D800 locks up

Question

This has been an intermittent problem but is now getting worse - happens several times a week now. I've a D800 with WinXP updated to latest MS recommendations. At times it will just lock up - screen freezes but retains last image, no keyboard input, no disk activity. Only option is to remove both batteries and disconnect from power then reboot but of course all work is lost.

First thing, is this a problem others have seen? Secondly, is it likely to be a hardware problem or software?

Allowiches · Answer

It can be either software or hardware.  I would start reseating the RAM and then run diagnostics on the system.  Make sure all your hardware is ok before you start troubleshooting software.  You can hit F12 at the Dell screen and run the diags.

Famous · Answer

Post your system configuration and someone may be able to offer more specific suggestions.  I've never had to take my battery out.

kormath · Answer

You don't have to take hte battery out.  Holding the power button down for approximately 15 seconds will turn any system off.  Unless there's a problem with the power button  .  I'd do like the previous post recomended and run diags on the full system, eliminate the hardware possibilities and then start on the software.  Ram and hard drive are common devices causing lockups like that.

tonylinde · Answer

Thanks to all for the advice. Couple of questions:
1) is there an easy way to get the system config? My setup sounds much like 'Famous' but 1Gb memory, 60Gb HDD that I remember.
2) re [You can hit F12 at the Dell screen and run the diags.]: how do I get to the 'Dell screen'?

Thanks,
Tony.
(BTW, seems to be happening almost daily now so probably hardware?)

Famous · Answer

@kormath wrote:
You don't have to take hte battery out. Holding the power button down for approximately 15 seconds will turn any system off. Unless there's a problem with the power button . I'd do like the previous post recomended and run diags on the full system, eliminate the hardware possibilities and then start on the software. Ram and hard drive are common devices causing lockups like that.

I have to disagree. Although my D800 has never done it, I've seen several laptops lock up such that all power sources had to be removed (including the battery). No matter how long you hold the power button, they will not turn off when they are in this condition.

tonylinde · Answer

Config (that I can see :) )

Latitude D800, 1.60GHz, Pentium M, 15.4 WUXGA
BIOS: Dell Computer Corporation A02 04/25/2003
600 megahertz Intel Pentium M, 8 kilobyte primary memory cache, 1024 kilobyte secondary memory cache
1024 Megabytes Installed Memory
HITACHI_DK23EA-60 [Hard drive] (60.01 GB)
NVIDIA GeForce4 4200 Go (Dell Mobile)
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3A Mini PCI Adapter
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 (build 2600)

(remembered that I'd picked up Belarc Advisor from crucial.com!)

Famous · Answer

Do you have the paperwork from when the D800 was ordered?  You could get config info from there.  You can also get most of it from Device Manager or right clicking My Computer and selecting Properties.

Famous · Answer

If you look in Device Manager, do you see any exclamation points or question marks?  Its probably a long shot, but some types of conflicts would show up there.

tonylinde · Answer

Nope - all okay. Just noticed I'm on A02 rev of BIOS - I'll look into trying A03 later tonight. Cheers, Tony.

Famous · Answer

Whoa!!  I had no idea it was up to A09!!!!!  I'll have to go check it out.  Thanks for the heads up. Tony

tonylinde · Answer

Just upgraded to A09 - didn't realise I was so out of date. The release notes mentioned a couple of hang scenarios but none seemed relevant. Anyway, I'll see how long it stays up now .

tonylinde · Answer

Back again. System seized up again within 30 minutes of installing A09. I've now run the 'System Locks Up'-type diagnostics and they all pass fine. I've just finished installing every driver update that Dell Support lists as relevant for my system so I'll see how long it lasts this time.

Famous · Answer

Surely your D800 is still in warranty (I hope).  I would definitely give them a call if it happens again.   G-luck!

JeffreyLevy · Answer

I meant to say that it did 'not' help at all.

JeffreyLevy · Answer

I have had the same problem since I have had my D600.  Dell came out and changed the touchpad.  It did help at all.  I don't get it.  It happens even when I walk away from the system for a few minutes.  I spent a lot of money on this notebook and should not have to go through this.

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D800 locks up

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