New XPS 1645 Crashes constantly!

Does it fix the problem or at least make it better?  At this point, I'll try anything.

I don't know (I returned the laptop because of the random crashes).  But I returned it a day before the A03 bios came out, so I'd be interested to see if it is a fix.

I have had my XPS 16 for about two weeks, and have the same problem as everyone else.  I had an experienced technician look at it, and he could only guess that it was related to a hibernation issue, as it passed all stress tests and operational tests.  It continues to lock up, and has done so in all possible circumstances, including while it is booting up, while shutting down, and using any possible program.  On the other hand, I have tried to stress the machine by running a variety of memory using programs at once, and it had no problem.  At other times, with no applications in use, it locks up. 

If anyone has returned their computer to Dell, what was the response?  Like everyone else, I use my computer for a lot of important projects, and can't afford to have a defective computer.

Thanks.

I installed A03 a couple of days ago and received a freeze this morning, so doesn't look like it fixes it

When I returned it I got the usual bouncing around departments and long hold times that are standard with Dell these days.  When I did get to the right department I had to talk to a supervisor to get it approved.  It was just a couple days ago so I have not got my money back yet.  I just hope they don't try and charge me a 15% penalty (which they will do if they don't think the problem was their fault).

To confirm, I upgraded to the newest BIOS and yes, it froze.  This is my second computer as I am in the process of returning the first computer with the same problem.  I have to believe this may be a design problem.  Is there anyone who is NOT seeing this problem and have an XPS 1645?  No others discuss this issue in other forums.

Since my post this morning, I spent some time talking with Dell support.  They had me download the bios update.  As of today, that is Dell's solution to this problem.  Considering that several people have written that this "solution" does not work, Dell needs to come up with a better answer.  For now, I will be waiting to see whether my system freezes or not.

This is the fifth Dell computer I've ordered over the years and it will probably be my last. How does Dell release a laptop in 2009 (with a Core I7 processor) that freezes when Hulu is played full screen (sometimes right away, sometimes after watching video for awhile)? This thing wasn't tested at all.

I'm amazed that Dell has not made a general announcement yet. The problems are serious and obvious.

The freeze maybe related to the Windows 7 process.  Per Windows 7 forums, disabling the dwm.exe (Desktop Windows Manager) process may stop the freezing. You can find the process when opening the task manager and going into Processes.  I cannot confirm this will work, but several people reported that this worked successfully. 

For all the people that what videos/movies/southpark episodes online and have issues after 5 minutes or so just go to your control panel>>power options>>now click on change plan settings: (Change below settings to never)

Dim the display = Never
Turn off the display = Never
Put the computer to sleep = Never

or set it for like a much longer time as if you are watching something and one of the above plans goes into effect you will get the frozen screen/black back ground. If you change the setting to never it does not happen at least this it what I found to fix that issue for now until the driver issue is fixed.

FYI: I also have done a clean install and I do not have issues with any freezing or lock-ups at all. also I have been using the 1645 for 1 month now and it has performed great in the manner in which I use it. I do not game so that's why i have not had any issues.

Since talking to Dell Support yesterday, and downloading the bios update, I used the computer yesterday and  for several hours today.  Then it locked up again.  I had to do the hard shut down (hold down the power button).  Restarted it, and it froze again, almost immediately.  I was able to check the Caps Lock button, which did not respond as the light did not light.  So, does this mean I have a hardware problem? 

I am not happy.  This is my 6th Dell computer.

Updated to A03 BIOS. Still have crashes and lockups.

When I updated to A03 BIOS I noticed Hibernate and DIM options were now on my power plan where as before they were not.

Changed power plan to never hibernate, never DIM; sleep and turn off monitor after 2 hrs and turn off Hard Drive after 3 hrs.

Still received lockups and crashes.

Disabled UAC "User Account Control"

NO problems for three days, NO lockups, NO crashes.

I am not saying this is the answer, however, I have not had any problems the last three days. I will post again at the end of this week to update. Now if I can just get a power supply that doesn't try to burn my house down I will be set.

1645, i720, 6GB (2 & 4), 500 GB Drive, WLED, ATI 1GB. 90 watt power supply.

Well, my second xps 1645 not only locked up, but now does not start up.  It does not even show the Dell logo.  Called tech support and they offered a another exchange.  I did not except and they sent me to costumer service.  I am getting a refund.  This is the end of the road for me as far as XPS 1645 goes.  There is a real problem with the design.  Anyway, Dell called me back and gave me a real good deal on an Alienware m15x with the 920xm processor.  Should I take it?

The Crashes are back on. Same issue. Multiple Video sites cause the system to lock up. It may take 1 minute or 20 minutes. Once you find a video that locks up it will always lockup. I wonder if it depends on the codec being used? I can play certain videos from Hulu and they are fine whereas others are not. Southparkstudios.com will always lock it up. I have tried with latest Firefox and IE, it doesnt matter.

System log continues to show, "atikmdag stopped responding and has recovered...".

I'm almost at my 20 day mark. I'm close to returning, need to find a comparable i7 with 6+ Ram.

Last ditch effort will be to use atimodder and update my own video driver. I really hope dell finds a solution.

1645, i720, 6GB (2 & 4), 500 GB Drive, WLED, ATI 1GB. 90 watt power supply.