Ok, maybe I just found a quick solution:)  While on the phone I heard a tip to try for power related problems.  I unplugged the power adapter then took out battery.  After leaving completely unplugged of any power source for a good while(on hold a very long time) I replugged just the power cord and tested.  Seems to have worked perfect, was able to sit in my lap making constant movements without any shutdowns.  Then I powered off and put battery back in, was again able to make movements, alot of moving around, without any power-offs.

Could this type of problem be caused by some sort of bad mix of power sources that once is completely discharged fixes itself.  Just curious what exactly could cause the symptoms I was getting.  I will continue to moniter/test and update if problem returns.

 

Oh well, fix only lasted for minitues  Looks like I will making a call to TS.  The shutdowns are now so sensitive that it will go blank if even when typing or touching the keybaord.

Any ideas?

 

Dell has replaced a CPU for the problem within two months of owing my computer-it does the same thing now and I get noplace with Dell's "Award winning" customer "service."  My computer is 6 months old, I think they should replace it-let me know how you fare.   A hardware diagnostic on mine sometimes shows the machine "runs hot", and thus, the shutdown problem.

There was another thread floating around here that had the same exact symptoms as I.  Dell had to replace his motherboard and cpu, he indicated that there is a known issue that causes this type of problem, has something to do with the motherboard placement.  I have read about the over heating problems but that doesnt seem to be my problem.  As Im typing I have a CPU temp monitor running and its a cool 39c degrees.  Also my shutdowns can occur right when I turn on laptop.

As mentioned my problem seems to indicate something "loose" inside.  My shutdowns can occur with just the slightest touch or tilt, and sometimes just by typing on kepboard if laptop is not sitting completely flat.  This was the exact same problem described in another thread, which I cant find at this time.  It was a long thread relating to this issue.  I can run a full diag test with no problems if laptop is sitting flat on table.  I have dealt with this problem for 2-3 months now but since my 1 year period is approaching in November I need to get aggressive getting this fixed.

 

Update

 

Well I finally got a Dell Tech who agrees with me that this is not an over heating issue since the problem can happen right at boot up with the slightest touch.  This tech did have me to check for anything loose such as RAM, harddrive, CDRW/DVD Rom, and battery.  After a complete check the laptop still shuts down with the slightest touch even at the Dell bootup logo, he quickly noted this and explained that it does indeed sound like something internal must be seriously wrong.  He wrote me out a service ticket to have Dell pick-up and service at the depot.  Hope all goes well, Im sure they will find the problem since the problem is very apparent at this point.

Message Edited by Mrq5 on 07-17-2004 06:50 PM

Bah....

Dell wont be able to pick up my 5150 soon enough, here at work right now I cant even power-up at all:(

I have the same exact problem as you, I have sent mine to the depot twice now and it came back and is still shutting down if i touch it. I am verry unhappy with dell at this point

Well its been about a week now since my I5150 has been returned and all seems well:)  Dell indicates that they had to replace the main board and the cpu ofr my system.  It is running fine without any of the old symptoms.