APR Causing Problems with Refurbished 8500?

Question

I've had many problems with my refurbished Inspiron 8500 since it arrived from Dell on January 2nd, 2004. My Inspiron 8500 worked fine until the beginning of February when it decided to stop booting in normal mode. I tried to boot into safe mode, but it froze at the agp440.sys file. I tried to boot with it docked and undocked, with battery and without battery, and various flavors of safe mode. NOTHING WORKED! Used another computer to research the situation (for many hours). It seems that a lot of Dell users had the same issue, but no Dell Reps ever came up with a solution. Reinstalling XP at least allowed the Inspiron to boot and function, but I was unable to use my SMC Wireless card with my SMC Wireless Router. The computer always froze when I inserted the wireless card into the card slot. Removing the card allowed the computer to function. My Iomega Card Drive froze the computer as well, but removing it forced a reboot. I called Dell Tech Support and spoke with their overseas reps. Everything that the Dell Rep suggested, I had already tried. Finally, after about 3 hours and numerous conversations with different reps, I told to send the computer to Dell to have the motherboard replaced (case #062042494). This is not feasible as this is my primary work computer. Today, my computer decided not boot when I placed it in its docking station. It boots fine outside of the docking station. I booted normally and then placed it in the APR, whereupon my MS USB Optical mouse and MS Internet keyboard failed to function. After conducting many hours of research, I'm wondering if the APR unit was the cause of all these problems. Does anybody have any thoughts on this? Dell users? Message Edited by dsignr2k on 03-04-2004 12:26 PM Message Edited by dsignr2k on 03-04-2004 12:27 PM

mrdave000 · Answer

Sorry-I wish I could help. I am having the sam problem with the APR. I have spent over 4 1/2 hours on the phone with different reps and have had trhee tell me they would call me back (hasn't happened yet). If you get anywhere with your problem, I would appreciate an Email with some advice. I will do the same for you.

Good Luck

dsignr2k · Answer

I will let you know. Unfortunately, I have just about given up. I'm just going to use my laptop without the APR until I have an opportunity to experiment some more. I will send you a message if I found out anything. Please do the same for me. I just wish Dell would be more forthcoming and admit there is a problem and do something about it.

mrdave000 · Answer

Mine is finally fixed- After spending several hours on the phone with Tech. support, I finally got one that knows what he was doing. He had a service order put in for me to get a new motherboard and everything works great. I have read several post on these message boards and that seems to be the only way to fix the porblem. The service Tech. guy that came to replace the motherboard said that there has been a lot of 8500 with bad boards that have been replaced.

Hopefully you still have a warrenty and you have time to spend on the phone to get a Tech. support that can help you like mine did. (Craig from Iowa)

NEW MOTHER BOARD-don't settle for anything less!

Good Luck!

Message Edited by mrdave000 on 03-12-2004 03:23 PM

dsignr2k · Answer

I'm glad to know that a new motherboard will probably fix it. The problem is that this Inspiron 8500 is my primary work machine. As a software implementation consultant, I don't have the time to send it to Dell and get it fixed. Unfortunately, I don't have the on-site service contract. I have to mail it to Dell and wait for them to send it back. A tech already put in an order for me to have the motherboard fixed. I have the shipping box at my desk, but I'm just waiting for the right time to mail it. I'm just dealing with it in the meantime. Thanks for the information.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Was this post helpful?