how do I make my computer only play through my speaker even if headphones are plugged in?

Question

My mini-jack input is broken, so my computer(HP pavilion dv6 Notebook) thinks there is headphones plugged in at all times. If I physically press lightly on the headphone intput location, speakers start working again. Even if headphones are plugged in, the cable needs to have tension in a certain angle to work. This is extremely annoying! Fixing it wud cost more than the computer is worth, and I can't afford a new one worth buying. I'm running Windows 7 with IDT audio. In all different options I've found, the speakers and headphones seems to have the same muscle. If I deactivate one, i deactivate the other. In fact, I cant find different options for them at all. Does anyone know a way I can force my computer to ONLY play through the speakers, even if headphones are detected? Not both at the same time, ONLY speakers!

Solution

Harald,

Check out the screenshot.

Open [Control Panel] > [Sound] > [Manage audio devices]

From there, click the device you wish to activate, and click [Set Default]. I wanted to switch between speakers and permanently plugged-in headphones, so I threw a shortcut to the [Manage audio devices] window directly onto my desktop (see image). You may use this to easily switch between the devices.!

Comments

[Marcks Thomas]

Are you sure fixing it would cost more than the computer is worth? It's very plausible the jack can be repaired by poking the insides with a screwdriver. If so, no respectable computer shop would charge any serious money.

[zants]

Did you ever find a solution to this? I appear have the exact same problem (also Windows 7 and IDT audio, I even have to push on the audio jack to get it to function correctly just like you). My only variance is that my computer has two audio jacks (and only one of them are malfunctioning).

[Admin]

Drivers for above answer can be found here: download.cnet.com/Realtek-AC-97-Driver-Windows-Vista-Windows‌​-7/…