Inspiron 600M: Is this a Motherboard problem?

Question

Hoping you can help with the following...   I purchased a 600M last May.  Last month, I had to replace my AC Adaptor, because it just stopped working... yesterday, I ran into problems with the new AC Adaptor (again) - when the adaptor is plugged in, the screen flickers on and off, like it's switching between battery and AC.  In some cases, the screen goes black.  The computer works fine on battery power, however.  When I plug the adaptor into the back of the laptop, the connection doesn't seem to be too secure, so I thought it was something with the adaptor.  When I called customer support this morning, I was told that the motherboard needs to be replaced.  That seems a little extreme, considering that means I have to ship the computer off to the Depot, and I'll be without my lifeline for 8-10 days.  The worst part is that I was told not to ship the adaptor with it, and there's a possibility that once it comes back, it will still be an adaptor issue.  Has this happened to anyone else?  What exactly does replacing the Motherboard mean, anyway? Any thoughts would be greatly, greatly appreciated.  Thanks.   Scott   P.S.  I should also mention that there are two other things this machine does with some regularity, that might lend credence to the Motherboard theory... occasionally, if I pick up the laptop and move to another location, I'll lose the screen completely - the contents of the screen are still there, but I can just barely see what's on there, and the only way to correct the problem is to reboot.  Also, recently, we've experienced a problem where the cursor just seems to bounce around (i.e., if I'm typing something in an email, the cursor will jump back a few spaces or to the top of the screen)... not sure if this is part of a larger problem or just a quirk with my machine... Thanks for your help!!

Rollie_R · Answer

Scott,   Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.   These are all problems that should be mentioned to Technical Support so that they can be included in the description of the problem.  If replacing the AC Adapter did not fix the main problem, then replacing the motherboard is the next step.  The service will involve removing the motherboard and putting in a replacement.    The screen problem when moving the system is probably not a motherboard problem, which is why it should be mentioned to the technician.  If you can see the Windows desktop, dimly, then it may be a backlight problem, which would require additional replacement parts.   The jumping cursor could point to a problem with the motherboard, or the Touchpad.   If you contact Technical Support  make sure that you mention all three problems.  If you send the system in for repair, write a note describing the problem in detail, and place it on the keyboard when you close the system.  This gives the depot repair technicians the most detailed knowledge about the problems and is very useful in getting problems fixed correctly.

billw020104 · Answer

There is a new download for your cursor problem. Try the Auto Update site here for your 600m. http://autoupdate.dellfix.com/html/frame.html Bill Inspiron 600m Inspiron 8200 Inspiron 8100

benjamin7 · Answer

I find your message extremely interesting, because I am having the exact same problems with my 1150. The cursor issue is wacko, at first you swear you are going nutz. But after the 50th time, you realize there's something wrong. The tech had me download a bios update and that was fixed right away.

But, the charger issue is much worse. They mailed me a new adapter and battery (under warranty) and at first everything is fine, but today I am once again without my machine, loosing a day of work.

Frustrating to say the least.

Aft_Bills · Answer

I was having the similar problem. Initially the display was blanking out then last week it started shutting down randomly and now it is totally dead.

If you still having this problem please take a moment to record it in the following database.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dell_Inspiron_600m/database

benjamin7 · Answer

I tried to log onto your yahoo site, but was denied access.

Aft_Bills · Answer

You need to have a yahoo ID first.

I tested again it is working. Just enter your Yahoo ID at login.

Click to join dell_Inspiron_600m After joining you will find a lots of reviews in "Files" and "Links"
And you will find repair services and parts information in "Links"

Message Edited by Aft_Bills on 02-20-2005 01:20 AM

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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