Inspiron 5150 - blank screen with blinking cursor - motherboard?

Thanks for the info but no, i have gone through every diagnotic test even shook the thing around! i think it's dead.

Does anyone want to buy it from me to sell out as parts?

Still drives me nuts!
I had my 5160 motherboard replaced while my system was under warranty. That was when my system was approximately 6 months old. When my system was 15 months old, had the same problems, but Dell would not fix because warranty expired. This IS a faulty design problem. The power connector is very poor. I believe Dell corrected the problem because the battery chargers they now sell for the 5160 is of a different design. Because Dell has identified and made changes to the motherboard, I think they should replace mine and other motherboards like yours. Remember, I was under warranty when this occurred the first time. If you look on this and other message boards you will see this is a problem for many 5160 users. Dell should help us out to protect their brand name.

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@ali5 wrote:

Hello,

I too had a power problem with the Inspiron 5150, after a few questions and research I found it was probably time to replace the battery. Although I was uncomfortable with the adapter as well (checked that to see if power was coming through the cord, there was).

While looking through the forum I found that a lot of people were having problems with this model and the charger due to poor design. The adapter with any slight tug would come out.

Anyway, I decided to buy both a new battery and adapter to positive that each were new. The battery does say 1100 on it, when I spoke with a rep. they said it was compatible and that is all they use for replacement on the 5150.

Of course while on the phone, he would not believe me when I said there was not a reset button (on the old battery or new). There aren't any buttons on these batteries.

This was about 3 months ago. Now it is acting up again, won't charge or get power from adapter exactly what was going on with the old. I have found that the port it plugs into is the problem, the adapter is giving power but the port (plug) will not get it. I'm pretty sure I could have used the old battery for awhile longer, even though I didn't mind getting a new one.

After trying many things while moving the adapter I could see at certain movements the light would blink and and if held in the right position there was power.

Now I can charge the battery only when I have the cord pulled up and tight from behind the screen ( I secure it in the position with tape in several places). It takes a few times to get the position correct, but for now I can still charge the battery.

Today I will start trying to find the part for the laptop plug. I refuse to give dell anymore money for faulty parts. They know of this problem and should recall this part and replace it for free. They fixed the error with the next model so they know.

I have also been hearing a lot of computer tech's, and people who work on computers (not tech's, just learned by playing with various computers). They all have said Dell is no longer a great company to buy for. Many have said your better of going to Wal-mart and picking up any computer than to go through Dell.

I guess they used to be really good, now they are too big and don't care anymore, parts there using are not as good and the service alone is awful.

I have been thinking about about getting another laptop and desktop, I look at there items and still am undecided if I want to risk buying from Dell.

Ali

P.S. They also told me it was the motherboard and it should be replaced. I am so glad I didn't believe that, saved a lot of money.

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Hey,
Yes, the problem I had is in the internal power connector. I had 1 board replaced, but it has the same defective design and is now bad. I sent it to NY to get repaired rather than paying Dell $500 for another defective board. If it works I will post their info on this board.