More Dell Laptop Issues

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Nightwyrm

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Topic # 21382 24-Apr-2008 17:19

(I really hate my work laptop!)

My Dell Latitude D600 is playing up again. A couple of months ago I had the HDD replaced after some bit of it died. Today, I've got a new issue and I can't work it out.

On boot (off the docking station), there's no picture on the laptop screen or any HDD noise - just two quick beeps and then nothing. I can't find any reference to just two beeps on the interweb so I tried running a PSA diagnostic. Again, no picture but I got a 3-3-1 beep sequence. I think this means a "PSA+ 1000-0331" error (no video adaptor found) but, with no picture to verify the code, I'm unsure if I'm correct.

I did have issues for ~45 minutes today after rebooting when I couldn't get a picture through my dual-monitors on the docking station, but I did have a picture on the laptop screen when undocked. After multiple reboots, the issue self-resolved. I'm not sure if the two issues are related but it does seem likely to me.

Anyone recognise this fault?

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.

Nightwyrm

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Reply # 126193 24-Apr-2008 18:22

Okay, this is really messing with me. I tried another reboot and saw that it was booting normally, just without a picture. Aha I thought! So I plugged in a monitor and behold, picture on both laptop and the external screens. wtf?

(have I mentioned I hate my rassle frassle hand-me-down work laptop?

)

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.

freitasm

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Reply # 126196 24-Apr-2008 18:41

Could it be the video out configuration? Check the BIOS and check those Fn keys...

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Nightwyrm

588 posts

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Reply # 126197 24-Apr-2008 18:44

The time it booted with no picture, I did play with the Fn-"screenswitch" button but no difference. Next time I boot, I'll look in the BIOS and see if anything's odd.

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.

Nightwyrm

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Reply # 127778 2-May-2008 08:12

Well, a repeat performance this morning except, this time it was only doing it on the dock. Off the dock, it seemed to boot fine. Checked the BIOS and everything seemed fine. Rebooted and it ran CHKDSK by itself. Booted fine (on the dock) after that.

I'm currently checking to see if my little nemesis is due for lease renewal.

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.

Nightwyrm

588 posts

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Reply # 127880 2-May-2008 12:26

UPDATE: Our hardware engineers took one look at the problem description and have ordered a replacement mainboard. The bugger is that, if I had waited another week, the warranty would have expired and I'd be trying to get a new laptop.

As it is, with the new mainboard, recent HDD replacement, and the new optical drive module I've borrowed from my boss, I reckon that'll just leave the monitor and the keyboard/case to replace before I have a new laptop anyway

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.