Dell Inspiron laptop replaced mobo

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ScuL

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Topic # 150476 24-Jul-2014 09:56

I've got a Dell Inspiron 1440 laptop that suddenly broke down a few weeks ago.

The screen turned black when powering on and the laptop started the booting process yet the screen remained blank.
Then it got stuck in the bootsequence. I expected the motherboard to be damaged or maybe some part burned out.

I've ordered in a new mobo from the US and built it in;
when I power it on now everything lights up and I can hear the DVD drive make its usual clicking noise (it didn't do that with the old mobo),
after a second or so the laptop reboots again, and again, and again.. it seems to be stuck in an infinite looping reboot.

Here's a video

If I remove the memory modules I hear NO (!) beep.
The CPU seems fine to me because without a working CPU the bootsequence wouldn't even come up.

Maybe I've missed a cable or connected something the wrong way?
Not too sure what to look at, I've followed the instructions precisely in taking it apart and reconstructing it.

Any advice?

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Reply # 1094702 24-Jul-2014 10:04

Video won't play for me (using current version of Chrome on Win8)

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ScuL

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Reply # 1094725 24-Jul-2014 10:34

Try a direct link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDqQL1dRIkk

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gzt

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Reply # 1094729 24-Jul-2014 10:39

Ignoring the comment about the ram removal for the moment, the normal issue with repeated boot cycles like you describe (can't see the video btw) is damage to the operating system.

Alternatively a new hardware change that the o/s does really does not like (typically video hw or different chipset).

Two or three questions:
1. Does it boot in safe mode?
2. Will it boot a Windows operating system dvd?
3. Will it boot your dell recovery dvds?

If #3 then you could look at a non-destructive restore as an easy possibility to fix the o/s issue.

Also there is a dim possibility that the motherboard supplied to you contains slightly different hardware to your old one. In this case you might be lucky to boot in safe mode and install correct drivers.

EDIT: After viewing the video there is no evidence at all that the laptop is actually booting.

gzt

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Reply # 1094734 24-Jul-2014 10:41

trying to embed that for you:

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Reply # 1094736 24-Jul-2014 10:41

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No display looks like the more immediate concern to me. Perhaps plug in an external screen to see if you get something on that. If no internal/external display, check and recheck all connections and CPU seating.

"4 wheels move the body. 2 wheels move the soul."

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ScuL

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Reply # 1094745 24-Jul-2014 10:50

Connected to a monitor via VGA - no signal
Laptop screen remains blank

There is no battery in the machine (to exclude problems with it)
I have also tried 2 different adapters/chargers

@gzt I consider the BIOS sequence part of the booting process - sorry for confusion :)

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Reply # 1094765 24-Jul-2014 11:05

Ok, I did not see any bios sequence on the screen in the video. If you are getting that, definitely try booting a windows dvd or even a linux dvd just to see.

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Reply # 1094768 24-Jul-2014 11:11

Btw, If you are not getting any video I am not sure but it is easily possible the dvd clicking and hdd light are just an effect of power being applied and are not part of any bios boot sequence.

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Reply # 1094799 24-Jul-2014 11:21

This is a bit of a mystery. I don't envy you one bit. Logically if we assume the new board is ok for the moment, then we must question the possible effect of existing components. You have eliminated the memory already so disconnect the HDD and DVD and boot again.

After that, I think that leaves the CPU to question.

ScuL

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Reply # 1094802 24-Jul-2014 11:24

gzt: Btw, If you are not getting any video I am not sure but it is easily possible the dvd clicking and hdd light are just an effect of power being applied and are not part of any bios boot sequence.

Well, the reason I am saying that is when switching power on

with the old mobo:
- screen blank
- only power light (no other lights)
- fans on continous full power
- no dvd clicking noise or anything

with the new mobo:
- screen blank
- all lights working
- fans on full power when powered on, then powers down (as normal)
- dvd makes clicking noise + led

This leads me to believe that the old mobo was definitely broken and the new mobo appears to be functional.
They are both identical (Intel GM45 lay-out) the only thing that is slightly different is the heatsink

All I can think of now is that maybe the CPU has burnt out as well?

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Reply # 1094810 24-Jul-2014 11:32

Yeah, may have been cpu prior to board replacement anyway. Lack of bios beeps without memory is concerning in that regard.

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Reply # 1185338 29-Nov-2014 12:08

Just as an update, I got a 2nd motherboard and have this all back in working condition :)

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