Bizarre Dell Laptop Error

Hi All,

I have a very annoying problem... My Dell Inspiron 1000, has been working fine for a year, but it's developed a habit of just going into standby mode while I'm working. Then it won't get out of standby mode, and all I see is a black screen. So I've been forced to save everything compulsively and I always end up turning off the laptop by holding the power button down which can't be good.

I've noticed that this happens whenever I move the laptop a little bit or move the screen/lid. I thought it was an LCD problem so I tried plugging in another monitor, and I went into power settings and changed it so that it should never go into standby or hibernation, but it still just stops working.

Any suggestions guys? I am hoping it's as simple as overheating, but I somehow doubt it- as I will leave my computer off for days, then when I first turn it on it will behave this way within minutes.... Please help!!

 

And oh yea, Do you think this could possibly be happening becuase there have been stretches of time when I've used the laptop for hours at a time and it's gotten pretty hot. Do you think it's permanently fried? But then, I don't understand why it'd shut off specifically when I moved the screen.

 

Thanks! I'll try the Everest tonight and see if it's a heat thing. What should I do if it's a loose connection???

 

Thanks so much dude. I'll try all this stuff.

 

Are you running on AC power with battery connected?
Or AC power without battery installed?
Or on battery alone, when the problem occurs?

If it is possible, try running your laptop on AC power, with battery removed.
Does the problem still occur?

Try the 3 suggestions above (each for a reasonable operating time), and let us know if one suggestion works better than the other 2.

Could be a battery on its way out, IMHO. Bazza

 

Thks for the reply! I've only tried battery only, and AC with battery connected, so I will try removing the battery today. But if it's a battery problem would it really shut off because I move the screen?

 

Sorry, I was thinking that it might be a battery fault. Re-reading your initial post, it might be a loose connection inside your laptop as suggested by TimW. What temperatures did Everest report? I assume your laptop is out of Warranty, so you will need to open it up to check out everything. Bazza.

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Okay...

I checked the program you linked me to, and the top temperature I got fluctuated between like 44 & 53, and the bottom temperature was like 38.

I also was looking at the covering and stuff and it looks like it'll be hard to take apart this Dell. (Yea my warranty expired ).

Does anyone have experience with Dells? Also, just in case any recommendations on a really cheap desktop PC? I was looking at like HP Pavilions, because I need to get a cheap desktop anyway, but if my laptop is permanently damaged I might end up just buying two desktops for my two locations. But of course, I'd love to fix this laptop!!

Do you guys know how I can proceed? Oh yea, I guess I didn't give Everest a thorough look last night and check if there was a loose connection...but any idea where I should look for that? Sorry, but your help is very much appreciated!

 

Maybe get a quote from Dell to fix it?
Everest will not tell you that you have a loose connection.
Bazza

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Maaaaaan, okay. I don't wanna pay hundreds though

 

How much are 2 desktops gonna cost you?
As TimW suggests, get a local quote (and ask Dell anyhow, it can't hurt to just ask). Bazza

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