Slow running Dell Notebook

Hi,
I have been advised by the guys at Malware removal to come here as I have run through all the possible malware problems and as far as they can tell my notebook is clean. The problem I have is that for no apparent reason my laptop has slowed right down and the egg timer appears to be almost perminently present.

I am hoping that someone can help me check that all my hardware is running correctly and that I don't have any issues there. Dell recently replaced the motherboard due to a faulty connection at the mains point.

I am afriad that I really do not have much computer experience hence the fact that I am asking for help.

Anything that you can advise will be greatfully received.

Doc Marten

 

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106650
try this.

 

Goran P,

Thank you. I had followed these guidelines before I asked for help as I did the basic computer maintenance and the read me first stickies in the Malware section. I have come to this forum because the Malware guys couldn't find a cause and thought it might be a hardware issue and they suggested I give you a try.

Doc Marten

 

Doc:

I’m at Dell Headquarters in Austin, Texas and I just came across the post. A few quick questions:

-When did it start and did the time it stated correspond with you installing anything new or doing anything differently?

-Have you run the Dell hardware diagnostics?

-Is all of your data backed up?

It's tricky to really narrow it down based on the info in your post but we should easily be able to narrow it down to either hardware or software.


Neil
Dell, Inc.

 

Neil,

thanks for posting. The only changes that have been made are a new motherboard put in by Dell after the external power socket stopped working. I haven't run the diagnostics check, how do I do that? All data is backed up.


Thank you for your time.

Doc

 

Dell diagnostics instructions

http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/deke/laptopsupport/manuals/d600/diag.htm

good luck

 

I would also flash it with the latest bios just in case that wasn't done and it thinks it's a different system that uses the same motherboard.


Neil
Dell, Inc.

 

Hi Shanemail and Neil,

I have run the test and received two error codes:

0F00:0244 AND 0F00:1A44 - "Uncorrectable data error or media is write protected"

How do I do flash it with the latest bios?

Thanks

Doc Marten

 

Those are hard drive errors. If the system is under warranty, I can set up the order for an exchange hard drive to be shipped out. If not, you can purchase one. They're typically not a very expensive item. Let me know if you need help.


Neil
Dell, Inc.

 

Neil,

thanks for the reply. I seem to have sorted the problem by removing ZoneAlarms from start up through msconfig. If I am experiencing any other problems then I will investige getting a reconditioned hard drive through you, would I be able to install it myself or would I have to take it to a shop?

Doc

 

The hard drive something we would just ship and let you swap out on most of our noteboooks. There are only a few where the HDD is buried and requires a technician to get to. Which model is yours?

Also, is the HDD passing diagnostics now?


Neil
Dell, Inc.

 

Neil,

It is an Inspiron 1300.

Doc Marten

 

Doc:

That one is a "customer kit" that you would swap out yourself. It only takes a minute or so and there are only two screws holding it in.

Is it passing diags?


Neil
Dell, Inc.

 

Neil,

thanks that sounds easy enough. It is passing the diags test all except the two errors you identified as hard drive errors.

Doc

 

Is the system under warranty? If so I can go ahead and set up the hard drive exchange.


Neil
Dell, Inc.

 

Neil,

Sadly the warrenty ran out a couple of months ago.

Doc

 

At least it's a fairly inexpensive and easy to find part. Let me know if you need any more info.


Neil
Dell, Inc.

 

Neil,

I will do that and thanks for your help.

Doc

 

Doc,

It is nice to see a Dell rep confirm something that I suggested in this thread!
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=139839.

 

Novice,

It just confirms that you are not a major geek for no reason, you obviously know what you are doing!

Doc