Dell :: Inspiron 8500 Diagnosing
Dec 18, 2009
It came from a library and looks very clean. Booting however indicates problems. Sometimes it will boot to the login screen but mostly there are lots of vertical lines, error messages I can't read, etc.
I was able to get into the BIOS once and I was checking boot order. That seems fine. I tried to get into safe mode several times but was not successful.
Is the presence of those colored lines, bars more indicative of a bad video chip or could it just be a driver problem.
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Feb 9, 2010
With all software issues decided as not the problem, I am trying to decide what piece of hardware needs replacing or is even fixable.
The Dell when first turned on looks like a tetris screen, lots of vertical lines and some horizontal, lots of colors. Next boot up will be more lines not as distinct and a white background. This second screen will stay with me through several more power offs, power on.
sometimes I will end up with the BSOD stop code which supposedly is a memory problem but the memory checks okay. Finally when the laptop is really warmed up, it boots normally and will work for the entire day. I removed the bezel and keyboard but have no idea of what is "normal"
If a cable had been evidently loose or cracked, that would have helped but all I see is a sys board which appears to have a slight film on it (normal?) The display cable is wrapped with electrical tape where it goes into the display unit. Is this normal? If anyone has had their 8500 apart and took photos, I'd appreciate access to them.
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Feb 26, 2011
I have two apparently identical Inspiron 8500's. Intel Pentium 4-Mrated @ 2.4 Ghz.
One runs at 2.4 Ghz as shown in system properties, CPU-Z and other utilities.
The other runs at only 1.196 Ghz max, shows 1.196 Ghz in BIOS. Bios version A08 apparently the latest offered.
I've tried swapping batteries, power supplies and cooling fans. The fans and grills are clean, and the BIOS proves this isn't an issue of temperature or something that changes after bootup. I've installed speed switch XP, which also shows 1.196Ghz and nothing can be set in that program that changes it either.
I've downloaded the "Speedstep" software update from Dell ... no solutions there. It doesn't step down or up, just runs at max of 1.196 Ghz, which is of course noticeably slower than its twin.
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Aug 13, 2009
an Inspiron 8500. I have increased the memory to 2Gb, added a wireless N card and put in a 160Gb HD. It runs Win 7 RC ok with it's Mobility Radeon 9000 32mb but was thinking of putting in a 9600 128mb.
My question is if you're not going to be doing any gaming is the heat sink mod mandatory to use the 9600 in the i8500? Looking mainly to use some of the Win 7 eye candy features. Found a place on the net selling new (supposedly) 9600's for $100, which is what used ones go for on Ebay.
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Apr 22, 2009
It seems my aging XPS M170 died on me, here is what happened...
The original hard drive started giving me errors last week, I backed up my important data just in time right before it gave up the ghost. I got a new hard drive, installed it without a hitch and reinstalled Windows XP.
Up till here all is good, I installed my video drivers, sound drivers, wireless drivers etc, all good. Then installed Zone Alarm and all fine as well but when ZA asks to reboot to continue install I clicked "reboot now", my M170 proceeded to shot down.... and it stayed down for good!!! it didn't reboot at all, so I pressed the power button and nothing, absolutely nothing...
I am thinking my motherboard might have died but not sure, I saw one on eBay for $140 or so, but how can I be sure if it is a dead motherboard? Would a bad CPU cause this apparently dead behavior as well? because I mean, it is like if it didn't have any power at all, no activity of any kind, or lights, full nothing when I press the power button.
My wife has an Inspirion 9300 which has same battery, I tested my battery on her lappy and it is fine..
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Aug 22, 2009
I took a dead HP DV6103nr. I am trying to diagnose if its the motherboard or something else.
- The notebook is completely dead, no lights, won't power on.
- I get 18.9 volts from the end of the AC adapter power tip where it plugs in.
- I have completely disassembled the notebook. I get 18.9 volts through the USB/Power Jack board, which is separate on this notebook, all the way to the motherboard.
- When I disconnect the USB/power jack board from the MB, and plug in the AC adapter, the blue light on the USB/power jack lights. As soon as I connect it to MB, lights out.
Would this indicate replacing the MB?
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Nov 5, 2009
I have tried to put it in but there is a 1/4 in pin in the way. Is there a way to remove with out any harm. My Inspiron 9400 video card is having problems.
I have tried the 400 deg for 10 min but it did not last
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Mar 29, 2009
Here are some quick pics and a youtube video at the bottom.
All closed. Left to right: Studio 15, Inspiron 15, Inspiron 1525. Lol, chicken and artichoke pizza in the background xD. It was lunch, I was hungry.
Inspiron 15 & Inspiron 1525 Side By Side. Inspiron 15 on left, Inspiron 1525 on right.
Studio 15 & Inspiron 15 Side By Side. Studio 15 on left, Inspiron 15 on right.
Studio 15 Keyboard
Inspiron 15 Keyboard
Inspiron 1525 Keyboard
HD Youtube Video I Made: [url]
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Aug 1, 2007
Guide to Switching your Inspiron 9300/M170 WUXGA into the Inspiron 9400/M1710:
You can't simply replace the display screens. The instructions below must be followed for your screen to work properly.
Required Materials:
- Small Phillips (I used #0 Phillips)
- Either 2 monitors (9400 and 9300) or part #YPNL-N017B (Google the # to buy it).
Step 1: Remove the display assembly. Dell has an excellent guide for this on their website.
[url] Click on Display)
Step 2: Remove the LCD Bezel (the gray trim around the screen). This requires removing the screws under the circular pads. I used a small flathead to pry open the bezel.
Step 3: Remove the 8 screws around the sides of the LCD. This will make it so your screen can be taken out. Do not worry about any screws on the top, they are for other things.
Step 4: At the bottom of the screen, there is a green circuit board. On the left side, you will see a screw holding the wire down. Remove this.
Step 5: Remove the LCD screen from the case.
Step 6: Look at the bottom circuit board again. This is the board we need to swap! Disconnect the 2 connections on the board. There should be on on the bottom and one on the side that is white.
Step 7: There will be 3 silver screws holding the circuit to the screen. Remove these screws. Note: This requires a very small phillips. I used a #0 Phillips to do the trick.
Step 8: Repeat steps 1-7 for your other monitor OR if you don't have another monitor...you will need to buy an inverter chip. The mfg # is YPNL-N017B. If you google that number, you should find a bunch of sites willing to sell it.
Step 9: Simply swap the bottom circuit boards between monitors or insert the new one that you bought.
Step 10: Follow steps 1-7 in reverse to reconnect everything back up! Before screwing everything back up. I suggest you plug it in first to test it out.
Congratulations. Your WUXGA LCD will now work properly on the Inspiron 9400. For anyone wondering, you MUST replace the bottom circuit board or the brightness controls will not work. You brightness will be stuck at the lowest setting and nearly impossible to see.
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Dec 8, 2009
Any owners yet? I'd love to get some reviews.
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Feb 20, 2009
I am looking into replacing my old Dell Inspiron 6400, as it has been excellent -I think I should buy another Dell!
I am looking at the new Inspiron 15, which has a 15.6" display.
Can anyone tell me whether the actual laptop itself is bigger or smaller than my current 6400? I am interested in knowing width.
I see a lot of dead space on my 6400, and hopefully Dell realized this, and instead of making another 15.4" with dead space, they made use of this and gave a better display!
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May 1, 2010
The processor of the mini laptop is atom N450, i want to know can i install windows server 2003 32 or and 64 bit os on this machine.
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Jul 16, 2009
Seems to be an upgrade of the old Inspiron 13 with Inspiron mini looks, only found it at the Singapore site here.
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Oct 16, 2009
I read review on
[url]
and it says:
"Noise
The Inspiron 15 is fairly quiet, though at times the fans did get a bit noisy. Basically you won’t hear this notebook at all in an environment with ambient noise, but if you’re in a library like quiet environment you might bother those nearby with some fan noise."
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Jun 24, 2009
http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/noteb...cs=19&ref=lthp
Discuss.
PS: If anyone gets this PM me, i got tons of questions
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Aug 24, 2009
I am in the process of buying the new Dell Inspiron 15. I just want to know if i have made the right choice. It seems to be a really good laptop and i have seen some very positive comments within some review's on Youtube.
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Sep 2, 2009
I was just wondering if anyone had bought or used the new Dell Inspiron 11z?
Now available in the UK, seems nicely specced and thinking about buying one as a more powerful alternative to a netbook.
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Aug 6, 2009
Has anyone seen the new Inspiron 17 laptops?
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Jan 4, 2008
I m looking forward to buy a notebook either Inspiron or XPS.
I m unable to find out the difference between the two streams of notebook.
The inspiron is cheaper while the XPS is more expensive one.
I will be using the notebook for programming and data processing via oracle, .net, etc.
Note: I m not going to use the notebook for gaming.
Kindly guide to buy the best stream of notebook suitable for me.
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Nov 4, 2009
I got a phone status update a couple of days ago that said it was supposed to ship by Nov 5th (tomorrow). Normally when I order stuff from Dell, it shows up a lot sooner, but I guess the 11z is a hot item so it's taking longer.
I ordered mine pretty decked out... I got the dual-core Pentium CPU, 320 gig hard drive, Wireless N card, etc. I'll probably still stick a 500 gig drive in it and use the 320 as an external.
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Feb 16, 2009
I recently looked to purchase another hard drive for my wifes inspiron 17 1720 and found that the hard drive came without a connector so some sort, it appears the dell needs a special connector to connect to the sata hdd. i looked at the 1st hdd and it has this connector, i contact dell and they didnt know what i was talking about
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Jan 2, 2009
My Dell Inspiron has a problem, everytime i connect the power supply to charge it while its on the monitor will completely black out on me... Has anyone had or heard of this problem before?
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Dec 18, 2007
BEEN a While and A long time...
I currently order a Pentium M 735 1.7 Ghz 400FSB to overclock up to 2.26Ghz@533Mhz. Still waiting on shipping. Anyways, I am looking forward about upgrade my GPU Go 6800 OCed 370Mhz/700Mhz to Go 7800 (NON-GTX).
Yeah, GTX one is pricey for me.
I am wondering does the Non GTX version of Go 7800 still need 130Watts Adapter?
I did a lot of search all I could find is people talks about 7800GTX version.
In my thought I think 6800 to 7800 different is more pipelines and pixel fill rates and etc and the power needed is the same. Right?
So do I need 130 watts or I just keep 90 watts adapter which is perfect for NON-GTX Go 7800
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Oct 19, 2008
I've owned a Dell XPS M1330 for about a year and am very happy with it. I want to buy a laptop for somebody as a gift, and I was thinking about the Inspiron 13, which I never actually saw. I know it's basically the lower quality brother of the 1330, I'm just wondering how lower the quality is.
Can any of you Inspiron 13/M1330?
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Jul 20, 2007
If you want any other pictures let me know. I know they're a bit blurry but the camera isn't cooperating on where it wants to focus.
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Mar 20, 2009
So I'm trying to upgrade my ram, right now I have 2Gb that the system sees, however when I crack open the back all I see is 1 slot that has 1 chip in it which is a 1GB chip...
Does anyone know where the other RAM slot is?..
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Oct 30, 2009
why when i'm watching simple flash movies for more than 3 minutes in full screen my laptop gets real warm...the cpu gets crazy... 70 even 80c...?
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Aug 19, 2009
I am currently running 2gb, but I think I remember reading somewhere that it can use a little over 3gb...
Is this true? Of course, I could be mistaken.
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Mar 30, 2009
The main points which I'm pretty happy about are:
Long battery lifeCool and quiet operation of the machineSmall form factorRelatively lightFlawless, bright and crisp displayKeyboard has a good feel to it
One of the major reasons I purchased this machine was because the hardware that came with it was plenty and mature. When I purchased the T400, the hardware was squeaky new but that brought with it tons of issues primarily with compatibility and bugs in the drivers. I'm a Linux user and the I13 worked out of the box with Debian and Ubuntu. The drivers are very stable and the machine is very quick.
This machine is *not* for gamers or heavy duty graphic artists. Its for the average Joes and Janes of the world who like to word process, surf the internet, watch movies and want to use Linux
I do have some gripes about this machine ( nothing is perfect you see ).The display seems to be a little loose. It wobbles while typing on a soft surface. Its not annoying but its something I dislike.It has only 2 USB ports. Dell could've put in atleast 3-4 ports. It would've been nice
Over all, my journey with this machine has been uneventful! Just the way I like it
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Sep 28, 2007
My Beast's 80 gig 5400 rpm HDD is on its last legs, and I was wondering what Hard Drives are available for me to replace my old one. I will definitely be looking to upgrade.
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