Yes. That's the first thing I would try in this case. There are several ways to achieve the same result, the important thing is to make sure the earth pin/ground is lifted.

 

Last edited: Jun 7, 2024

This. As I said above, it happens with nothing but the power supply connected to the laptop, so no other USB or device involved.

 

Use an audiointerface.

 

What words did you use to find this image? I'm trying allsorts with no luck

 

This literally makes no sense in the context of this issue. I can't even work out what you're trying to suggest

 

Not necessarily. I had this same problem with an RME soundcard connected to my laptop. These electrical problems must be fixed at the source. It is clearly a ground problem here.

 

I am assuming you are using the build in audio output with headphones…

 

Ok, just wanted to help.

 

Type G earth plastic

The link: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/g/

 

seeing suggestions about removing electric ground, I'd be very careful - definitely contact some local electrician to make sure you don't run into some severe accidents

 

ok, sorry for offering that as clearly stated by you up the thread, (I got lost in the weeds of it, my bad)....

But if in isolation, and it has always existed since you have had it... other then appropriately approaching the possible ground issue, other electrical issues in your domain (have you tried it someplace else?) it could just be a pita pos defect of the machine unfortunately.

 

i'm not sure what sort of auto parts stores there are where you live. But here, they will lend you stuff at some of the big chain places. For a one-off use like this a good multimeter like a Fluke is expensive, but if you are going to be doing audio work and repairing anything; you should look into getting one anyway. You guys will eventually stumble upon the problem. But this is a bad way of diagnosing a problem by just going off the symptoms. It's a good way to end up throwing parts at something until you get lucky.


how to diagnose a laptop with suspected ground problem
ChatGPT
Diagnosing a ground problem in a laptop can be a bit tricky, but here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:

1. Check External Connections: Make sure all external connections, such as power adapter, USB devices, and other peripherals, are securely plugged in. Loose connections can sometimes cause grounding issues.
   
   
2. Use a Different Outlet: Try plugging your laptop into a different power outlet to see if the issue persists. Sometimes, the outlet itself may not be properly grounded.
   
   
3. Inspect Power Adapter: Check the power adapter for any signs of damage or wear. A faulty power adapter can cause grounding issues. If possible, try using a different adapter to see if the problem is resolved.
   
   
4. Remove Battery: If your laptop has a removable battery, try running it without the battery inserted. Sometimes, a faulty battery can cause grounding issues.
   
   
5. Test with Another Laptop: If you have access to another laptop, try using the same power adapter with it. This can help determine if the issue is with the laptop or the power adapter.
   
   
6. Check for Physical Damage: Inspect the laptop for any physical damage, such as bent or damaged ports, cracks in the casing, or loose components. Physical damage can sometimes cause grounding issues.
   
   
7. Run Diagnostic Software: Some laptops come with built-in diagnostic tools that can help identify hardware issues. Check your laptop's user manual or manufacturer's website for information on how to run diagnostics.
   
   
8. Seek Professional Help: If you're unable to diagnose the issue on your own, consider taking your laptop to a professional technician or contacting the manufacturer for support. They may be able to identify and fix the grounding problem for you.
   

Remember to always exercise caution when working with electronic devices, especially when dealing with power components. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with any of these steps, it's best to seek professional assistance.




Diagnosing a laptop ground problem using a multimeter can help identify issues related to electrical grounding, which could cause various problems like electrical shocks, system instability, or malfunctioning peripherals. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure you're working on a clean, dry surface with ample lighting. Disconnect the laptop from any power source and remove the battery if possible.
   
   
2. Set Up Your Multimeter: Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). If your multimeter has multiple ohm settings, start with the lowest setting and adjust if necessary.
   
   
3. Identify Ground Points: Ground points are typically metal components connected to the laptop's chassis. Common ground points include screws, metal brackets, or exposed metal parts on the motherboard. Consult your laptop's service manual or online resources for specific locations.
   
   
4. Ground Continuity Check: Touch one probe of the multimeter to a known good ground point, such as the metal chassis of the laptop. Then, touch the other probe to the suspected ground point you want to test. If the multimeter shows a low resistance reading (close to zero ohms), it indicates good continuity and proper grounding. If the reading is significantly higher or fluctuates, there may be a ground problem.
   
   
5. Inspect Connections: If you find a suspected ground point with poor continuity, visually inspect the connections. Look for loose or corroded connections, damaged wires, or signs of overheating. Ensure that all grounding wires are securely connected to the chassis and other components.
   
   
6. Test Ground Wires: If your laptop has separate ground wires, you can test them individually. Disconnect the wire from the laptop and perform a continuity check using the multimeter. A good ground wire should have very low resistance. If there's high resistance or an open circuit, the wire may be faulty.
   
   
7. Check Power Adapter Ground: If you're experiencing issues only when the laptop is connected to the power adapter, test the adapter's ground connection. Use the multimeter to measure continuity between the ground pin of the adapter's plug and a known ground point. Ensure the adapter's ground pin is securely connected to the plug and isn't damaged.
   
   
8. Reassemble and Test: After identifying and fixing any ground problems, reassemble the laptop and test it to ensure the issues are resolved. If problems persist, further troubleshooting may be necessary, or professional repair assistance might be required.
   

Remember to exercise caution when working with electronic devices, especially when testing electrical connections. If you're unsure or uncomfortable performing these steps, consider seeking assistance from a qualified technician.

 

Yeah, I've used it at different properties in totally different areas hundreds of miles apart and behaves the same everywhere.

 

Gotcha. That sucks, as it does all seem to come down to the computer itself and if the solutions offered above don't cut it, I'm not sure what else there is to be done... hopefully it's one of those regarding grounding or power supply issue and not just a lemon... best of luck.

 

Amazed at the comments misreading this as DAW/Audio Interface issue.

Can you get inside the machine? I don't use Windows but this certainly a motherboard electrcical fault. Is there a way of detaching hardware buses in the OS software???? If you can dismount hardware from OS somehow you could maybe troubleshoot. IE turn-off/disconnect all USB ports and see if the problem persists.

It may not be a problem with the battery and PSU, but whatever the problem is causing these to go kaput.

Does windows have a safe boot mode? Does windows have a BIOS reset in case it's internal measurement hardware?

 

motherboard and its power delivery design isn't something to fix, all hardware buses are powered through motherboard, unrelated to OS power management