Since there's only one board inside the system, it's likely. What are the symptoms?

Boot, press F12, and load the diagnostics. There will be an option to do a full/extended test of the hard drive.

What you've described sounds a heck of a lot more like a dying hard drive, than a dying mainboard.

Message Edited by ejn63 on 11-29-2005 06:56 PM

Maybe, but have you run an extended test on the hard drive?

no i haven't. how do i do that?

oh the usual: blue screen with error message whenever i try to restart. tried reinstalling windows a few times (with cd and using code) and computer could not copy files. diagnostics said the internal memory failed. everyone i talk to (local comp. repair shop, comp usa technicians and dell technical support) tells me that the motherboard may need to be replaced. i'm starting to give in that my little over a year laptop may have died.

from the description on the link you provided, it seems that the internal memory is accessible and therefore replaceable, but are you sure it isn't connected to the main board? that was my main question when talking to dell support, but i swear that i got the same number of answers for yes and no. very confusing.

then i called compusa and they also confirmed that the internal memory was most likely attached to the main board. again, confusing.

It could be - if it is, that memory module is removeable - it is not part of the mainboard.

It takes removing the keyboard, but if the module has failed, and you have to pay for a replacement, it'll be a heck of a lot cheaper than a replacement mainboard.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins700m/en/SM/upgrades.htm#wp1117165

hmm, i will try that. thanks for the suggestion.

According to Crucial, both modules are replaceable, so it is not soldered onto the system board - it's worth a look and a try at replacing it before you send it in.

you know, i think it's an internal memory/motherboard problem because i've tried to boot and it freezes at the introductory page or doesn't make it past a black screen -- this is when i take out the extra memory sticks i had installed to upgrade, meaning it's relying on the internal memory alone.

i think you're right. it's worth a try. thanks.

i swear that dell does this on purpose, but now i can't get the screws on the module out. any tips?