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crazy_for_cats0
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March 28th, 2005 11:00
Please Help!
Hello. I have a Dell Inspiron 5150 laptop. My original power adapter assume went bad. The power adapter sometimes would spark when I plugged it into the wall outlet. Then after maybe six months of owning my 5150 my power adapter stopped working and my computer would only run on battery power. When I held the power adapter up to my ear I heard a ringing sound inside. I called Dell tech support and the guy had me plug the adapter into my laptop, and in the end he could not find what was wrong and had me send in my adpater for a replacement. I have had the replacement adapter for about four months now, and I am having the same problem. I called dell tech support again and after waiting about 20minutes on hold the tech support had me take out my battery, cd rom drive, my hard drive, and green chips which I think were memory chips. Tech support had me rearrange the memory chips and try the power adapter again without the battery. It still did not work. After about an hour tech supports conclusion was that I needed a new motherboard and processor.
Has any one had problems with their power adapter? How can the motherboard and processor have to do with the power adapter not working, my computer runs okay when on the battery? Could this be a design flaw in the power adapter. Of course my warranty expired in December.
I asked the tech support girl a few question like why would the power adapter spark when plugged into the outlet and why it made a ringing sound inside the power adapter, she did not answer any of these questions.
Please respond I do not know much about computers and really do not know what the motherboard and processor does, but I assume that to get a new processor and motherboard would cost some money. And could this all be related to the topic on 5150's overheating. My computer has never completely shut down only the power adapter has shut down, and now has quit working all together Agian.
Thanks.
Message Edited by crazy_for_cats01 on 03-28-2005 08:01 AM
Message Edited by crazy_for_cats01 on 03-28-2005 12:42 PM
Message Edited by crazy_for_cats01 on 03-28-2005 05:42 PM
crazy_for_cats0
3 Posts
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Posted March 28th, 2005 21:00
Well, I just finished talking with tech support tonight, I told them that when my first adapter went bad they send me a new adapter while under warranty. I said since the second adapter went bad that it must of been as they are saying the motherboard and processor so they should fix the problem as it was under warranty since it must of been the motherboard with the first adapter which was still under warranty.They said they would not honor it and I will have to send about $300 for shipping and a diagnostic test. Then 600 if the problem turns out to be the motherboard, (not sure if that is including the process which they also say is bad.)I am so angry someone please give me advice!natrgirl26
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Posted April 13th, 2005 18:00
I'm in a similar predicament. My 5150 first died March 2003, while still under warranty. I sent it back and they replaced my motherboard. My warranty expired in September. This March, I go to turn on my computer and there's nothing. The thing won't turn on at all. I have no idea if it's the adapter, but I have a feeling that the motherboard is dead again, since this is what everyone keeps telling me. I called Dell support last week and tried to get the thing fixed, but they won't budge and said I'd have to pay them $700 to get a box shipped to me, send the computer back, they'd fix the problem, replace the motherboard, and send it back to me. I even tried to explain that the problem did happen while under warranty, and now it happened again, etc. But, I've had no luck. I cited the community forums, among other things, and they just told me that they can't help me. They don't know of any design flaws for the 5150, and the community forums are places where grumpy customers go to complain, so I shouldn't rely on the forums for any information. I'm really mad (like everyone else) and I hate that I spent so much money on something that is such a lemon. Any suggestions? Anyone?I cannot say this enough...
When you make such a large investment in something that requires parts from one source only, such as a laptop, buy a warrenty that goes for as long as you plan to use the machine. That way you are sure that you will be covered for anything that can go wrong, before it becomes cheap enough to replace the machine in total.
natgirl26: You should have taken that first major breakdown as a sign to extend your warrenty while you still had time, because if it broke once it's possible to break again.
Next time either of you buy laptops (this problem isn't as big on desktops, because replacing the parts is usually cheaper and more readily avalible elsewhere) extend your warrenty to at LEAST 3 years, unless you plan to own the machine less!
Both of your best options is to search this forum for laptop repair shops and get their prices or visit eBay and try to buy the replacement parts you need.
My warrenty advice dosen't just apply to Dell it applies to ANY manufacturer!
crazy_for_cats0
3 Posts
160
0
Posted March 28th, 2005 13:00
Hello.
I do not know if this is the right place to complain, but this is what I have to say Please READ.
I called last night with a problem with my Inspiron 5150. Today I went to the dell forums and found some information that has further angered me with Dell and its' Inspiron 5150. It seems to me that the 5150 laptop has to many design flaws to overlook, and I feel that this whole laptop need to be recalled and the owners of these laptops need to have a replacement laptop that does not have the same design flaws as the 5150 with the same specs.
I wrote a message in the forum and this is what I said:
Hello. I have a Dell Inspiron 5150 laptop. My original power adapter assume went bad. The power adapter sometimes would spark when I plugged it into the wall outlet. Then after maybe six months of owning my 5150 my power adapter stopped working and my computer would only run on battery power. When I held the power adapter up to my ear I heard a ringing sound inside. I called Dell tech support and the guy had me plug the adapter into my laptop, and in the end he could not find what was wrong and had me send in my adpater for a replacement. I have had the replacement adapter for about four months now, and I am having the same problem. I called dell tech support again and after waiting about 20minutes on hold the tech support had me take out my battery, cd rom drive, my hard drive, and green chips which I think were memory chips. Tech support had me rearrange the memory chips and try the power adapter again without the battery. It still did not work. After about an hour tech supports conclusion was that I needed a new motherboard and processor.
Has any one had problems with their power adapter? How can the motherboard and processor have to do with the power adapter not working, my computer runs okay when on the battery? Could this be a design flaw in the power adapter. Of course my warranty expired in December.
I asked the tech support girl a few question like why would the power adapter spark when plugged into the outlet and why it made a ringing sound inside the power adapter, she did not answer any of these questions.
Please respond I do not know much about computers and really do not know what the motherboard and processor does, but I assume that to get a new processor and motherboard would cost some money. And could this all be related to the topic on 5150's overheating. My computer has never completely shut down only the power adapter has shut down, and now has quit working all together Agian.
Thanks.
Message Edited by crazy_for_cats01 on 03-28-2005 08:01 AM
Here are some messages that I found in the forum from other customers that disturbed me
:Reply
Re: Also having 5150 AC adapter problems Options
jrcb01
Forum Member
Posts: 2
Registered: 01-16-2005
Viewed 109 times
Lee,
I just spent a couple of hours on the phone with Dell Latin America, and after trying many things, I was able to power up the system after removing one of the memory modules. At least this has allowed me to recharge both batteries and I have been working on A/C for the last three hours. I had purchased an extended warranty so I'm still OK. A tech is supposed to come out to bring me a replacement memory module in the next 3-5 business days. You may want to give this a try. I removed the memory modules and the CD/DVD and hard drive, one at a time, atempting to power up the system after each removal. After removing one of the memory modules, I was able to power up. I will let you know how this turns out. Good luck.
01-17-2005 02:18 PM
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Re: Also having 5150 AC adapter problems Options
rpoched1
Forum Member
Posts: 4
Registered: 03-02-2005
Viewed 26 times
the problem is the motherboard, and it's going to need to be replaced. I got mine replaced TWICE, yes TWICE and both times it 'broke' again. The first time the new mother board fixed the problem for almost 3 months, then I had the same problem (computer was running off battery not wall outlet), I called Dell got another motherboard and here I am one day later.... with the SAME problem. I have no clue what I'm going to do. Looks like $1,200 wasted. Thanks Dell, you truly are the WORST computer company.
And Here are further problems discussed:
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Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
salinsp
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Posts: 118
Registered: 02-20-2000
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This is a DESIGN FLAW for 5100, 5150 and one other model (not sure which)- do a search for "5150 power shut off" or "5150 fan" and you will see. The system overheats and shuts off suddenly because the fan/heat exchanger is not up to the job. This is usually while you are doing something resource-intensive and it has been on for a while. There is advice all over this board to keep the fan cleaned out with compressed air, install a temp-monitoring and fan-control program, etc, but the DESIGN FLAW needs to be fixed or you could end up like me.
You can talk Dell into fixing for FREE even out of warranty if you are persistent and present Forum data. Call tech support and they can arrange an appt-only call with a special customer service supervisor, who can get your out-of-warranty system fixed.
I believed and tried the "clean the fan" advice and even propped up my Inspiron to increase air circulation, but these measures did not work. So this power shut-off happened enough times that, even though Dell has just repaired my system (including the motherboard, which the overheating damaged, too), I will have to reformat and reload absolutely everything! I advise all to get their systems fixed before they damage other hard/software. Why there is not a recall about this is beyond me.
02-07-2005 04:07 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
Leo_s84
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Posts: 404
Registered: 06-18-2004
Viewed 1161 times
Dude i have an i5100 that idles at 42 and doesnt go further than 62 degrees.
If you know how to take care of your system no repairs need to be done.
Leo
02-07-2005 07:19 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
Anathorn
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Registered: 06-28-2003
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Dell didnt repair anything for me and simply answered me that they didnt know what caused the problem... That was DURING my service still intact. However, now its already passed over a year and I notice more and more and more people with the same problem. I suggest people dont try cleaning it with compressed air, but complain with Dell instead. They sold us a faulty machine, and as such they actually should solve this problem for us, even if you dont have a warranty anymore. If the machine itself is flawed, u shouldnt need a warranty to get a new one or get the flaw fixed.
02-08-2005 03:28 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 [ Edited ] Options
salinsp
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Posts: 118
Registered: 02-20-2000
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Not a dude, not a person who doesn't take care of her systems. Just a person trying to help others get repairs if they need them.
To Anathorn, if you can tell Dell (by giving them the date or case #, maybe even approximate date) you made a call about the problem under warranty, even if they did not solve it then, it should be straightforward to get the re-designed, new and improved heat exchanger (free).
I do think Dell did not understand the problem initially, and then the real Dell people did not get the message across to the Indian tech support contractors.
Message Edited by salinsp on 02-08-2005 10:45 PM
02-08-2005 11:29 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
Leo_s84
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Registered: 06-18-2004
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This topic that you opened has been talked over, and over, and OVER.
Most people know about this, so i dont see a reason to start a topic about it.
Leo
02-09-2005 10:44 AM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
dkauanoe
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Posts: 2
Registered: 02-11-2005
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It's actually quite helpful to start another one for those who've never experienced the problem until now. It actually saves us from having to look too hard for forum. So, I thank those who are bringing it up because I've been on hold with DELL on the phone for about 30 minutes while I'm looking through this forum.
02-11-2005 07:52 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
Mailman930
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Posts: 3
Registered: 02-18-2005
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I can get about 6 hours of operation out of the laptop by keeping the fan clean and placing my laptop on a cloth-covered coldpak. The coldpak is one of those gel-filled, flat, soft covered cold compresses used for strains, bruises and other similar injuries. Of course, I'm way out of luck when sitting on a plane or working in a client environment where a coldpak is not available. In those cases, I get 1-3 hours of operation.
Dell replaced the power supply and fan when the laptop was under warranty. This new power supply and fan functioned for about 9 months, and then the problem of sudden power-down recurred. They have refused to fix the problem now because the warranty expired.
This is definitely a design flaw. The sudden power-down also occurs on an 1100 laptop I purchased in 2004. I have purchased several Dell computers over the years, although the 5100 is my first Dell laptop. Given the lousy service, I won't be purchasing another laptop from Dell unless they turn this situation around. I just don't know when I'll have an appetite for another 1-hour phone call with the tech service gang. I asked for an appointment with a supervisor and was refused. If anyone cares, I have had two Toshibas that performed flawlessly for several years.
02-18-2005 01:19 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
salinsp
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Posts: 118
Registered: 02-20-2000
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Yours is a sobering tale if it was fixed once and the problem returned.
I am wondering if Dell replaced your fan and heat-exchanger with the re-designed one, or if the re-design was a recent event. When mine came back, it seemed obviously different. When I look into the exhaust now, there is a tight vertical row of copper pickets. I notice a huge difference in the temperature on the bottom. Before, it was almost too hot to touch, and now it is just warm. (I cannot recall just what the original one looked like, but this caught my eye as different when I unpacked it.) Do you still feel yours getting very hot?
There are other posts that talk about work-arounds such as a downloadable temperature-revealing and fan control program (not Dell-authorized; it is from a German website (in English)), and the suggestion to update your BIOS. I guess I'd try the BIOS first.
Dell claims this problem affects 3 models, so perhaps the 1100 is the addition to the 5100 and 5150.
You are sure right about that negative effect of speaking with tech support. The customer support asked why I had not kept calling, and that is what I told him, what a bad experience it was and therefore I tried hard to solve problems myself.
I wish you the best of luck!
02-18-2005 07:09 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
Mailman930
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Registered: 02-18-2005
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Leo, this is the second posting I have read from you about this topic, offering the same cryptic comment. Congratulations on having an i5100 that operates correctly. MIne does not. Others seem to have the same problem.
As a former LAN administrator and IT PC Geek, I am adept at taking care of my equipment. It looks like the heat sink on my Dell is a little short on mass. Or, the fan is not moving enough air across the heat exchanger. The fan and surrounding area is clean. I stand on my contention that this is a design flaw.
I have long been an advocate for Dell; this recent experience is new and disappointing. Your comments are not appreciated, Dude.
02-18-2005 07:53 PM
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Re: Sudden power loss, shut off, or shut down is a DESIGN FLAW in 5100 and 5150 Options
fujo
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Posts: 15
Registered: 04-26-2004
Viewed 866 times
Are you sure they redesigned it? Can anyone else confirm this? I was under the understanding that they were just replacing the heat sink and motherboard if necessary but they were using the same components. I purchased my I5150 over a year ago and mine has the same copper things (I am assuming you are referring to the ones on the back of the machine), Mine still runs very hot, I haven't had it overheat to the point it shuts down, however, I have had my batter overheat and start flashing at me. I just took it out let it cool and it still works fine. I have also had my power adapter overheat to the point it fried. I purchased the 3 year extended warranty with completecare so I'm not worried if it does eventually damage the motherboard. If it does I may get a new computer as this isn't made anymore That would be nice. I have already had my computer repaired once (LCD some how unseated itself) and the adapter replaced. I have never had a problem with tech support (from what I have been reading over the past year tech support is much better in Canada, they are located in Edmonton AB, not India). I would encourage anyone to buy the extended warranty, even if you only use it once it pays for itself, and allows a great deal of peace of mind when shelling out so much money.
T
I think these are serious problems and these are just a few that are discussed in the forums. I feel that these problems need to get to Dell and Dell need to do something about them. People do not have $2,000 to shell out for a laptop that is going to have such serious problems in a year and I find odd that these problems seem to happen after the warranty has ended. I am ver upset with these finding. I had respect for Dell and thought it was a leading authority in computers but now my opinion has changed and I feel that Dell is very far from as great as they say they are. And I do not feel I would ever buy another product from Dell
again.