Hi,

First post here, and I am pleased that this forum exists.

The problem: While playing mp3s, a DVD, or CDs an occasional skip occurs. Nothing major, just an annoyance but...well there it is, it is annoying.

I followed the troubleshooting guide, which, other than wasting some time, was no help. No device conflicts show.

I've tried WinAmp, Realplayer, and Windows Media Player, and the problem continues, so it's not the player.

The system is Windows XP on a Dell Inspiron 8600 notebook. Intel Pentium (R) M processor 1.60 GHz 1.59 GHz, 768 MB of RAM. Virtual Memory is set at 1152 MB, with Performance Options adjusted for best performance.

More than 60 % of the hard drive is free. I run spyware and registry cleaners and optimizers regulalrly, and keep my sytem streamlined for maximum efficiency.

The default audio device is Sigma Tel Audio with Legacy Audio drivers. It is a stock system with no aftermarket adaptations or tweaks.

Checked the task manager during play and it averages 1-3 % and when the skip occurs there is a spike but only between 19 - 23%.

This one has me stumped.

Can anyone suggest some fixes or threads to foillow?

Appreciative of any help,

Hi and welcome to THF

have you tried a lens cleaner, you may have dust etc on the laser lens

As well, if your sound device is set to full hardware acceleration, try moving it down a notch. Conversely, if it's set below full acceleration, try it at full.

The lens has been cleaned regularly, which isn't really an issue because the skips also occur when playing any of the mp3s on my hard drive. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Dan, I am interested in following your acceleration point. Given that mp3s on the drive AND DVDs and CDs all are prone to skipping, where (step-by-step, please) would I find and adjust the acceleration for audio?

A note* when I write skip, it's more like a very short pause or a stutter, and it only happens occasionally but ibn every unit played, usually 4-6 times during a 5-minute song.