Dell complaints

Rocke_T_Sinetist · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:11 am Post subject:

Disabling the video driver doesn't disable video, just display modes above 640x480. Safe mode doesn't load the video driver.

OK, at the time when wallpaper and icons should appear... really sounds like an unhappy driver, Linc. Specially since safe mode always works. Know what I'd bet? If you enable every driver and startup EXCEPT video, you won't see the problem.

Reseat the video card. Clean the contact fingers with alcohol, but only if you have a LINT-FREE wiper to do it with (they sell those at Fry's, maybe even Radio Shack). If the wiper is pre-moistened, no need to add anything to it. See if that fixes it. If not--

Dig out that video driver disk, uninstall the existing one and reinstall it. You have to do that from safe mode, since once the driver is operating it won't uninstall.

CTL-ALT-DEL is a BIOS function, so if it is not responding, BIOS is hung up. That further suggests there's a chunk of hardware (video card) that is half-operating and half-not, and BIOS doesn't have an error handler for that condition so it just sits there.
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FallenAngel · Super Hater Joined: 21 Feb 2006 Posts: 1490

Or, if you know someone that would be able to borrow you as "known good" video card, that'd resolve the problem right quick. You'd know, instantly, if the card is at fault or not.

If a "known good" card fails, the port itself may be what's causing the issue. If PCI, then simply swap to an unused port (if applicable). If AGP...well, time for a new motherboard OR get your hands on a PCI vid card.

KE7EHA · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject:

THe problem could be in the software itself. Some of these huge, bloated microsoft OS's generate a lot of garbage, and can sometimes crash because of this. If you have not reinstalled in years, this could be the problem. Also, it could be other software issues, inclucing viruses, spyware, etc.

Anyway, I would try some of these simple software checks first, then reseat the video card, etc.
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Rocke_T_Sinetist · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:44 pm Post subject:

Oh, Linc--You say it sometimes works right? Driver corruption tends NOT to be intermittent. Hardware DOES. Sockets, more so than anything.
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Rocke T Sinetist
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FallenAngel · Super Hater Joined: 21 Feb 2006 Posts: 1490

I leaned towards the socket a few days ago myself...it'd be a shame if that's the case. Luckilly, older boards are cheap these days.

KE7EHA · Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:42 am Post subject:

Intermittent faults are a real cast-iron b**** to diagnose, and can either be software or hardware resulting. One example of a software intermittent fault come up with dynamically allocated arrays, where the array runs into memory used for something else and overwrites it. This could happen, or the array could be placed somewhere else. A loose connection could also be to blame, as well as a faulty controller chip. In all, the easiest to try and fix is that with software, especially if it results from a virus/s[yware. That's why I would do everything with the [relatively] easy to diagnose software side of things before cracking the case on the computer. Then check the PSU/Vid card, mobo, etc.
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"The art of Engineering is knowing what you can safely ignore." -Dr. H. Hess

hotrodlincoln · Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 2:59 pm Post subject: Correct - that's what I said

Rocke_T_Sinetist · Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 5:40 pm Post subject:

So, present status is 'working last time I tried it'. Excellent. Cross your fingers.

Socketed peripherals are subject to constant mechanical disturbance as they heat and cool. They CAN 'work themselves loose'.

A bigger issue is component aging. Some drivers poll the peripheral for things like 'is the clock within specs?' and balk if the answer is no. That was the issue with WME and portables audio chips, and caused the exact same symptom. Reseating is just a step, to see if that solves it without the expense of replacing it.

Never heard of EITHER of those brands. Got it at DFO eh? Me too! Mine's Nvidia ZXV, whatever THAT means. It's 8MB, pretty retarded, equivalent to the lowest D-2400 now. I won't be playing 'Global Thermonuclear War' any time soon. Twisted Evil

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