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6 Posts
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11983
October 16th, 2004 12:00
8600 Blank screen sometimes on start-up
Occasionally, when I power on my laptop, the screen remains blank. The machine appears to be booting as normal becuase the hard-drive and lights flash as normal.
I have to switch the machine off and then on again. After this, it boots up perfectly - so there is no problem with the screen.
This happens intermittantly, not every time I boot. It is more likely to happen after the machine has been off for several hours e.g. overnight.
I ran the system diagnostics and everything passed, so it seems to be a software problem with the screen.
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ejn63
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October 16th, 2004 13:00
screendump
9 Posts
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October 17th, 2004 07:00
I can not find such a switch on the display of my Inspiron 8200. I am very glad to know where it should be, as I experience the same display error. Well, not exactly the same. My screen stays blank. Only when it is attached to external monitor the screen appears in safe booting mode heavily distorted and with vertical lines, blurred and randomly colored. So what the heck is wrong?
I read in one of the many computer forums that the blue screen error I get, when booting normally (something with ERROR_IN_NON-PAGED_AREA) is in 90% of the cases due to faulty memory. So I removed one of the two 512 Megabyte RAM pieces and then, thanks heaven, it worked fine. I installed XP Pro and restarted a few times after making some adjustments as for instance disabling sound. So that evening it worked fine, until yesterday when it relapsed in its old habit. I can not get it to work again. I tried changing RAM sims with another DELL (from my boss) but to no avail.
What is wrong with it? The screen is obviously fine. Memory must be fine too, as it can operate normally, as it proved that evening. I tried installing updated version of drivers for Geforce4 440 Go. Even tried update of BIOS but it said it already used the most advanced version.
Who can give me a hint ... or something more...
I am very, very grateful for any help.
Message Edited by screendump on 10-17-2004 03:41 AM
gaz77
6 Posts
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October 17th, 2004 11:00
I tried the switch but it didn't make any difference. Subsequent boot-ups work fine without the switch being touched, so I don't think the switch is directly the problem.
Also the screen is completely black when turned on - its not the blue screen.
As I said, it works on subsequent boots, its just irritating to have to boot up twice every morning
gaz77
6 Posts
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January 6th, 2005 18:00
I've still not been able to fix this problem.
I've figured out that it only happens when mains power is connected. If it boots on battery power it seems to be fine. Although this is a work around, I'd still like to get it fixed.
I'm guessing it's a problem with hardware instead of windows xp. I don't know whether it's the power, screen, graphics card or something else.
Any suggestions are appreciated
gaz77
6 Posts
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January 11th, 2005 15:00
I haven't found a solution yet. At least I now know I'm not the only one.
I've downloaded the new Go5200 drivers and Bios stuff from the Dell site but it hasn't made a difference. I'm not sure what else to try.
I'll try ringing Dell again at some point, but last time I phoned them about something else, I seemed to know more than the tech support guy.
Like you, I use my 8600 everyday for work, so I can't afford to send it off and wait for a replacement. If you find a solution, please let me know.
lgc1963
1 Message
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January 11th, 2005 15:00
Have you ever gotten an answer to this problem? I am having the exact same problem. I go to boot my Inspiron 8600 when plugged into the wall and it seems to be starting up fine but the screen just stays blank. All the lights go on so it seems to be working but no picture at all. Then I reboot and it comes up fine. I have the NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 video card that the machine came with installed.
I'd hate to have to send this in for repairs -- it's my lifeline now!