I am having the same problem on my 640m w/Vista using Windows Media Player v11.  I too ripped CDs to the HD, and saved them as MP3s.   It is exactly 20 seconds before the end of the song where it cuts in/out several times.  I was able to play the ripped songs using  Roxio's preview feature without any problem.

 

Just wanted to add that my system is running Vista Basic, 32-bit, with 2 gigs of memory.  I have yet to add any audio related software and/or drivers.  Basically, the system is bone stock.

 

If any other members are having similar problems, please post.

Just to add that I have the same problem. Have tried all sorts of tricks to get it to stop, but nothing has worked. This only started though after I upgraded the Sigmatel sound driver to the recommended Vista upgrade from the Dell website. I ran the default sound in vista without problems for a few days with WMP 11, but skype would not work properly, which is why I went searching for the update in the first place.

 

Email Dell support directly and tell them about it. I just did it in Norway, and this was the first they had heard of it. The more that complain about it, the more chance of getting it fixed sooner (I hope).

 

I'm having exactly the same 20 second problem.  My new E1505/Vista is only 14 days old, and I've called in to help on 7 nights already (other problems like Network issues and registering OCX files in the System32 folder).  We've tried everything regarding the sound issue including re-loading from scratch.  Still the same problem.  Very very annoying.

I too have called, chatted online etc., with no solution-I passed this thread onto support so maybe if

they see they have several people with the same problem something needs to be fixed pronto.

 

I also have this problem with music in Media Centre. I forgot to mention this earlier. Has anyone else noticed/tested this?

 

Winamp works fine, but would rather be using WMP.

 

I have links to several other forums around the place where people discuss this problem, but this site won't let me post them. This is quite a widespread issue and it may not be limited to Dells, although Dells seem to be the most affected.

 

Keep complaining and hopefully this problem will be sorted out soon!

 

 

I was able to stop the skipping by disabling the enhancements. You actually have to check the box that is labeled "Diable all enhancements". Just shutting off the enhancements individually didn't work, I had to fully disable all enahancements.

 

Go into the properties for Speakers/Headphones, go to the enhancement tab, check the box labeled "Disable all enhancements".

 

I'm running a D620 with the SIGMATEL STAC 92xx audio.

the enhancements is part of the high def part of the driver, it allows for bass boost, room corrections, etc....

 

The only one that even did anything for me on my laptop was the 'Loudness EQ' which helped with low volume on system sounds and the high volume on other stuff, like Office 2007 sounds. It would EQ low/high volume and level it a bit better.

 

I would rather have good WMP audio then worrying about system sounds.

Thanks smittyofdhs that solution works perfectly!  

 

By ticking off 'disable all enhancements' what are we changing exactly? I didn't see anything ticked off there to begin with....

Thanks again smittyofdhs, you have made me a very happy chappy!  The rock is flowing freely at last... 

 

Sounds like those options are definitely expendable for the time being at least.