Laptop problems...
 

:smt006

Seeing as there's been a fair few laptop problems on here of late, I thought I'd take my chances and test the .org :)

Yesterday my laptop screen randomly went black. My music was still playing and could hear people messaging me on MSN but it wasn't reacting to the mouse or any buttons. I tried Ctrl, Alt Delete but that didn't work so I had to restart it and then it was fine. I wouldn't have thought much of it but it did it again today :confused:. Is it just overheating, or is there a bug that might be causing it?

It's a Dell Inspiron 1300, have had it for just under a year and a half now and have a nasty suspicion it's gonna pack up without warning...that whole 'programmed to die after a year or so' scenario.

Please help! Thankyou.

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Think I've got one of those at work playing silly buggers as well, and Dell seem to think that the fault is related to the video drivers (doesn't fit for me, but hey).

Updated versions are available from within dells support site. When I've been back into work tommorow, I'll have a copy of the e-mail they sent me with the fault diagnosis (and if it's a 1300 that is misbehaving for me).

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Hello mate, its your computer settings. You wil have LOW POWER mode activated as ita laptop. If you leave it alone for a length of time the monitor switches off

to turnit back on there is usually on the laptop keybourd an extra key next to the left hand side Alt or shidt button, it was called the FN button on mine. Press and hold that, then on pne of the F keys they'll be picture of a MOnitor. Press that

If sleep modeon the laptop is disabled, closing the laptop lid and then re opening it should turn monitor back on.

To edit your low power settings go into Control panel and double click on the power and battery icon. The settings are in there

Re: Laptop problems...
 

It happens while I'm using it. As in, I can be typing something and then boof! blackness. So I know it's not sleep mode, as that does only happen when I've left it be for a while....:scratch:

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Ok next thing i woud check would be hardware wise, remove the keybourd and chase the flat line cable going to it, make sure its not worked its way loose.

Re: Laptop problems...
 

this freddifredfred bloke could be about to make quite a name for himself here on the .org, with simple solutions to computing problems

Sorta like how we all run to sid squid when we get a problem with our bikes

Matt

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Nah, those of us who know about laptop maintainence (SHUDDER!!!!) are just keeping quiet as its a WHOLE can of worms.

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Its a laptop, therefore disposable. Thow it in the bin and go buy another one :)..preferably an I-book

Re: Laptop problems...
 

:confused: no way am I throwing it! In enough debt as it is!!! (student)... However taking it to pieces not really an option either, I don't step over those boundaries!:oops:
(:compcrash:)

but thanks for tips so far 8)

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Dont be scared of it, you just take battery out, keep an eye on al the screws, and dont touch ant of the micro chips as they can be sensitive to static.

Next thing i would say is that if you have a desktop, take the monitor off that, and plug it into the laptop, It should Automatically work. Use the laptop as normal. Now on some laptops when you atattch an external monitor the laptop screen stays on, if this happens you can watch the laptopand the monitor, if the laptop screen goes off and not the monitor, then its hardware problem.

If both go off then it could be a virus, but that would be rare.

If the laptop monitor switches off automatically when attatching an external monitor, simply use the laptop and next time the screen goes off, attatch th emonitor after the fault. The external monitor should come on of it harware faulton the laptop. Just to be sure, if it doesnt come on after attatching, reboot the laptop with monitor attatched and it should come on then. if that happens then it could be the virus thingy.

And Alpinestar, nah im not that good woth computers, it just a problem Ive had in the past so iv been there done that sort of scenario.

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Have you tried the Uni Technical Support crowd? They might be able to help, but IIRC they are Toshiba re-sellers so they might not touch your Dell. They have a page on the Aber Uni website.

How old is the Dell? you get 12 months back to base hardware warranty. The tip about using an external monitor is a good one, even if you don't have one you should be able borrow one.

Re: Laptop problems...
 

I've not tried the uni people could be worth a try. So it's not a bug I need to worry about then, more like a loose connection/technical thing?

I've had it for just under a year and a half now so I think the warranty's up. I don't have an external monitor either, but might also be worth a shot, thanks freddifredfred.

I appreciate the advice guys :)

Re: Laptop problems...
 

You can get bugs that mess about with your settings but as they just malicious and the people sending virus only do it if they have a personnel thing about you, whuhch us why it rare.

PYeah its most likely a connection issue, you've had it a while, and it going up and down all time, it couls be something as simple as dust and stuff and dirt and grime buildup on the contacts. Pop to a local electrical store and get a can of switch cleaner and a can of air. remove battery open her up. Blast out any dust, and then push in any pin connectors you can find. When you done that, just spray switch cleaner over all the contacts

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Hehe thanks very much for that! More than likely the dust thing... I still wouldn't trust myself with it though....

....sounds like a project for yorkie_chris next time he's here ssshhhh ;)

Re: Laptop problems...
 

WHy not? as long as you are gentle and dont force anything, it loke taking your bike apart, except you dont get as dirty lol

Re: Laptop problems...
 

you know you're speaking to missyorkie_chris here not yorkie himself? Unfortunately I don't have a bike to take apart (yet :)) I could probably give it a go............ under supervision :rolleyes:

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Yes IM aware lol,loli just assumed that youd bewearing the trousers lol

Re: Laptop problems...
 

lol good good. But he is far better with all this technical malarky than me hence why I let him do it :) but you're right it does need a clean so shall get to it at some point...

Re: Laptop problems...
 

Cheeky fecker lol

Re: Laptop problems...
 

pshaw! girls! :rolleyes:

Re: Laptop problems...
 

HAHAH what can I say, im a realist lol.

you can slap my hand at the yorkshire rideout if you like but i cant promise i wont enjoy it lol:batman:

Re: Laptop problems...
 

steady on lad, I have to be asked first before we allow any of that carry on:smt081