Reply to: Laptop Switching Off

[Qdos Contractor]

I refer the honourable gentleman to the reply I gave some moments ago:

I think that's the only solution now.

I'll buy a new one this week. Any recommendations?

[TheFaQQer]

It's just gone off again.

I refer the honourable gentleman to the reply I gave some moments ago:

A hammer will get through the case pretty quickly.

[Qdos Contractor]

It's just gone off again.

[TykeMerc]

Right, it's actually an Inspiron 1525.

I ended up watching this, which is basically an instructional video made by a child. I did what he said and got this out, which must be good. Hopefully that was causing the problem, although I'm not holding my breath. If it crashes again I'm just going to get a new one (not a Dell).

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll let you know what happens.

The image doesn't want to load for me, but assuming it's the typical grot that accumulates on the fan and heatsinks of about every laptop I've taken apart that will probably be the cause. Assuming you've not been unlucky and suffered permanent thermal shock to the CPU or graphics card it will probably be fine.

Unlike Incognito I've owned (still do own an XPS 1730) many Dell laptops and rolled out thousands of Dells and found them no more or less reliable than any other make. Like any big manufacturer if you get a Friday afternoon model it can be a pain in the nads.

[Spacecadet]

do you actually know how hot the CPU and GPU's are getting?
There are some tools around which can give you realtime information. Typically they should be no hotter than 55-60 degrees.
Mine was running up to 90 degrees before I cleaned it out

[Clippy]

Right, it's actually an Inspiron 1525.

I ended up watching this, which is basically an instructional video made by a child. I did what he said and got this out, which must be good. Hopefully that was causing the problem, although I'm not holding my breath. If it crashes again I'm just going to get a new one (not a Dell).

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll let you know what happens.

Who you trying to kid - that came out of your belly button.

[Qdos Contractor]

Right, it's actually an Inspiron 1525.

I ended up watching this, which is basically an instructional video made by a child. I did what he said and got this out, which must be good. Hopefully that was causing the problem, although I'm not holding my breath. If it crashes again I'm just going to get a new one (not a Dell).

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll let you know what happens.

[Spacecadet]

Brilliant, thanks.

I found this page, which makes it sound simple (although it doesn't specify the type of Inspiron).

But then according to Dell, to get to the thermal fan (I assume that's where I want to be) you need to remove the system board, which looks like the most complicated thing on earth.

it is a stupid design and would save a lot of problems if the casing around the fan could be easily removed for cleaning.

Taking out the board isn't a problem, it's fairly obvious where they go back in
http://yokechye.spaces.live.com/blog...0&sa=838708111

[Incognito]

Not sure about a discount, but you might be in line for a complimentary Dell Inspiron laptop with little bit of wear and tear...

I had a 1545, first and only time I will ever buy a Dell. Harddrive failed after 12 months and then fan started making a grinding noise.

Sold it on ebay and bought a HP. Brilliant.

[Clippy]

Brilliant, thanks.

I found this page, which makes it sound simple (although it doesn't specify the type of Inspiron).

But then according to Dell, to get to the thermal fan (I assume that's where I want to be) you need to remove the system board, which looks like the most complicated thing on earth.

Not as bad as it seems as it is mainly connectors and screws involved.

To be safe, you may want to label any connectors you disconnect to ensure you re-connect them correctly.

[Qdos Contractor]

Do I get a discount on my TLC35 for providing this level of expert advice and guidance ?

Not sure about a discount, but you might be in line for a complimentary Dell Inspiron laptop with little bit of wear and tear...

[TheFaQQer]

Brilliant, thanks.

I found this page, which makes it sound simple (although it doesn't specify the type of Inspiron).

But then according to Dell, to get to the thermal fan (I assume that's where I want to be) you need to remove the system board, which looks like the most complicated thing on earth.

A hammer will get through the case pretty quickly. After that, the fan will be the least of your worries.

Do I get a discount on my TLC35 for providing this level of expert advice and guidance ?

[Qdos Contractor]

Brilliant, thanks.

I found this page, which makes it sound simple (although it doesn't specify the type of Inspiron).

But then according to Dell, to get to the thermal fan (I assume that's where I want to be) you need to remove the system board, which looks like the most complicated thing on earth.

[TheFaQQer]

If it's like ones I've taken apart, be aware that screws manage to come in several slightly diferent sizes.

Yes - then you have to go through the "Screwed by Dell" scenario and call them

[Spacecadet]

If it's like ones I've taken apart, be aware that screws manage to come in several slightly diferent sizes.

Actually, thats one thing I liked about the M65
All the screws holding the case together were the same size.
the screws holding the HDD in place were slightly smaller, as were the screws holding the fan. But it was quite easy to determine for what purpose each screw was