Dell headache!!

Question

I have called Dell customer service twice and still have no idea what is wrong with the computer. Unfortunately for me, my warranty is up and the problem conveniently began a few months later. Conveniently for Dell, they keep trying to charge me $ for tech support, and although I have a case#, they continue to tell me the problem I am having is not in relation to the previous problem, and I have to pay an additional $40. Yet, the problem keeps occurring and has not been resolved. In one instance I watched a tech turn of items on my start up menu... that’s what my $40 bought. It has now been 3 days since I was last able to use my computer, which is a little more than a year and a half old. If there is anyone who has any ideas of where I could look for help with my computer, over the phone or otherwise, please post. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. As for Dell support, they seem to be satisfied that I have a $2000 dollar trophy.

Mike

Manassas, VA

marinemike · Answer

OK... here is the scenario:

I will be online, playing a game (WOW) or just browsing the internet when the computer will stop any action and the screen will turn blue with a message containing a large amount of random numbers (random to the normal user) and say "dumping physical memory". The information on this screen is never the same as far as I can tell, except for the dumping of the physical memory. The first tech told me the problem was my aftermarket graphics card. I know that Dell sells aftermarket cards with their computers as an upgrade option. I have purchased cards from the same companies that are offered when building a Dell. After the first call I went a week, then upgraded to a new card. The new card is an ATI Radeon X1600PRO. This is the only thing I have replaced. The computer worked for a few days before crashing again.

Previously, it would crash and I would power it off and it would randomly correct it's self. Sometimes it would be immediate and other times I would have to leave it powered off for a long period of time before returning to use it. Now I have one message and it doesn't change and it seems as if it will remain until the issue is resolved. Below is the complete message:

A67611-107 RV530PRO BIOS DDR2 500e/400m

Obviously I don't understand why just adding a graphics card that is made to fit my computer will mess with the functionality. I bought this computer to play internet games on exclusively. I take great care of my computer and gaming is the main purpose for this computer. It worked fine with my previous card for over a year, and that card was from the same company. My issues started about 3 months after warranty expired. I think that is a little too convenient.

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Ask us at the forum. We pride ourselves at being much better (and cheaper since we're free) than Dell tech support. Post your problem and any other related information and someone will help you out. Maybe even me. ~Justin~

mk83 · Answer

Have you tried to reformatt your harddrive and reinstall your OS?

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Before you hop to a reformat of the harddrive (which could be long if you've never done it before and you will have to save all your information) lets try to fix the problem.  It may be a cleaning problem or it may be a graphics card problem, but I doubt either of those is the case.  You're gaming, so you probably have a heavy system.  What you can first try is to boost your virtual memory. I usually find that that is helpful if you don't mind giving up some of your harddrive space.

marinemike · Answer

That's all fine, but the reinstallation disk won't even boot the computer past the error screen. Hence, I can't get in to change any settings, I have a black screen that won't change from the above message...

SmoochyTX · Answer

When was the last time you cleaned your computer out (opening the case and cleaning out the dust)? Have you tried removing the vid card and using the onboard graphics to see if that narrowed down the problem?

If you have done all that, have you replaced the PSU or is it the same one that came with your system?

Message Edited by SmoochyTX on 10-17-2006 08:23 PM

marinemike · Answer

same, can't get past error message, it is the only thing that appears; normal, F12, reinstalation...

marinemike · Answer

OK, I just removed all the ram as I was going to replace with chips I had from another computer. On replacing the ram and booting, the computer started normally and all is running fine, so far.   I am befuddled. I am going to try boosting the virtual memory.

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Boot normally and tryin increasing the virtual memory.

ioverit · Answer

i keep getting these stop errors too!!  and dell told me to reinstall XP i had corrupt files, so i did that, well guess what 1 week later  same stop errors.. well different number and letters but same blue/black screen saying it shut down to stop from damage to the system..   I do always get that virtual memory is low, but have no idea how to up that!!!!     nikki

marinemike · Answer

1. How would I boost power?   2. How do I set BIOS to boot from CD is all I have is the error screen?   3. How do get to the boot screen, past the error message?

85rx-7se · Answer

It sounds like one of 3 possibilites:

1): Power supply inadequate for the load or starting to fail.

2): Possible bad RAM ... download and run Memtest86 from here

http://memtest86.com/
You want v3.2 ISO .. you will need to burn it to a cd and
set your BIOS to boot from CD drive First

3): Run the Dell Diagnostics option to enter is on the Initial Boot
screen ... it may be a failing hard drive

ward733 · Answer

I see you have found your problem, when your are running certain ram mixmatching will cause you problems.. Its a good rule of thumb to take things down to nothing to the basics one stick of ram and a processor and add componants till you start getting the same problems. Its not rocket science but it might save you a little time in the future.. Good luck..

marinemike · Answer

Last night was a late night and with all the stress I was not clear in my previous message. The RAM I extracted from the computer were the same RAM chips that came with the computer. I pulled them all out (4x512mb; Dells' chips don't have the speed listed on the chips), and inserted only two chips (2x512 Corsair 333) of the same make and model I had in a previous computer. (I understand that having the same chip size and speed is essential, thank you.) The chips are still good as I only had them in the other computer a few months before removing them. (I was just trying to experiment at this point as I would hate to give up on a computer I am still paying for.) While the Corsair chips were in, I rebooted and got absolutely nothing onscreen. Powered down then reinserted the original RAM. Rebooted and windows came right up. I guess I'll have to wait another few days/weeks till the computer crashes, and then come back here after I have repeated all the steps I've taken on my own, excluding the part where I purchase a new graphics card, and call Dell support.

marinemike · Answer

Is there a way for me to boost the power running to the computer from a normal house power source? Some kind of add on between the outlet and the CPU?

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Dell headache!!

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