Headphone Jack Does Not Work Correctly

[JaredInsanity]

Specs:
HP TouchSmart IQ506
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
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About a year ago, my TouchSmart hard drive crashed, so I took it to FutureShop and had it replaced. I was able to put all of my data back on, because it was backed up, but i noticed that my audio did not work correctly. All they had done was put Vista back on to it, so I didn't have the TouchSmart software or Realtek HD Audio Manager like I used to.

Anyways, the main problem is that once I unplug my headphones, I cant use them again until I restart the program I'm using. For example, say I have my headphones plugged in and I start Firefox. The sound will play through the headphones just fine, and if I unplug them the sound will play through the speakers just fine, but when I plug them back in, the sound will continue to play through the speakers. The only way to get the headphones to work again is to close Firefox and reopen it with the headphones already plugged in.

What may be causing this and how can I fix it?

 

[americancritic]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

When you bought the computer was the software already installed on the computer or did you install the software.

If you bought it with the software preloaded did you buy a set of recovery disk's also, if not you will need to get the recovery disk's or you can make a set if you have another computer to go to like maybe a friend. Here is a great tutorial...

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html

 

[kesume]

Hi welcome,
This may not appertain to your particular Headphones but certain models have problems with particular audio jacks.
It may indeed not be the solution, not being aware of your particular set.
However the HP website has a comprehensive list of possibilities.
It may be worth a visit there , and then come back to us.
Merely put your model no. in , type any question.
Here's the link:-
No Sound Through Headphones When Connected to S/PDIF Jack - HP technical support (United Kingdom - English)

 

[kesume]

After hard drive change etc., did you then download all drivers necessary, sound card updates etc?
Check in device manager to see if there are any little yellow warning signs.
If so see what needs updating/replacing. Just a thought, because you didn't mention what you actually downloaded.
Only that the originals had been left off!

 

[kesume]

This question of mine is inspired by one Mr. Needs, who on a nearby thread asked a very pertinent question.
Not identical, just inspired

Have you checked your headphones in another computer, where you KNOW audio is OK?
Have you tried another set of headphones you KNOW works ok? In you computer, under same conditions?
Are all your drivers up to date?

 

[MrNeeds]

I feel honoured :-D

MrNeeds

 

[kesume]

You're most welcome Mr. Needs.
The pleasure is all mine.

 

[JaredInsanity]

Wow, okay I just fixed it. There were no warnings that the driver was outdated so I assumed that it wasn't the issue. Anyways, I went into the device manager and clicked update on the sound driver and it updated and seems to have corrected the problem.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[kesume]

This question of mine is inspired by one Mr. Needs, who on a nearby thread asked a very pertinent question.
Not identical, just inspired

Have you checked your headphones in another computer, where you KNOW audio is OK?
Have you tried another set of headphones you KNOW works ok? In you computer, under same conditions?
Are all your drivers up to date?

Ah! We got it right in the end! Phew!
Really happy that you can now enjoy your music at anytime without worries.

So a good pointer is to regularly check for updates in your equipment, not only does it work better, it helps to stop any 'nasties' trying to get in.
Thank you Mr.Needs for the inspiration!
Sometimes the simplest is the key.
Enjoy, good luck.
kesume