Maybe so, because it works fine on mine. I only 2 data points, CPU temperature and CPU load. It does give me my fan speed, but not on the graph. I have A28 installed on my 5100. What do you have on your system?
not maybe so. YES. if you can't see the cpu temp. on the 5100, you need to update the bios. period. many have experienced problems going from a very old bios directly to the newest. i suggest getting a26 first, which itself is pretty new. at that point, fanGUI will work fine. then if you want, you can go to the newest bios.
Good point. I had to update to A22 first which I installed via an ISO file that created a bootable CD disk and then updated to A26 and then to A28. Did they make the A26 executable able to flash past A22?
Im having trouble udating to the a22 bios i have tried to floppy disks and my usB FLOPPY disk drive says error unable to format disk and then when i finally formated it it says that the the disk does not macth the info on the disk size? can anyone help
guys...sometimes we really make it hard on ourselves. regarding the bios, the instructions were clear. do an update to A26. You simply download to your desktop, double-click the file, and "WALA." The computer automatically reboots, and you are DONE. Simple. No need for a floppy, or a cd, etc. Just double click the downloaded file, and it does everything else.
Well, in case someone's looking for specs on a brand new Insp 5150 with the P4 3.06 ghz, here it is.
I'm starting the test now at 38C, and I'll let it run. The test will be an amazingly large calculation in Calculator...
n! 1000000000
Temp rises quickly, I notice the fan kicks in sometime between 50-60... the annoying "This may take a while" message keeps popping up.
6 minutes until it reaches 61C, barely. The temp's bouncing between 59-61 now. Fanspeed at 147500 on average (if you can compare it to the reduced speeds on the machines that have lost their spark).
Running for 15 minutes, that's all it does... peaks at 61. I just hope it stays that way until the P4 looks like the Comadore 64. As a new owner of this notebook, I'm loving it. I'm also blowing air though the CPU vent by mouth.
One more thing, after the test, I turned the fan to manual control, high speed, and the backspace key is getting cold.... maybe I shouldput the fan back into normal mode.
Inspiron 5150 P4 3.06GHz 32 MB NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 512 MB Ram 30 GB Hard Drive BIOS version: A33
I don't want to waste anyone's time here, but I'm having the same problems, as is my roommate after approx. 6 months of use. I suspected heat as a problem, but when I called back in October, Dell transferred me around and avoided addressing the problem. I am in the process of contemplating a Class Action Suit if Dell doesn't act soon. When the unit began to shutdown in meetings and presentations, I became extremely frustrated.
A credit towards a new unit of a different model would be nice, but I doubt it will happen. I don't want the depreciated value of my laptop back either. Over the years, Dell has really gone down hill. I'm not a fan of speaking with someone who hardly understands English.
I understand everyone wants a fix, but I feel that this problem needs to be broadcast. I am already in the process of letting IT departments know at the College level. This will inform students with the Inspiron 5100 (a large bulk of 5100 owners) of the problem. I anticipate a strong response from the group.
I would like to add that my unit reaches up to 75C when doing instense calculations, photoshop, etc. It idles at around 52 or so right now. I have used compressed air in the past, but the problem merely comes back to haunt me.
you must air it every week! if you are doing that then you avoid the shutdowns. AND IF, KEYWORD IF, you are doing weekly airings, and you are still idling around 50ish and going up to 72ish, then you have caked on dust on your heatsink.
If you are under warranty, call dell and get it replaced. If not, and if you are comfortable, open up the computer and clean the heatsink with some sort of solvent. for this, you can refer to other posts on the subject.
I am a Premier Access Dell member and I got the following answer from a tech on the team working to resolve this problem as we speak.
The rep at Premier Access was very kind and helpful, hence why our work pays over $3,000/yr to keep us certified. I should have gone this route all along.
The problem was informally acknowledged one week ago by techs when they heard word of this thread, and some others which are nearly as extensive.
The current plan is to send out kits that have some sort of screen to prevent dust from entering the heatsink. A heavy debate is taking place, according to the tech, on the best way to resolve this issue. Though we may not see it when we talk to the tech's in India, people here in the U.S. at Dell are CONCERNED.
The release date has not been decided by the board working on this problem, nor have they scheduled and official acknowledgement of the problem. However, I was told to call back in one week for news on the Repar Kit they plan on sending out "very soon." The tech claimed "very soon" mean a couple of weeks maximum.
There is another forum many may be aware of that discusses (with photos) this issue. The forum ID is 147208 on Dell's site.
Right now, they will only replace fans and heatsinks. What about the bad chips people might have due to excessive heat damage? What about the alreay dirty fan? I'm not sure.
Regardless, Dell refuses to give money back or replacement units of any type for this issue. I'll keep everyone posted, as I am on the mailing list now for updates.
After we contacted Dell again, the became extremely frustrated that I was "bothering them" for a fix regarding the overheating problem. According to Support, they DO NOT see a problem with the unit and as of my last post, I am writing to let you know that they WILL NOT be issuing a repair kit.
We spoke with a Premier Access Manager when we called who was very pushy, understanding in full, I believe, the predicament Dell is in with this model.
She claimed that a few hundred people with defective models that have called in to complain or signed their names on a list doesn't warrant a replacement or recall. I tried my best to explain to this woman that although only a few hundred have been specifically reported with this problem, a LARGE percentage go diagnosed incorrectly or not reported at all!
Dell Legal welcomes letters at this address if a suit is necessary in the future:
DELL
ATTN: Dell Legal
1 DELL WAY
Round Rock, TX 78682
As of now, the woman that attempted to be so kind, but came off as ignorant, said this problem is at rest. They took my call seriously regarding the problem, however have failed recognize the severity of this issue.
It looked like there was hope when I contacted them a week back. However, I fear than when our warranties run out, we will all really be in trouble, as will the clients in my organization with this unit.
At this point, only legal action can be taken, and unless a large number of owners pull together to further take legal action, Dell will (because they can) ignore the problem.
I'm done with Dell, unless we get an apology in the mail.
If you would like to contact the woman we spoke with directly, please contact me for HER PHONE NUMBER. Perhaps if people let her department know how widespread the problem is they will respone. I wish she knew just wanted a fix and not a refund, etc!
Rob in Texas
341 Posts
0
March 4th, 2004 21:00
cazint
2 Intern
•
134 Posts
0
March 4th, 2004 22:00
not maybe so. YES. if you can't see the cpu temp. on the 5100, you need to update the bios. period. many have experienced problems going from a very old bios directly to the newest. i suggest getting a26 first, which itself is pretty new. at that point, fanGUI will work fine. then if you want, you can go to the newest bios.
cazint
Rob in Texas
341 Posts
0
March 4th, 2004 23:00
cazint,
Good point. I had to update to A22 first which I installed via an ISO file that created a bootable CD disk and then updated to A26 and then to A28. Did they make the A26 executable able to flash past A22?
armoredcore222
27 Posts
0
March 5th, 2004 18:00
cazint
2 Intern
•
134 Posts
0
March 6th, 2004 03:00
guys...sometimes we really make it hard on ourselves. regarding the bios, the instructions were clear. do an update to A26. You simply download to your desktop, double-click the file, and "WALA." The computer automatically reboots, and you are DONE. Simple. No need for a floppy, or a cd, etc. Just double click the downloaded file, and it does everything else.
cazint.
armoredcore222
27 Posts
0
March 6th, 2004 12:00
BooneBytes
7 Posts
0
March 19th, 2004 22:00
Well, in case someone's looking for specs on a brand new Insp 5150 with the P4 3.06 ghz, here it is.
I'm starting the test now at 38C, and I'll let it run. The test will be an amazingly large calculation in Calculator...
n! 1000000000
Temp rises quickly, I notice the fan kicks in sometime between 50-60... the annoying "This may take a while" message keeps popping up.
6 minutes until it reaches 61C, barely. The temp's bouncing between 59-61 now. Fanspeed at 147500 on average (if you can compare it to the reduced speeds on the machines that have lost their spark).
Running for 15 minutes, that's all it does... peaks at 61. I just hope it stays that way until the P4 looks like the Comadore 64. As a new owner of this notebook, I'm loving it. I'm also blowing air though the CPU vent by mouth.
One more thing, after the test, I turned the fan to manual control, high speed, and the backspace key is getting cold.... maybe I shouldput the fan back into normal mode.
Inspiron 5150 P4 3.06GHz
32 MB NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
512 MB Ram
30 GB Hard Drive
BIOS version: A33
jgantes
14 Posts
0
March 22nd, 2004 13:00
I don't want to waste anyone's time here, but I'm having the same problems, as is my roommate after approx. 6 months of use. I suspected heat as a problem, but when I called back in October, Dell transferred me around and avoided addressing the problem. I am in the process of contemplating a Class Action Suit if Dell doesn't act soon. When the unit began to shutdown in meetings and presentations, I became extremely frustrated.
A credit towards a new unit of a different model would be nice, but I doubt it will happen. I don't want the depreciated value of my laptop back either. Over the years, Dell has really gone down hill. I'm not a fan of speaking with someone who hardly understands English.
I understand everyone wants a fix, but I feel that this problem needs to be broadcast. I am already in the process of letting IT departments know at the College level. This will inform students with the Inspiron 5100 (a large bulk of 5100 owners) of the problem. I anticipate a strong response from the group.
Let's just hope Dell acts soon.
jgantes
14 Posts
0
March 24th, 2004 11:00
cazint
2 Intern
•
134 Posts
0
March 24th, 2004 13:00
you must air it every week! if you are doing that then you avoid the shutdowns. AND IF, KEYWORD IF, you are doing weekly airings, and you are still idling around 50ish and going up to 72ish, then you have caked on dust on your heatsink.
If you are under warranty, call dell and get it replaced. If not, and if you are comfortable, open up the computer and clean the heatsink with some sort of solvent. for this, you can refer to other posts on the subject.
cazint.
jgantes
14 Posts
0
March 24th, 2004 20:00
I am a Premier Access Dell member and I got the following answer from a tech on the team working to resolve this problem as we speak.
The rep at Premier Access was very kind and helpful, hence why our work pays over $3,000/yr to keep us certified. I should have gone this route all along.
The problem was informally acknowledged one week ago by techs when they heard word of this thread, and some others which are nearly as extensive.
The current plan is to send out kits that have some sort of screen to prevent dust from entering the heatsink. A heavy debate is taking place, according to the tech, on the best way to resolve this issue. Though we may not see it when we talk to the tech's in India, people here in the U.S. at Dell are CONCERNED.
The release date has not been decided by the board working on this problem, nor have they scheduled and official acknowledgement of the problem. However, I was told to call back in one week for news on the Repar Kit they plan on sending out "very soon." The tech claimed "very soon" mean a couple of weeks maximum.
There is another forum many may be aware of that discusses (with photos) this issue. The forum ID is 147208 on Dell's site.
Right now, they will only replace fans and heatsinks. What about the bad chips people might have due to excessive heat damage? What about the alreay dirty fan? I'm not sure.
Regardless, Dell refuses to give money back or replacement units of any type for this issue. I'll keep everyone posted, as I am on the mailing list now for updates.
cazint
2 Intern
•
134 Posts
0
March 24th, 2004 23:00
Thanks for that message. Sounds good. Please do keep us posted when you hear something more from your "source".
Hopefully Dell will do something for ALL 5100 users, not only those who complain.
cazint.
sweez
1 Message
0
March 30th, 2004 15:00
I didn't have
compressed air, so I just blew air through the back vent. It worked for me.
I made sure to blow as "dry" as a I could, though, since spitting inside a
laptop is generally not recommended. My computer's temperature dropped from
low 70's C to--when my wife called today--38 degrees C.
I am an IT guy, and I spent hours on the phone with two different Dell
support people, neither of whom was very helpful. Because my computer
always shut down when my daughter was playing a computer game, I assumed it
was a graphics problem, and that might have thrown them, but when I called
I said, "I think I'm having trouble with my graphics card because when my
daughter plays a computer game with moderate graphics--not even intense
graphics, just a Jumpstart game--the computer quits. It doesn't close
Windows. It doesn't give a warning. It just powers off. Like it's
overheating." Now, my emphasis on the graphics card might have thrown them
off (Heck, it threw me off for a while), but my description of the problem
and mention of overheating should have triggered a warning sign for these
people. Isn't Dell telling their custormer service people about common
problems? The second tech did ask me, "IS your computer overheating?" I
said, "I don't know. Maybe. It's hot, but I don't know how hot that is."
But she dropped it at that point. The techs then had me reinstall my video
card, restored my computer to an earlier state, and after that didn't
work, the second tech told me I needed to reformat my hard drive and
restart the computer because there was a registry error. I didn't want to
to do that, so I ran a complete check on my computer using the Dell
diagnostics, and that's when I found that the computer's temperature was at
a "Critical" level. I then went to the support forum and found the
information about the overheating problem.
Now, as I said, I'm an IT professonal. I deal with Dell every day. I have
over 50 Dell computers in my building, and I've found Dell to be a very
reasonable company. I hope they take some steps to fix this problem because
I don't know if I can continue to purchase computers from a company that
won't help its customers.
jgantes
14 Posts
0
March 30th, 2004 19:00
I have been contacted by a variety of people considering the notion of taking some type of legal action.
Please see the site that has been created referencing procedure to "unofficially" repair your Inspiron. Make sure you SIGN the guest book.
http://www.geocities.com/i5100dustproblem/
jgantes
14 Posts
0
March 31st, 2004 18:00
UPDATE 3/31/04
After we contacted Dell again, the became extremely frustrated that I was "bothering them" for a fix regarding the overheating problem. According to Support, they DO NOT see a problem with the unit and as of my last post, I am writing to let you know that they WILL NOT be issuing a repair kit.
We spoke with a Premier Access Manager when we called who was very pushy, understanding in full, I believe, the predicament Dell is in with this model.
She claimed that a few hundred people with defective models that have called in to complain or signed their names on a list doesn't warrant a replacement or recall. I tried my best to explain to this woman that although only a few hundred have been specifically reported with this problem, a LARGE percentage go diagnosed incorrectly or not reported at all!
Dell Legal welcomes letters at this address if a suit is necessary in the future:
DELL
ATTN: Dell Legal
1 DELL WAY
Round Rock, TX 78682
As of now, the woman that attempted to be so kind, but came off as ignorant, said this problem is at rest. They took my call seriously regarding the problem, however have failed recognize the severity of this issue.
It looked like there was hope when I contacted them a week back. However, I fear than when our warranties run out, we will all really be in trouble, as will the clients in my organization with this unit.
At this point, only legal action can be taken, and unless a large number of owners pull together to further take legal action, Dell will (because they can) ignore the problem.
I'm done with Dell, unless we get an apology in the mail.
If you would like to contact the woman we spoke with directly, please contact me for HER PHONE NUMBER. Perhaps if people let her department know how widespread the problem is they will respone. I wish she knew just wanted a fix and not a refund, etc!
GOOD LUCK