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Dell Dimension 8400 shuts down - either motherboard or fan issue (I think)
I'm good with computers normally, but mostly with the operation of them - I'm not super familiar with all the inner workings, but I read through a bunch of these forum posts and hopefully I narrowed down the issue.
I've had a Dell Dimension 8400 for about 4 years, and I keep it in good condition - all my files are backed up on an external HD, I reformat it every few months, and I keep up to date with virus and spyware protection. It's still been running great, but I thought I noticed my fan wasn't running in the past month or so. All of a sudden, today (figures: right before I was going to buy a new fan) I got THE BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH.
check it out
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn82/formanband/error.jpg
When this happens, I have to restart...the computer works for about 10 minutes, then I get another variation of the same blue screen. I reformatted my compouter and started reinstalling Windows, and everything seemed to be working fine, but then in the middle of the installation the blue screen reappeared! I bought canned air and cleaned out teh whole inside of the computer, tried to reinstall, but now the windows installation isn't even finishing - it's claiming it can't find necessary installation files, even though they're on the installation CD!
I'm assuming this used to be a fan problem, and then led to a motherboard melty situation, but any input would be appreciated.
I've had a Dell Dimension 8400 for about 4 years, and I keep it in good condition - all my files are backed up on an external HD, I reformat it every few months, and I keep up to date with virus and spyware protection. It's still been running great, but I thought I noticed my fan wasn't running in the past month or so. All of a sudden, today (figures: right before I was going to buy a new fan) I got THE BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH.
check it out
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn82/formanband/error.jpg
When this happens, I have to restart...the computer works for about 10 minutes, then I get another variation of the same blue screen. I reformatted my compouter and started reinstalling Windows, and everything seemed to be working fine, but then in the middle of the installation the blue screen reappeared! I bought canned air and cleaned out teh whole inside of the computer, tried to reinstall, but now the windows installation isn't even finishing - it's claiming it can't find necessary installation files, even though they're on the installation CD!
I'm assuming this used to be a fan problem, and then led to a motherboard melty situation, but any input would be appreciated.
shesagordie
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April 18th, 2008 02:00
See here and here.
Bev.
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shesagordie
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April 18th, 2008 02:00
PFN_LIST_CORRUPT errors can be related to memory problems
Try removing and reseating the memory.
No difference, install one module at a time in different slots, rebooting the system each time. Run a test on it.
Google for memtest86, download it and install it to a CD
Bev.
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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
boxofgeese
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April 18th, 2008 02:00
Thanks in advance for all your help!
boxofgeese
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April 18th, 2008 20:00
boxofgeese
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April 18th, 2008 23:00
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn82/formanband/memtest.jpg
Does this mean my memory is damaged? If this is the case, I'm sure it's easy enough to buy some new RAM off ebay. Should I test anything else before I think about buying RAM? Obviously I don't want to spend the money if it's some other problem.
Again, sorry for my lack of experience. I really appreciate the help.
boxofgeese
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April 18th, 2008 23:00
"IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL"
I'm about to try using memtest, but in the event it doesn't help, any more suggestions?
boxofgeese
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April 19th, 2008 02:00
I had two 512 MB modules in the board, one in slot 1 and one in slot 2, and when I ran the test, it would halt unexpectedly.
When I removed the module from slot 2 (and left the other module in slot 1), the test halted again. However, I then removed the one remaining module, and plugged the other one in (so the module that was previously in slot 2 was now in slot 1, with the other module not plugged in). The test ran smoothly and everything passed.
I replaced the other module into slot 2 (so now both modules are plugged in, but switched from their original positions), and the test halted again. I take this to mean that the one module is fried, correct?
shesagordie
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April 19th, 2008 02:00
Have you tried removing the memory modules, reinstall one module, and restart the computer, if the system does not boot, try installing in different slots one at a time, rebooting the system each time.
Still does not boot, then try another module and repeat the process.
Continue until you have hopefully, identified a faulty module [or slot] or reinstalled all modules without error.
Bev.
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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
shesagordie
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April 19th, 2008 19:00
You are correct and the module needs to be replaced.
But, you need to buy a module that is compatible to the exsisting one.
A good place to buy the replacement is here and use their memory selector or scanner.
The 8400 will work with only one module installed, but with a diminished performance.
Bev.
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boxofgeese
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April 28th, 2008 18:00
thank you so much for your help...i ordered new memory and it's on its way.. i had two more quick questions..
1. when i get the new memory, do i just plug it in and im good to go? or do i need to download new drivers first?
2. i think my fan is working OK now, but every once in a while when my computer's on for a while it makes a strange sound, like it's struggling to start. is there a fan diagnostic in the boot menu in windows? (or any other one for that matter) and in either case, do you think i should just buy a new fan to be safe?
thank you again!!
shesagordie
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April 28th, 2008 19:00
There should be no need to install any drivers for replacing the memory
The directions for replacing/installing memory are here.
You could try running Dell Diagnostic's test on the fan.
How to use Dell's Diagnostic Utility
Diagnostics can also, be run from the Drivers and Utilities Resource CD.
Bev.
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boxofgeese
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May 4th, 2008 14:00
shesagordie
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May 4th, 2008 19:00
The 8400 fan test is part of Dell Diagnostics. I ran Dell diagnostics on a 8400 this week using the Drivers and Utilities CD and fan test is there. Diagnostics does not have a test for heatsinks.
Bev.
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boxofgeese
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May 12th, 2008 19:00
shesagordie
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May 12th, 2008 19:00
Happy to have helped and pleased to hear that the problem is resolved.
Bev.
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