The Furious Angels
FA Discussion => Support => Topic started by: Subb on January 17, 2010, 11:20:18 am
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I think my laptop may be on it's last legs :'(
I was streaming/buffering house and heroes (in seperate tabs on Mozilla) and my Laptop's screen started to, what I can only describe as, flicker and pixellate (sp?) before crashing.
Now, when I boot it up - it refuses to boot into safe mode and there are three and a half minature screens, literally 6cm in width and go about 3/4 across the screen. The resolution is ridiculous and the colour is wank. I'm currently defragmenting the HDD and I will run an anti-virus after, since to me it does sound like virus.
Any ideas??
Thanks!
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Update: Virus scan and Defrag have done nothing.
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no ideas from me old chap.
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I agree with you Subb...sounds more like a virus. You may need to reload everything...if you have a spare HDD you can swap and test it.
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Right, now there's another problem. I ran DxDiag in normal XP and it cannot pickup my GFX card. To make things worse, when I ran a search for Nvidia... nothing came up. So, now my video card and everything that came with it has disappeared. DOH!
I think I'm going to give my olde laptop to the local computer store for a one over. I was hoping that my laptop wouldn't die before the Mx11 came out :(
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Format and reinstall before you do anything. It's possible it's a software issue
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I've sent it back 'cause the video card's fried and I'm still (just) under the warrenty. thanks all :)
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My m11x R2 is BSODing like a bitch today and I've done nothing to warrant it. It's been OC'd slightly for the last month or so and now it begins to act up. It does get quite hot, though so I'm going to invest in a cooler.
BSOD code: 0x0000007F (0x0000000000000008, 0x0000000080050033, 0x00000000000006F8, 0xfffff80002c48ec0) I've searched on google for this code and it's not coming up with anything :/
Can anyone offer me some advice? I've un OC'd the CPU down to default settings and turned off the turbo mode.
Thanks.
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Yeah man, when I had a gaming laptop, that sucker got hot all the time. Things I did:
Get a pad to go under it. The ones with the fan seem to be the best, but to be honest with you I've never had one where the fan has lasted over a week (no clue why).
Download fangui (I think it is called). It gives you control of your fans, so you can keep them running at max at all times. This helps my laptop now, as only one of my fans is working, so I power it on full to try and compensate.
If you have it on your bed or anywhere besides a desk, just make sure the vents aren't getting covered up by your leg, blanket, or whatever.
Other than that, just pray to the gfx card gods as often as you can. That's one reason I got a desktop - when it comes to gaming, video editing, etc., a laptop is just going to be a lot more prone to self-destruct.
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Ouch dude, sorry to hear about that.
Is there anything in particular that you are doing before it BSOD's?
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Subb. The fact is that errors like this are not acceptable. You spent a grand and simply should not accept it. Warranty claim it if I were you.
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Lithium: Nope :/
NoCry: I am.
I rang Alienware Tech support last night and the guy asked me to email him my Memory Dumps. He said that there's either corrupted memory (which is easy - I'll replace myself when they send me the parts) or a Mobo issue (which requires a tech to come around.)
So I did the diagnostic they told me to do on startup, and after THREE FUCKING HOURS of staring at the computer it said everything was fine. Therefore it's a RAM problem.
Now, the guy over the phone told me to remove one at a time and see if it BSODs. I'm going to ring up again after lectures to ask if this voids the warrenty or not.
Will keep y'all updated.
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Now, the guy over the phone told me to remove one at a time and see if it BSODs. I'm going to ring up again after lectures to ask if this voids the warrenty or not.
Shouldn't void the warranty, usually there is a sticker on the laptop that indicates if it's removed/damaged (like poking through it to get to a screw) it will void the warranty. However, that is usually not on the memory cover.
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Lithium: Nope :/
I didn't have any suggestions for you, did you mean Tbone instead. :)
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I meant Arch :/
DoH!
It was early, in my defence.
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Mobo is going to be replaced. Technician is phoning me on monday.
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Mobo is going to be replaced. Technician is phoning me on monday.
*sigh* The phone guys' fix for everything is to replace the mobo.
Just make sure the tech guy knows what he is doing. The technicians are a hit or miss sometimes.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/Alw_lp_M11x/en/mm/mm_en.pdf
That's a link to the PDF service manual incase you might have misplaced yours. Make sure the guy either knows / takes a look at that before taking it apart.
Also make sure to keep on eye on him to see if he takes careful care of it. Feel free to let him know if you feel he's doing something like not protecting the screen with a cloth or not using a mat while working with the laptop. Another thing, make sure to inspect every inch of the laptop to make sure he didn't scratch anything. If he did, call the techs up and make sure they hear about it. They should have a problem replacing any of the parts that he may have messed up.
Sorry if all this scares you, it's not often that it happens but it's just a warning so you know what to do if the situation arises. I've dealt with dell laptops, warranties, and techs for years and only till recently had i gotten run into the few "bad apples"
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The technician replaced most of the components and it';s still BSODing like a bitch on heat. It's going back to the depot for further investigation or a replacement.
So I won't be online for a while.
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Got my laptop back and I was disheartened to see that it's not been replaced and it's still FUCKING BSODING. All they did (according to the technician note) was reinstall the chipset drivers which I've done twice before. Fucking apes.
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ahh subb; I am so sorry to hear that. if I were you I suggest you ask for your money back. Also, did you pay by Credit Card? if so, even simpler to get your money back.
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I need to call Alienware about my M11xR1. It has caught the Broken Hinge disease.
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I need to call Alienware about my M11xR1. It has caught the Broken Hinge disease.
Ouch, i've read about those. Just make sure that when they send the tech over to watch him and ask him if he's ever opened one up. If not, make sure to have a youtube breakdown video handy. The on-site techs are very hit or miss. Especially here in FL.
Got my laptop back and I was disheartened to see that it's not been replaced and it's still FUCKING BSODING. All they did (according to the technician note) was reinstall the chipset drivers which I've done twice before. Fucking apes.
Also, for future reference, NEVER send it to the depot. You're paying for Next business day in-home technician service on your warranty...
There should never be a reason to send it to the depot.
Definitely request for a replacement. After the third "fix" they are supposed to, by law, ask if you want a replacement or a completely different model. I can vouch for the M15x if they offer that.
If you feel that it's not worth it or you want your money back you can complain about how you need it for work and can't be bothered to wait for them to send you a new one considering how long you've been waiting just to get this thing fixed. If push comes to shove, ask to speak to a supervisor and hold your ground without being an asshole. The phone techs are idiots so don't bother listening to them.
I'm sorry to see your first experience with an Alienware wasn't a good one =(
I guess the design for the M11x has some flaws =/
I have an M15x and never had any serious problems with it.
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so far it's one massive incompetence after another. After I finish watching my weekly dose of Smallville and Supernatural I'm phoning up, demanding a refund or a new replacement (on a side note - who should I phone for that? Tech support or dell?) and I want some compensation (I've spent £40/$70 on phone bills ringing them)
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so far it's one massive incompetence after another. After I finish watching my weekly dose of Smallville and Supernatural I'm phoning up, demanding a refund or a new replacement (on a side note - who should I phone for that? Tech support or dell?) and I want some compensation (I've spent £40/$70 on phone bills ringing them)
Just phone Dell's customer service. They all end up in the same place.
Make sure to thoroughly explain the situation and all the mishaps. Also, if they keep giving you the run around make sure to ask for the supervisor.
Stand your ground and be stern while still having manners.
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Fuck you, Alienware! I wouldn't even grace you with my faeces after your incompentence.
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Fuck you, Alienware! I wouldn't even grace you with my faeces after your incompentence.
What now? Is there anything i could help out with? =(
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Fuck you, Alienware! I wouldn't even grace you with my faeces after your incompentence.
What now? Is there anything I could help out with? =(
They gave me an email to message regarding a replacement. I did so and they said they'd ring me this morning. They failed to do so so I rang them up a few hours to go and they replied that the guy who deals with replacements is off sick so they can't get back to me until monday.
One guy deals with replacements? Fuck off.
So, I rang back and said that I want to talk to someone to which they replied that no one was there (to be fair, it is 9pm where I am) but the guy over the phone said he would email someone for me and that they'd get back to me tomorrow. Fat chance.
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Oi....
Yeah one thing i learned is don't wait for them. If they don't call when they said they would then take initiative. Also, from personal experience, don't bother with emails. It's going to be annoying to have to call over and over trying to get their supervisor but if you can it'll be your best bet. As i mentioned prior, the techs are idiots so always try for a supervisor. Also, make sure to take note around what time the call was made and who you talked to. This is so you have someone to name when you're given the run around.
Dell has records of these calls so make sure you're consistent. Also, state how much trouble you've had and how the numerous fellas you've talked to have NOT been helpful by any means. You gotta play yourself off as the victim if you want the supervisor to cave in. Otherwise they'll just keep sending you off to other people or just telling you they'll call / email you back.
I know it's unethical to say this, but i've exploited this system and have gotten free upgrades through Dell's warranty in this manner. Unless you have a silver tongue, It's gonna take a bit of time to get the resolution you want. Just gotta keep pushing.
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I have been pushing, quite a bit. I've sent an email that's a bit threatening, yet not too bad:
"To whom it may concern,
I am e-mailing you to request a replacement for my Alienware M11xR2. My laptop is little over 2 months old and yet it has suffered from constant 'blue screen' crashes despite having a technician visit me twice (motherboard and both sticks of RAM replaced), sending it to the depot (technician only re-installed the chipset drivers - a task I have done twice and a support agent has done himself via Dell Contact) and spending over £40 on a phone bill for technical support.
Whilst everyone I'd dealt with has tried to be helpful, the service I have received has failed to rectify the problem and must therefore be considered as less than satisfactory.
I would like a replacement laptop as soon as possible (at no extra cost for myself) as I require it for work. Also, I would appeciate it if you would reimburse me for my phone calls to your 'technical services'.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
[name and personal contact/service number]"
Personally, I've not been totally aggresive and trying my best to play the victim (for fuck sake, I need to add to my novel!!!). I'm getting sick of this; I've got a master's degree to compelete :/
I'm going to ask for a major upgrade or compensation for my phone bills which is hitting £50/$90. May ask for an M15x
Thank you for all your help Arch, totally appreciated.
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Not a problem dude. I hate hearing about people getting shafted when their new toys should provide more fun then headaches =/
Definitely push for them on the phone whenever possible though. It's easy to ignore an email, it's a whole lot harder to ignore someone chewing you through a phone.
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Replacement is coming :)
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good. nice one subb. drama free I trust.
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Nicely done!
Did they ask you if you wanted a replacement of the same model or a different one?
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Nicely done!
Did they ask you if you wanted a replacement of the same model or a different one?
Same model, but the manager said that he will try and get me a free upgrade. I'm not holding my breath; I'm just glad this fiasco is over.
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Well make sure to hold him to that. Also take a GOOD look at the replacement that you get and make sure that it has the same components or better before sending it out. Sometimes they'll be stupid and send the same model laptop with different specs. If the specs are better, then no problem. However, they might send one with lower specs and that's a definite "no no".
In any case, let me know if you need help with verifying what's in the laptop. I'll be glad to help out.
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
My laptop is out of commission at the moment. I was on it one minute, the next minute everything ticks black and won't come back.
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
My laptop is out of commission at the moment. I was on it one minute, the next minute everything ticks black and won't come back.
=x
Please don't tell me you have an Alienware too...
That'll just be too much. lol
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No, it's an oldish Sony Vaio.
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So after hassle of getting a replacement it's FINALLY COMING with an extra FREE upgrade. Now got an 8GB RAM machine instead of 4GB. Will be gaming again in about 11 days.
About fuckin' time.
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good; pleased for you subb. hope this one is as trouble free as my own has been.
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So after hassle of getting a replacement it's FINALLY COMING with an extra FREE upgrade. Now got an 8GB RAM machine instead of 4GB. Will be gaming again in about 11 days.
About fuckin' time.
Glad to hear! Hopefully, the estimated ship date is longer than the ACTUAL ship date like it usually is here in the states.
I remember seeing a 2 week wait period for my replacement (If you really want to know details, i'll pm it to you :P) and instead got it shipped in 4 days. Good luck my friend, hope this one isn't a lemon so you can finally enjoy it the way it is meant to.
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Don't EVER buy a fucking dell. I've just received my second one today and it has just crashed with the same bluescreen! This is fucking ridiculous.
I've only installed: Firefox, AVG Free, Zone Labs firewall and tried to install the Dell Optical drive software before it BSOD'd. Dell are shit - don't buy them.
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Why would you need the Dell Optical drive software anyway?
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It's only a DVD writing kit - 'Roxio Creator'. Installed it now and uninstalled AVG Free and installed my university's anti-virus. So far so good, but I'm not holding my breath
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When I get a chance later tonight I'm gonna look into this and try and find the reason your laptops are cursed =/
EDIT: Hey, i'm curious... Do you have the CPU OC'd?
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Not that I'm aware of. I'll double check soon.
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Subb. Are you sure it is nit the software younare putting in? Odd that two laptops have the same problem.
Also. As arch says you sure not over clocked or random bios settings?
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Pretty sure. I removed AVG Free and installed Sophos - my cpu worked for over 8 hours (left it on) and then it BSOD'd. Now I've uninstalled zone alarm and got the basic windows firewall; seeing how that goes. They were the only two programs I installed before it BSOD'd.
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If it turns out to be Zone Alarm then I would find a way to alert Alienware and other Alienware purchasers (just to save them from going through the same bullshit)
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http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/120755-bsod-alienware.html
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Cheers NoCry.
Going to leave my computer on for at least 12 hrs before I send the manager an Email telling him that Zone alarm is the culprit. If it is; I got a free £400 upgrade for free, seeing as I get the same BSOD code as my previous laptop.
MWUAHAHAHAHAAA
[/dastardly plan complete]
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Hope that works old chap.
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Hm. Hasn't crashed, but have noticed that my laptop thinks I haven't got an Nvidia card and just got the Intel one. Am going to reinstall the Nvidia driver now...
EDIT: BOLLOCKS! Can't re-install because apparently I don't have the relevant hardware. FML.
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So, my laptop is no longer reading my GFX card (Nvidia GeForce GT335M) and it won't let me open the nvidia control panel or install/reinstall the driver for it. Balls. Sigh.
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it only shows when it is active old chap. optimus or something.
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But on my other m11x I could open the nvidia control panel and then switch the settings or whatever :/ I can't even see it in the Alien command centre.
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http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/492092-cant-install-nvidia-drivers-need-help-m11xr2.html
Might want to give that a shot. I know it's for an R2 but the card and drivers are the same for both the R1 and R2.
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Well, I tried to see if I can download the verde drivers - can't. I do the scan and it says I only have the HD intel GFX and a 'standard vga graphics adapter' boo!
I emailed AW last night, waiting for reply.
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try loading up a game on it and see if you have the performance you expect.