably showing static, especially at higher volumes (as in this user's problem: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/Spectre-x360-right-speaker-crackling-noise/td-p/6889373...
Have tried the above internet fixes 1-3 again, to no avail, so I was hoping to get a different answer here.

Here's my laptop specifications:

HP Spectre x360 Convertible 13-ae0xx

BIOS: F.31 (type: UEFI)

Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 18363) (18362.19h1_release.190318-1202)

       - 1909 (installed on 12/11/2019)

64-bit OS, x64 -based processor

Intel(R) Core (TM) i7-8550U CPU @ 1.80GHz 1.99GHz

Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.8 GB usable)

Is there any way to apply DIY fixes and resolve this issue once and for all?

Would take it to the support centre again but I'm afraid I can't due to the COVID-19 situation, and I can't afford to go without my laptop for the 2 week period the centre takes to try to resolve the issue (without a guarantee that it works).

Thanks for taking the time to read through my request.

[Echo_Lake]

@yingjie_

Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue. I would suggest performing system factory reset will put the computer back to the original factory settings in this way all corrupted and outdated software will be removed. 

While doing the recovery there is an option to backup your personal files. If you have not previously done one now is a good time. 

Restoring Files that were Backed Up Using HP Recovery Manager (Windows )You can also contact HP support for assistance. They can remotely access your system to help alleviate difficulties: www.hp.com/contacthp/

The HP Cloud Recovery Tool allows you to download recovery software to a USB drive. You can use the downloaded recovery image file in order to install the Windows operating system. 

• Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04758961#AbT3to perform System Recovery (Windows 10) 
• Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c06162205 to Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 10)

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[Steve_IoW]

The fix was stranger on my 2017 laptop that has always had intermittent problem with sound.  I had the right speaker crackle, and slightly muted compared to the left. I tried the Power+F6 trick to get rid of static, reloaded Realtek drivers, flashed the BIOS, tried generic MSoft drivers and finally convinced myself it was hardware not software. In the covid lockdown I finally decided to open it up and remove the speaker to see if I could find a part number for replacement, and when I did, out dropped a 3mm screw that the magnet in the speaker had picked up during assembly.  Thanks HP for all the grief for the last 3 years! Fixed now.