Laptop Problems

If your laptop was acting like this, where would you start troubleshooting?

It's a Dell (never again!)1520. I tried to boot it i[, and it got weird. THe HD light came on, then went off. Wouldn't boot, didn't even try. I powered it on and off several times before it finally "caught" and powered up.

What could that possibly be?

 

Thanks Halo.

It's really acting screwy, but I didn't put symptoms together until I saw your post.

I have replaced the AC adapter 3 times. After spending $65 2x's for the Dell adapter, I switched to a $25 generic about a month ago. In the past day or two, the battery has decided it won't charge with the generic charger. (It will charge if I use the Dell adapter that came with my son's laptop. Same specs.)

I usually run on AC, with battery attached.

The boot problem didn't get better by removing the battery.

I'll take it apart later and check the battery and the drive connections. It will probably be tomorrow before I get back here.

 

OK I'm back. Can't figure out how the heck to get this stupid thing apart. Any advice about where to find instructions on getting the back off so I can get to the BIOS battery to check it and to jiggle my connections? I took out every screw I could find, then took out a few more, and it's still stuck, but I can't figure out what it's stuck to.

My heart is absolutely breaking. I'm right in the middle of something that's pretty important to me, and my effin computer died.


Today it booted once, and I got a message that said "The Device in the system modular bay cannot be identified. It may not be completely inserted or may have some other problem." I pressed escape and bypassed the message, and it booted ok, but I had to reboot and now it won't come back on.

 

Inspiron 1520 service manual.

You could try removing the CD/DVD drive to see if it boots more consistently (sounds like that's what the latest boot-time error message refers to).

A big problem with so many laptops is the weak power connector, just a few knocks can loosen or break one of the connections to the motherboard. I'va also seen generic adapters where the plug is a fraction too long, just one bump could cause a broken socket

It's cheap to buy a new socket for the motherboard - if you can find a supplier. Fitting a new one is not too difficult if you have some soldering/desoldering experience.

 

I do indeed have soldering experience, and even a small soldering iron. Dad always wanted a boy.

Thanks tons for the link to the manual. I had the battery compartment open and didn't realize what it was.

Looks like if I follow the instructions for changing the fan up to a point I should be able get the back off.

Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.

 

Well, I think the BIOS battery might be a problem. I have a battery tester, and when I put the leads on the battery it drains immediately.

Here's the rub: They used a special kind of connector, making this a battery assembly. Basically it's a 3v coin battery with leads "glued" right to the battery. I can't figure out how to replace it. Obviously they used some conductive adhesive, of which I have none. Any ideas?

Leave it to Dell to make one of the most common batteries around into a proprietary item.

 

You can buy this stuff off ebay and it really works
Rapid Fire NO Soldering Iron Conductive Wire Glue
Worth a go- is only a couple of quid

 

thats a motherboard problem

 

Thanks for the extensive diagnostic input but I think a few $5 'fixes' are worth trying before ordering and fitting a new motherboard.