Hi Daniel,

I just posted below about this but I'll post here too. My Inspiron 5100 is doing the same thing. A bunch of people on this site say to use compressed air to blow dust out of the back and to use a fan to keep it cool. I know my computer certainly does heat up.

Oddly, I've had this computer over a year, but this problem just started occurring. I hope that this simple solution solves the problem.

So see if your computer desk or area is dusty and try to wipe it done regularly, I guess.

I also commented to Dell TS that they have an FAQ section for power management of the Inspiron but no mention of this issue. I think it needs to be addressed with a formal company statement rather then pretending a problem doesn't exist.

Thanks,

Suzanne

 

Hi,

Thanks- I just gave it the compressed air treatment plus spent the $30 on the cooling mat. I like it because it raises the computer in addition to cooling and hopefully will prevent dust accumulation. I will have to wait and see if the spontaneous shut downs cease. I can let you know.

There was some dust around the area.

Another question for all you experts:

I had an odd occurence happen and I know this isn't the right forum but let me throw it in here anyway.

I wrote a new document in Word Perfect and tried to attach it to an email (I use hotmail) to send to someone. Hotmail would not attach the email because it said it had a virus. I scanned the document and my whole computer and there is not a virus detected. This was using McAfee and a brand new download of it- so most current. The computer guy at Staples says it might not be detected yet by the newest McAfee version. I don't understand how I document could have a virus when it was brand new. Also, my other documents are fine.

I am going to try a few things. Is this some glitch with hotmail or could there really be a virus that is not detected? How did it get attached to a word document? Is it a "worm"?

Thanks,

Suzanne

 

 

Use compressed air in the top right hand corner, back of the laptop.

Owners keep writing in with this complaint over and over. The compressed air trick will often not save your computer. Read more by using the search box at the BOTTOM of this page (search this board) for "design flaw".

First, mobo->motherboard. Second by case, I meant the outer shell of the laptop.

Salinsp is right, if you have had the laptop over a few months and havent used compressed air then the dust may become "caked" on and the temp will still stay high. Only fix if this happens is a replacement from Dell. Definately do a forum search as suggested.


ben

Dell isnt the only who can fix this problem.

Check out http://www.aqstech.com/5150.html, an aqstech.com. They can repair the mobo for around $150 compared to Dells 500 and over. Im sending mine there soon.


Good Luck

Ben

PINE, a lot of people have observed that blowing air through the intake (bottom) vent opening just pushes the dust farther into the system -- I would recommend only shooting air into the exhaust, or at the very least shooting into the exhaust end first

Cali, if it's just the dust that's causing the problem then the only part you need will be a new heatsink assembly.  You can by it from dell or others and you can install it yourself or have others do it (if you're out of warranty at anyrate, otherwise I would let dell do it).

 

Yes, thru the back first is the way to do it.

5150 Mobile P4 3.06 HT
64mb Nvidia
768 Ram
UXGA Samsung
Hitachi 7k60
1300 Wireless
DVD+RW NEC 6100a
Bios A29
XP Pro SP2

You should try this link:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins5100/en/sm/thermal.htm#1084976

You can clean out the heatsink yourself with compressed air or blowing through a straw. It will not void your warrenty to take your computer apart.

Message Edited by psc777 on 02-23-2005 02:54 PM