The adapter failure message is usually a bad mainboard or bad mainboard power jack. The other problem could be software in origin or may indicate a failing hard drive. If you can get to a BIOS screen, press F12 and boot to the Dell diagnostics and run an extended test (NOT just the quick test) on the hard drive.
Thank you for your prompt reply. When I get to the Dell diagnostics screen, I've run all the HD-specific diagnostics and everything "passed"; the AC adapter test, however, failed when the system died when I unplugged it (per the instructions). Anyway, I'll initiate the extended (non quick) test; and see what comes up.
I'm troubled that the mainboard may be the issue due to my history: I had an Inspiron laptop bought in 2000 that lived 5 years (to the day!) before the motherboard died. At that time, I extracted the HD and have use of it via an HD case that I connect via USB. Now I have an Inspiron 6000 that I bought in 2005 who's motherboard may be dead in merely 3.5 years - what an awful life expectancy for an Inspiron!!!
Anyway, does anyone know if Inspiron HDs are standard size, and can I use the same external case for the Ins 6000 HD?
First of all , your adapter is faulty , it has become faulty , from my pov , there is nothing abnormal that your adapter gets faulty after 3 and half years of work , i see adapters that dies after a few months and it's made by DELL , not fakes , second , if all the tests are giving you the same result regarding your hard drive , then the hard drive is ok , it's a software issue , your hard drive has an IDE interface and not the SATA interface like most of the notebooks today , so get a box with an IDE interface so that u can backup your data , then format and reinstall your OS . and don't forget to buy an original adapter also .
husky0894
1.6K Posts
0
December 9th, 2008 05:00
The adapter failure message is usually a bad mainboard or bad mainboard power jack. The other problem could be software in origin or may indicate a failing hard drive. If you can get to a BIOS screen, press F12 and boot to the Dell diagnostics and run an extended test (NOT just the quick test) on the hard drive.
dbs98765
4 Posts
0
December 9th, 2008 06:00
Thank you for your prompt reply. When I get to the Dell diagnostics screen, I've run all the HD-specific diagnostics and everything "passed"; the AC adapter test, however, failed when the system died when I unplugged it (per the instructions). Anyway, I'll initiate the extended (non quick) test; and see what comes up.
I'm troubled that the mainboard may be the issue due to my history: I had an Inspiron laptop bought in 2000 that lived 5 years (to the day!) before the motherboard died. At that time, I extracted the HD and have use of it via an HD case that I connect via USB. Now I have an Inspiron 6000 that I bought in 2005 who's motherboard may be dead in merely 3.5 years - what an awful life expectancy for an Inspiron!!!
Anyway, does anyone know if Inspiron HDs are standard size, and can I use the same external case for the Ins 6000 HD?
Thanks for your help!
magedam
183 Posts
0
December 9th, 2008 10:00
Hello,
First of all , your adapter is faulty , it has become faulty , from my pov , there is nothing abnormal that your adapter gets faulty after 3 and half years of work , i see adapters that dies after a few months and it's made by DELL , not fakes , second , if all the tests are giving you the same result regarding your hard drive , then the hard drive is ok , it's a software issue , your hard drive has an IDE interface and not the SATA interface like most of the notebooks today , so get a box with an IDE interface so that u can backup your data , then format and reinstall your OS . and don't forget to buy an original adapter also .
dbs98765
4 Posts
0
December 9th, 2008 10:00
The extended test showed no problems except for the AC adaptor. I've also removed the HD to see if it can fit in my external HD case, and it doesn't.
Does anyone know if there are external HD cases available for an Inspiron 6000 HD? I just want to get the data from the HD at this point...
Please HELP!
dbs98765
4 Posts
0
December 9th, 2008 11:00
Thanks for your advice. I'll look for an HD encasement with IDE interface, and move forward. THANKS!