Weird static noise turns up when I record vinyl

[consumerblues3]

I will be grateful for any and all help I can get with my recording issue. But let me just preface this by saying:

I AM VERY VERY VERY POOR. PLEASE DO NOT SUGGEST THAT I BUY I NEW COMPUTER. THANK YOU

I am recording vinyl through a preamp, which goes directly into the line-in jack on my laptop.

Laptop: Dell Inspiron 1545
OS: Windows Vista SP 2

Basically, I'll record about 30 seconds of vinyl and then a static noise will start to cover the audio. I've notice that this static noise will turn up no matter what I'm recording: Rec Playback, Mic, etc.

I've tried Adobe Audition and a generic .wav recorder, yet the same exact thing happens.

This has never been the case in the past, and I'm using all the same equipment I have been for the last three years.

Does anybody have any clue what the issue may be, or where the static is coming from? It's not feedback. It's just static, and it ruins anything I record.

Any help would be appreciated

Matt

[PGA]

Are you sure that the "line-in jack on my laptop" really is a line-in? Does the laptop have a separate "Mic In" jack as well? If not, the likelihood is that you are sending a line level signal (quite powerful) into a jack that is designed to handle teeny-weeny mic level input. Many laptops omit the true "Line In" jack.

[waxcylinder]

And if you don't have a proper line-in thjen you are a candidate for the UCA-202 USB soundcard - see this sticky thread: http://forum.audacityteam.org/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=9477

WC