Fix for Envy TouchSmart 15-j078ca (or any other laptop) sound not working

Question

If you are having problems with the sound on your Envy 15 laptop (speaker/headphone jack not working), there is a straightforward way to fix your problems.
First go through these simple steps (they could very well save you some time if they work):
1) Update your drivers! Seriously, this is one of the top fixes for problems on PCs. If you haven't updated your drivers, search for "Check for Updates" and click that result (you can search using the Charm; the result will be under settings). If you have, read on.
2) Check to see if your audio device is enabled. On your desktop, right-click the Speakers icon and go to Playback devices. Set audio devices to default (like headsets and speakers) on by rightclicking them and selecting "Set as default". This way, they will work when plugged in, and when taken out, the system will default to other available sound sources.
If your chosen device is not present, right click in the open space and check "Show Disabled Devices". Now, you can rightclick a device and Enable it, then going through the same process as above to set them as default.
3) If your devices are enabled and plugged in, try the Windows Troubleshooter. Press the Windows key to bring up the Windows 8 interface (or the Start Menu in Win7) and type "Troubleshooting". Select it from the Settings section on the right side, then go to "Troubleshoot audio playback" under Hardware and Sound. Run the troubleshooter
If none of these methods work, follow the instructions in this excellent post, but use the changes below:
1) Use the audio driver specifically for this laptop model (or the driver that works for your model. Enter your product name under Drivers and Downloads on this page if you are American, or this page if you are Canadian. The driver will be under Audio). 
2) Remove both the AC adapter and  the battery before performing the hard reset, then hold down only the power button for 15 seconds (or follow the instructions here if the battery is fixed in place).
3) Press Escape repeatedly on boot-up until you get the option to use the BIOS menu.
Hopefully this helps, I know it helped me! Remember to give Kudos to the post linked if it helped you.

Answer 1

Thank you for visiting the HP Support Forums and Welcome.Thank you for the detailed information very very helpful. I have looked into your issue about your HP ENVY TouchSmart 15-j078ca  Notebook and the popping sound or crackling noises.
Here is a document on troubleshooting sound.
Please make sure your updates have been done on the Notebook. In the device manager under sound right click and update the driver. Here is another step to try.
1. Right click the Speaker icon in the bottom right corner by your time.
2. Click Playback Devices.
3. Click Speakers/Headphones.
4. Click Properties.
5. Click the Advanced tab on the Properties window.
6. Change the Default Format drop-down to the highest quality.
7. Apply the properties.
8. Click OK to close the properties window.
9. Click OK to close the Playback Devices.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks.
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