Random Shutdowns (and CaseMod thread)

[GD]

What kind of Dell? Is it an Optiplex? There should be a model number next to the name, like GX 280. All the users on my network are on Dells, I'm starting to get pretty familiar with their hardware.

[ScrumYummy]

Ryukku-- you need to understand that your problem is quite a bit different from mine. We can help you as much as possible, giving you advice and leading you through things as best we can, but you're going to have to be as informative as possible and do a lot of hands-on work yourself.

First, what kind of custom work was done? Did you order the computer directly from Dell, and add/replace parts? How old is the machine, and the parts you added/replaced? Was the custom work performed by you, or someone else? Has the case been opened since it was purchased? Can you get the brand or model number of the motherboard? (If you have never opened the case, the warranty seal is intact and the machine is under a year old, find your warranty information and contact Dell. Disregard all of this stuph.)

[BWS-1]

[Ryukku]

It says Dell Model no: PPL Latitude CPi A-Serise.

Um I personally haven't opened it but I bought it used and then I have this friend who is a crazy tech genius (he's moved to PA now *tear*) and he didn alot of stuff to it. When I origanally got it was really slow and I was telling him about it and he asked me what I wanted to use it for and i told him and he messed around with it for a couple of days and then it was Much faster. I don't know what he did though. That was almost two years ago so I don't think the problem was caused by him. Also something else I remembered. Periodicaslly it will freeze up and again turning it on it's side helps...

[BWS-1]

I might know what youre problem is, Ryukku. All CPi have that problem. (and that's only in Dell-land -_-)

It's something with the CPU. I had to take my laptop apart to reach the darn processor -_- (SO MUCH SCREWS). Once there, you can notice that what keeps the CPU connected is either a single screw in the corner of the processor or, depending of the model, no screws at all! so it just stays there, but when it's moved around, the connection can just but messed up (the reson why turning it on its side helps sometimes, it's cause you're shaking your loose processor back in place).

The solution? I went in there and placed a lil peice of ''sponge-like'' isolating coussin. used for either heat or sound isolation, I don't remember which, but it doesn't matter, as long as the coussin itself is heat resistant and not too soft. It has to be put on the processor so that when you put it all back together, it well stay there without applying too much pressure but at least manage to keep it in place. It's not too hard to do. The most annoying part is the part where you take the laptop apart, you just have to try a few times and cut layers of the mini coussin everytime to make it fit. If you have one screw on a corner, you can place the coussin on the opposite corner, slightly towards the middle, and if you hav eno screws at all, you might want to use one larger coussin and positionate it in the middle, or 2 smaller ones.

Once in place, screw the thing back up, and you shouldn't have any problems! My CPi is working 24/7 and has succeeded the many shaking tests I've done to it. It doesn't shut down anymore. The best type of coussins I'd suggest you'd use are the ones with a sticky side, so you can stick them to one place and you'll be safer that way.

If you don't like the idea of getting in there, ask someone that preferably has nimble fingers and more knowledge on laptop components . It took my friend and I forever to figure out how to just manage to ''Crack it open''. Not to mention that before we started thinking about the CPU, we headed for the screen, looking for short circuits. Bleh it's such a pain to deal with <_< Then again, I kinda expected it to be just as easy as to take a genesis controler apart and just as fast, only, there are about 10 times more screws in a darn laptop :p

[ScrumYummy]

Facking Dell They should all stop breathing.

[BWS-1]

That, and then implode, in a way that it would effect the entire space time quantinium and make us forget they even existed in the first place ... o and affect us so that we don't even THINK about accidently re-creating them :p


Ah yeah things would be TOO perfect if they were that way

*evades in dellless computer fantasy world where Macs are the only things that exist and they all run on a more-user-friendly-then-XP Linux. Not to mention that they are compatible with everything and allows you to play games with bajillions ROFL polygones per second*

[Ryukku]

Ok I'll see about checking that out with my friend Arthur. Arthur is sorta like Washuu in a way that only Washuu and Arthur would understand

*hugs BWS-1* Squee~ That's so cute you laughed at Bajillion!!!!!

[ScrumYummy]