Laptop to TV connection to Surround Sound by HDMI

[Links2]

Hi,

I am trying to watch a movie on my HDTV via my laptop. I was using an HDMI cable and was able to get pretty good picture, but no sound.
I have read where I should just turn both systems off first and then start them back up and that should work. Well, when I get home tonight from work I will try that.
Anyways, if that works, that will give me sound through my TV...but I (my TV) am also connected to a receiver (Panasonic Elite) and am wondering if it is possible to have my sound come through that system so I can take advantage of the surround capabilities of my receiver?
If not, I will have to make do with just the TV sound, but I am curious.

thanks in advance,

Links2

[Gonzo]

I think that you will just need to go to the control panel and click sound. After that click on whichever output you might be using, and hit configure. A menu should pop up on your operating system, asking if you want to use stereo, 5.1, or 7.1. Click 5.1, and follow the rest of the steps to set up your specific speakers. If your PC has an optical out, you can plug it into the receiver and play sounds through it when you select the input in the receiver.