Inspiron 6000 hangs-up

Question

I have an Inspiron 6000 that has had a recurring problem.  It periodically will start hanging up except in safe mode.  When it hangs, it stops responding but the mouse will continue to move for a few seconds, then it too locks, with video still present but frozen, the hard disk access light is on and the computer must be hard reset to recover.  When restarted normally, this typically reoccurs within minutes.  The system will work in safe mode.  I've tried reinstalling drivers (mostly video), with no success.  In the past when this has happened, I've reinstalled Windows XP over the current system and the problem still is present.  Last time this happened I reinstalled everything to the original configuration using the files Dell puts on a different partition.  This worked for about 4-6 weeks and know I'm back in the situation again.  I use Spybot and McAfee virus and firewall protection and keep them updated.  None of these indicate a virus is present.    Has anyone else experienced anything like this?  Anyone got any ideas?    Thanks in advance for any responses!

kiker · Answer

since system works on the safe mode. its possible you have a software issue. you can further verify that by running the diagnostic. restart the computer> tap F12 5 times then choose diagnostic on the boot menu.. if it passed you can try local tech like geek squad or the dell on call dept.

clm1234 · Answer

Thanks for the response.

Every time I've run the diagnostics, everything has passed. When I've called the Dell support line, they had me reinstall XP, which did not resolve the issue. I ended up going back to the original configuration, which did solve it.

I believe it is a software issue. But I'm trying to figure out what specifically it is so I don't have to go back to the original configuration and then reinstall everything.

boppo · Answer

what about unchecking the items in msconfig and put back one at a time.

kiker · Answer

could be a conflict between the os windows xp and a software on your computer. don't know what software. but best thing you can do to prevent this issue from happing again are create a restore point of your known good configuration(system restore), create a back-up of your important data.

clm1234 · Answer

I've created restore points, and when this happens, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, even when you back up to a point where things were fine.

And I've got a backup believe me.

I have other PCs, so I don't run much on this computer other than IE, Quicken, some photo stuff (Adobe elements). I do have some other things, but I haven't used them since last time this happened. I think it is more likely a driver issue or just something very intermittent in the hardware.

boppo · Answer

ok

alnitak · Answer

Yes I have this exact same problem. I have not been able to find a fix yet, but I will share what I have learned about it and my work-around. Only a few people seem to have this problem with the Inspiron 6000, and I have not seen anyone that has found a solution that works yet. Personally, I have reloaded all software, OS, even did a complete wipe, format HD, the whole nine yards, all to no avail. The problem will continue to happen.....which leads me to think hardware.

For me, I have found that the computer will NEVER lock up, if the AC adapter is NOT plugged in. If I have the AC adapter plugged in however, it can lock up after booting up from as soon as the windows login screen, to hours after using windows. You can tell when it's gonna lock up because the screen will briefly blink, and then in about 4 or 5 seconds, it will hard freeze with identical symptoms that the OP had.

Here is my work-around. I play a video game called World of Warcraft on my laptop. As long as I have this program open, I can plug in the AC adapter, and the computer will not lock up. I have not found any other programs yet that work as a "freeze-preventor". I don't know if that game works like that because it uses alot of memory, or that it engages the graphics card, or for whatever reason.....all I know is that if I need the laptop plugged in, I will start windows and open that program right off the bat. Who knows, maybe it is a faulty AC adapter and my work around just uses enough juice to prevent the freeze.

Sorry about the long post....maybe it can be helpful. Let me know if you find out what's going on. :)

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Inspiron 6000 hangs-up

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