Old Laptop problems UPDATE fixed

[dolluper]

Headaches again Dell p111 latitude Cpx 750 gt
It freezes up no mouse,cad doesn't respond
New used hard drive
Ran memory test ,cpu test,hard drive test and motherboard test
All was good but one piece of ram was flaky
With only one ram installed it runs for about 5 minutes and freezes
fan works
power switch maybe?? or bios setting
Any thoughts guys

 

[Cofe]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

Best thing to do is go to Dell and get the updated drivers for you're computer.

Memory Upgrade for Dell Latitude CPx 750 Laptop, the Dell Latitude CPx 750 Laptop takes the PC100 SDRAM SODIMMs Memory Type, and comes installed with 64 MB (removable) of Memory. You can upgrade your Dell Latitude CPx 750 Laptop to up to a maximum of 512 MB Memory, the system has 2 sockets to install Memory, already with 64 MB (removable) standard Memory installed. For best Laptop performance use the maximum amount of allowed Memory per slot for your Laptop.

Are you running XP?

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

Might be overheating.Make sure that heatsink has silicon grease between it and the processor and the fan is actually able to move air over the heatsink.
They get loaded up with crud after a while.Ron G

 

[dolluper]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

It started this after I let the battery run low and did some updates from the net,java and windows....while it was updating I got and error because of the weak battery ....my mistake should've plugged her in first ....so playing with it I was able to reinstall xp pro.....big fan beside it untill I had speed fan back installed ,I think the flacky ram caused the first freeze,dropped in a new hard drive and tried to install xp again since then no lick shuts down and freezes no mouse or keyboard ,ctrl alt delete doesn't function but it has power to the dvd and the dvd will spin and open...All tests were good but now it freezes during any test 5 minutes max ....no OS installed ....big fan time again maybe
I use it with my autotap out in the garage

 

[Cofe]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

With no key board, sounds like that could be a culprit. Have you took apart this computer before?
It sounds like you need to make sure the keyboard is plugged in good. The cable on keyboard is delicate, and can be damaged easily. Be cautious.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

I don't see an answer to the question of it being dirty. I have seen a number of machines (mostly desktops or towers) where the dust bunnies grow until you get what looks like a mat over the heatsink.

When this happens the system heats up to the point that the processor shuts down. Very similar to what you are describing.

Can also happen to laptops.

Have you opened it up and checked yet?

Do that before you do anything else.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

She's clean had it apart to check the fan....much more difficult than desk tops....the running 5 minutes and then freezeing up is like a bad resistor killing power to the keyboard + mouse....since I've had this thing it will only run with the fan on high all the time>>>>>speed fan program.....but have to get the OS back in before that .....it's going to be Win 2k this time...XP was never any fun with this to much carp with XP

 

[Cofe]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

Might be overheating.Make sure that heatsink has silicon grease between it and the processor and the fan is actually able to move air over the heatsink.
They get loaded up with crud after a while.Ron G

ThumbPkr is right on track....
Since the fan is on high, that tells me the temperature sensor on the processor is reporting a hot condition. Carefully remove the heat sink on the chip and apply a small amount of silicon grease (thermal compound)on the processor and reinstall the heat sink. This should help

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

Power supply, they don't last forever. When my laptops power cord/supply dongle went out it would reboot spontaneously and cause all kinds of issues like you describe. Tested OK on a voltmeter but loaded it was bad. See if the problem happens on just the battery. The battery running down and then problem happened is a clue.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

I have been fighting this thing since day one.....it does on just the battery or the adaptor doesn't matter.....My thought is the the thermal sensor is NOT working cause without speed fan program the fan only runs when running a CD...processor has run real hot and to me it is suspect.....seems Dell has overheating issues in laptops

 

[j_martin]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

What's the value of that laptop? What's the value of your time?

Pitch it and get on with life. There gets to be a point in every computer's life where you have to pull the plug.

hope it helps
John

 

[dolluper]

Re: Old Laptop problems

Re: Old Laptop problems

UPDATE Humm it's fixed....the big fan did it again.....buy a dell buy a big fan
It's worth the experience always up for a challange thats what life is about....besides it's only 20 some years old and still ticking .....giving xp another shot....working well now anyways
We old guys keep our clunkers running till something else passes by till then the buck stays in the pocket not impressed yet except on the new freeware OS's

 

[j_martin]

Re: Old Laptop problems UPDATE fixed

Dang, you blew my cover. I was trying to get you to throw it my way.