Mike Taulty's Blog
Bits and Bytes from Microsoft UK
Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!

Blogs

Mike Taulty's Blog

Syndication

Elsewhere

Follow on Twitter
Follow on Channel 9
Follow on Vimeo
View mike's profile on slideshare
Add to Technorati Favorites

UK Team

Tags

View more

Archives

I've had my Dell Inspiron 5150 fixed in that Dell have replaced the motherboard on it.

I'm now in the process of re-installing the OS on the machine when I come across a BIOS update on the Dell web-site;

"Corrects Inspiron 5150 systems that experience slow performance when running CPU intensive programs after a motherboard replacment."

This makes me wonder how many motherboards they're replacing in these 5150's given that there's a patch specifically created for the scenario where the motherboard has been replaced :-)

Posted Mon, Nov 1 2004 2:05 AM by mtaulty

Comments

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Nov 14 2004 7:46 PM
They replace my motherboard twice in the last 60 days and it crashed for good right after the second repair, which included the Processor, palm rest, video card, LCD screen, fan, etc.

I was down for 12 days until the new 5160 arrived. My friends at Tech Support tell me there are 1,000 motherboards backordered.

There's a serious problem with the 5150. Good luck.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Nov 14 2004 7:47 PM
They replaced my motherboard twice in the last 60 days and it crashed for good right after the second repair, which included the Processor, palm rest, video card, LCD screen, fan, etc.

I was down for 12 days until the new 5160 arrived. My friends at Tech Support tell me there are 1,000 motherboards backordered.

There's a serious problem with the 5150. Good luck.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Dec 9 2004 11:52 AM
Has anyone had problems with their 5150 just turning off because it is too hot? If so, what will Dell do to fix the problem?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Dec 9 2004 3:45 PM
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Jan 1 2005 12:50 PM
Indeed, I never knew about all of these problems until I went to Russia and started having all these problems. The computer mysteriously shutting down regularly from extreme heat (it did this in both the US and Russia despite the Dell approved Russia ready power supply stuff) as well as the power adapter plug in the back of the computer simply neglecting to work for days at a time. I had it serviced when I returned to the States (because the overseas repair policy in Russia is basically bogus) and the repairman told me Motherboards fail constantly on this unit and that most of his calls were replacing motherboards on 5150's. Also I am interested in just revamping this thing but because of all the hardware incompatibility (notably the video card) would it be better to just buy a new one once the warranty kicks? Lastly, have you seen any useful sites/forums worth reading?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Jan 7 2005 3:19 PM
Does anyone have the URL for the BIOS Update

"Corrects Inspiron 5150 systems that experience slow performance when running CPU intensive programs after a motherboard replacment."

?

Thanks In advance
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Jan 11 2005 8:17 AM
These guys fixed my 5150 that was being a pain in the ass.

http://www.aqstech.com/5150.html

-jerry
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Jan 18 2005 7:31 AM
How much did it cost?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Jan 19 2005 12:16 AM
Can anyone tell me what chipset type is used in the 5150?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Jan 29 2005 2:18 PM
Does anyone know how to install a new lcd screen?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Feb 1 2005 8:36 PM
I have been useing the documentation on the dell website to fix my piece of crap 5150 the battery plug on the motherboard keeps on loosening up. I am looking for a new mother board if anyone has one for sale.

Craig72@msn.com
mtaulty wrote BIG PROBLEM
on Sun, Feb 6 2005 3:11 PM
My Inspiron 5150 started to give me hard time since I played BF1942 before cleaning the cooler. Now, if I reinstall winxp it works like before till I put the drivers on it. After that the screen flickers and the entire computer gets stucked. Is there anyone of you who got this kind of treatment from his/her inspiron 5150.

The biggest problem is I am in Romania right now and I don't trust the local Dell service too much.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Feb 8 2005 4:18 PM
Dell needs to fix these 5150 LTs.. This is Fricken BOGUS and a known defect of the model...

NOw if there's more than 100 documented cases of these LT's experiencing the same problem , wouldnt it warrent the dam company to look into the matter and have a Recall??

I paid good money for my LT and i expect it to last a couple years at least, not 1 yr!!!

MADDD AS HELL!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Mar 8 2005 8:28 PM
Hi, I'm from Colombia, I bought an inspiron 5150 in my last vacation in US last summer. But now I have the same problem like some owner of this machine. Overheating, turning off and the power adapter plug in the back of the computer simply neglecting to work for days at a time. the Dell service in Latinamerica and Caribbean did not repair my computer because have just 1 year of warranty and I have to buy a new year of waranty for recive service. Some one can give some suggestions? I don't know what to do. I download the last Bios driver, and the LT stop to turning off by him self, but stiil hot and the fan work constantly. I download a thermo sensor software for de processor and it marks temperatures arround 71 C. Very hot, and the back is too hot to. Please if some one have more ideas, ore can give me an advice, I will appreciate (sorry for my english, is not the best, and thanks for your help!)
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Mar 10 2005 6:45 AM
I also have the same problem - - I have read hundreds upon hundreds of the same issue. Dell refuses to understand that this is a faulty computer. Can anyone recommend a way to get fixed?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Mar 10 2005 7:09 AM
Manuel - - make sure to buy as much warranty as possible because DELL does not recognize this defect and will screw you for $700 - - without assurances that this will fix the problem.

DELL is selling a defective product and doesn't care.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Mar 13 2005 11:48 AM
My 5150 has just packed up too, it started when it would shut down if the area to the left of the touchpad was tapped lightly, now it does it if its touched anywhere and rarely restarts afterwards.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Mar 13 2005 2:22 PM
It's seem like too many users has the same problem.....

I would never buy laptop from Dell again...

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Mar 14 2005 3:21 AM
Hello

i have the same problem, it drops dead even if you touch it very gentle!
Did anyone already find the solution?
Please email me!

pjeevandee@hotmail.com


Warm Regards
Piet
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Mar 14 2005 12:46 PM
Dell should recall them all.... it's a piece of junk. Motherboard will die around one year of use.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed! THE SOLUTION!
on Tue, Mar 15 2005 3:13 PM
To all of you here's the messias

after having worked all night on the shitty Devil 5150 i found the rootcause of all our problems.
The C -cover has 2 small brackets in the middle which touch a chip on the mobo which gets LOOSE! Snap off the 2 brackets (they're not necessary as its hold by a screw) remove the black protection foil at the level of the cardholder (wifi) and then IF YOU HAVE THE SKILLS AND THE PROPER WELDINGTOOL resolder the ic.

99% that it works again!

My bankacount is 6274805 in eindhoven the netherlands :-)
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Apr 8 2005 2:26 AM
Another victim of the Dell 5150 - system shutdown when slight pressure is placed on the casing. Also out of warranty (15mths old machine) and really pissed off with a motherboard replacement advice from Dell- will cost me almost the same as a new notebook. Lodging a complaint with the National Consumer Forum, encourage all to do the same...

Dell reliability, good service, high quality products ... ha ha ha!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Apr 10 2005 8:17 AM
Hmmm, how many laptops have to fail with the same identical problem before you can launch a class action lawsuit? Dell obviously knows about the problem, and it's not an isolated incident. I wonder....
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Apr 10 2005 3:25 PM
i seem to be having the same problem. i am serving in the military, and we were stationed in iraq for a couple of months. i plugged my dell 5150 into a wall socket and it worked great. after we returned, i plugged it in, and the screen would flicker bright to dim, as if someone was pulling the AC cord out and reinserting it. i figured it was the jack, burnt out by the foreign 240V, but when i opened it up (my warranty expired 2 months ago) everything seemed to be in working order. i didn't check that chip that pjee mentioned, but apparently this is a recurring gripe. does anyone know where i can get this fixed, preferably for UNDER $700?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Apr 11 2005 10:21 AM
While I was using the laptop, the screen was flashed because the power switched between adaptor mode and battery mode. After a while, the laptop only works with batery mode. My laptop now is a piece of metal. This model has a serius issue. Dell doesn't recall this problem, they donn't care that a lot of customers complain about this. They will loose customers very quickly.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Apr 11 2005 10:25 PM
who can repair my dell i have the power supply problem
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Apr 13 2005 12:04 PM
Funny old thing, DELL collected my 5150 the other day as it had a problem with the screen flex. Anyway got it back runs much quieter & cooler. Me thinks they changed a bit more than the Flex!!!!
pilk@dynamic700.fsnet.co.uk
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Apr 15 2005 2:28 AM
i have the same problems, My only working for 13 months 12 days
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Apr 16 2005 4:31 AM
my 5150 buy 15 month ago, now can't boot bios, just a blink '-' on left-up corner, can any one
tell me what wrong with it ? my 5150 is out of
one years warranty, sad......
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Apr 18 2005 7:50 PM
I was like all of you having the same ac connection problem and as a lot of you my 1 year warrenty ran out under 30 days ago. Is there anything we can do about it?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Apr 19 2005 12:21 AM
I hope someone would call a lawyer to pay attention to the case, we all help to lawyer provide the evidence, fight for our right.

we don't want to pay 2000$ buy a notebook
for just 15 months.

my Toshiba and fujishu notebook used 3-4 years, never call for any repair.

stay away from dell ... cheap but not reliable .

not reliable = force you buy extented warranty + waste your time to repair.


this maybe one of their business strategy.

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Apr 20 2005 11:00 AM
I have problem turning on the laptop. I hjave to close the lid for about 10 times before it would turn on. Dell has replace the mother board twice but still failed to diagnose the problem.

I had this problem 3 months after purchase. They could never fix it and now I am out of 1 year warranty

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Apr 21 2005 1:59 PM
just stumbled on your site while looking online for a way to get my motherboard repaired. after reading this, i'm thinking i should just not waste my time and get a mac.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Apr 22 2005 4:27 AM
Can I complain from Japan? I also had the same problem and changed my Inspiron 5150 motherboard twice. Then, now the laptop is out of warranty, and has the same problem again. I won’t fix it and won’t buy a dell laptop again, of course.

It sometimes starts, like, when I put 5150 upside down and push the power button upward. It looks very silly doing this. I'm sure that there are a large number of users with this Inspiron problem all over the world.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Apr 24 2005 5:01 PM
I have had two in home MOB replacements and two depot repairs. The MOB was for the problem of touching anywhere left or right of the touch pad would shut the unit down. It was the same for the depot repairs. The second MOB replacement was for the AC problem. Shortly after the AC, MOB replacement the AC adapter went out and replaced. Now the unit is functioning as it should. Running cooler, less secondary fan activity. Thank heavens have a three year warranty. If anything else happens I am ready to make it a frisbee. The design of this system is flawed. Too much heat and to flimsy of of a casing for a laptop.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Apr 24 2005 5:03 PM
BTW:
All repairs have occured within 15 months.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Apr 25 2005 5:16 PM
I've got the same problem - system shutdown when slight pressure is placed on the casing. Also out of warranty (13 1/2 months). Let's all sue the bastards! And I'm not kidding.
mtaulty wrote semi fix of power supply problem!
on Sat, Apr 30 2005 9:35 PM
Hey all, I hava a 5150, bought if refurb so no warranty of course.
I had the same power problem where is just stopped recognizing the power supply.
I thought the connector was loose so I took the puter apart and examined the connectors. every thing was fine. put it all back together and it still didnt see the PS.
I ended up borrowing a power supply from a Dell Latitude at work.
And It Works!!!
sort of.
I can charge the battery and run it off the PS. but since the power supply is an AMP short, only 4.62A,, the power supply gets pretty hot, especially if your running cpu intensive software.

The actual PS is:
90W-AC-Adapter
PA-10 Family
Model NADP-90KB A
P/N C2894

output is 19.5V 4.62A

All I can say is that its working for me. So Im not responsible if you spend 100 bucks or more and it doesnt work.
But it is (hopefully) a way to at least get some use from the crappy 5150 again.
I still think the best option though is to get a class action suit going.

Mark
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, May 1 2005 9:36 AM
For all you guys who are complaining that your 5150 is turning off because it is getting to hot...

It is most likely that your cpu fan is clogged with dust. If you look in the back of your computer, you should see a copper grille where the airflow is supposed to come up. Hold your hand there. Feel any hot air coming out? No? Then you need to clean your fan. It is easy. Pry up the power button bezel from the right hand side (you'll see a notch to insert a flathead screwdriver). Take the four screws off the keyboard and lift up. There will be a metal plate underneath held on by one screw. Lift that off too. Now you should see the fan. There will be some tiny screws. Take those off and lift the fan out. Look back in there with a flashlight. You will probably see a big clog of dust, fur, hair, and other crap.

They redesigned the bottom platics after a while to make the little holes smaller so it wouldn't pull in so much dust, but it was too late for most people.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150
on Mon, May 2 2005 7:14 PM
I just also feel victim to the Inspiron Saga
I am extremly disapointed to dell's response to this problem.
Im am going to be contacting US consumer protection agency, arizona attorney general, and also a private attorney.
What I need is your names and the date your laptop purchased and when problem started. I will be constructing a website where info can be found

Email Me at inspiron@l1computers.com *no spam* this is very serious
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, May 2 2005 9:24 PM
I began having the same exact problems yesterday. I had no idea what the problem was until checked this board. I turned the computer on while it was not on a table and it kept shutting off etc. I placed it on a table and am able to write this post. I no longer have a warranty(bought the computer in Dec 2003). After seeing all these threads abotu teh same exact problem of twistin the computer and having it shut down, I am very pessimistic abotu getting this fixed w/o paying a lot of money, so if anyone finds a way to get it fixed w/o paying Dell for it. Please post the solution. I emailed this guy Dennis who posted today as well.
Thankx
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150
on Mon, May 2 2005 9:56 PM
*Repost* "spelling corrected"
INSPIRON 5150 TOUCH 'N CRASH (MotherBoard Defect) ONLY

I also fell victim to the Inspiron Saga
I am extremely disappointed to dell's response to this problem total disregard for consumer satisfaction and rights.
Im am going to be contacting US consumer protection agency, Arizona attorney general, and also a private attorney. Consumer shouldn't have to pay for repairs to known defective products so it's written in US and State laws.
What I need is your names and the date your laptops were purchased also when the problem started. I may need more info based on attorney request. I will be constructing a website info can be found and "unmodified by dell administrators"
Email Me at inspiron@l1computers.com *no spam* this is very serious
I will repost on multiple threads and forums as the post maybe deleted by administrators

This Is not A 1 man fight help is need to gather info:
1) Please E-mail me links to other Forum with people having the same problem
2) Document when you call or email dell ( who you talk to, how long, etc...)
3) Be clear and brief with your info
4) Be patient I will up date everyone that emails me
5) distribute this Message Please
Dennis
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, May 7 2005 2:36 AM
i5150 bought 11/23/03 (sounds like mine lasted long than most). Computer overheating. Not recognizing AC adaptor. Sometimes wiggling the cord reconncts to electrical power. Am sending in next week. I am still under warranty until 07. I will document and keep you posted on what happens. I appreciate you taking the ball and running with it. There are too many 5150s with the same problem.

catherinelee2@gmail.com
713-408-2452
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, May 7 2005 5:48 PM
I also am victim of the 5150 saga....My computer was 14-days past warranty when it started with the touch and crash syndrome. Believe it or not, after getting upset with the customer service rep, I was able to talk to a supervisor who agreed to cover the repairs. I hope it lasts, but it doesn't sound good.

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, May 9 2005 4:31 AM
Yup, add another one to the boat. Mine just died this morning. Just paid a mint for a new power supply, plugged it in, and nothing.

I press the power button, and it turns on for 1 second, then dies again. Reseated the ram, and whatever else i could get my hands on, still nothing.

I'm out of warrenty and am dreading the cost. I was going to sell it in 3 weeks and buy a 9300, now it looks very bleak! ARrrghhh!!

-tim
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, May 9 2005 10:50 AM
Bought my Inspiron on February 2004. Motherboard have been replace on December 2004 because of the power off problem.
Now my warranty has ended and I just got the power problem. Called tech support and they told me to buy a new computer!!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, May 9 2005 5:52 PM
I'm having troubles with mine too; overheating started a few months ago so I blew out the dust, no problem. Even now it's still running really hot, I will try to air it again.

I seem to have a little bit of a different problem (although it could be from the same source?): now and then it will come to a halt, everything running so slowly. I reformat, and it's prefectly fine for a couple weeks before it slows down again. I'm not a newb around computers, so it's nothing obvious, this is a real problem.

Any ideas?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, May 12 2005 3:49 PM
holy cow! Symptoms started if I would reposition the screen on my 5150 it would shut down (or atleast hybernation mode, one of the two.)
I would have to hold the power button down for 10 secs to get it to shut down completely, and then it would boot up.
2 days later it started shutting down from any form of touch, vibration etc. Now it wont even boot up...

Called Dell,, after 2hrs of hell they tell me to send them 700 bucks and they will fix it( 21 days over 1 year warranty).

Angry, I took it to a local computer repair shop and they found a problem with the proccessor becoming unseated when the heatsink(fan assy) was reinstalled. They think the problem is in one of two places... motherbourd socket lock (trade name 'zero pressure') is defective; or heatsink and fan assy is warping. They also picked up some power surges in the motherbourd power supply/power regulation and fan cooling circuitry, but cant pin point it.
another strange fact is that the computer runs if ya dont put the exterior case back together. but if completely buttoned up it has same problems. will be sending info on to Dennis(earlier post) and writing to dell with a formal complaint, which i will provide copies to any lawyers that would like it.
=Noel Harris,Idaho
skiism@fiberpipe.com
purchased 5150 march04
1 year 21 days later 5150 is kapuut.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, May 12 2005 11:54 PM
Well, I am just glad that my 5150 hasn't started shutting down from the slightest touch, but I do have the AC jack problem. I already replaced the motherboard once for that reason, which seemed pretty silly, but it was still in warranty. I am starting to wish, after reading all of these identical complaints, that I would have researched the system more before buying it.

I hate getting ripped off.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, May 14 2005 12:51 PM
I had overheating problems with my laptop, but i found that my computer would act normal after using compressed air to blow out the dust from the vents. I'm very happy with my computer now!

Here's a good <a href="http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_general&message.id=139712">site </a>that talks about this issue and some of the fixes people have made
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, May 15 2005 5:20 AM
Read here about the problem. If you have experience with soldering (years) you can fix it yourself.

Reagrds,
Ilariu
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, May 17 2005 5:41 PM
I too am having the same problems and I would be more then happy to file a class action lawsuit. My name is Michael Hampton and my email address is michaelhampton256@yahoo.com. I live in Colorado. Please email me for more information.

Thanks,

Michael
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, May 18 2005 7:10 AM
i run a pc repair shop ive seen 2 dell 5150s this week both dead both 15 months old looks like dell are supplying with a manufacturing defect.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, May 18 2005 11:56 AM
I am about two weeks past warranty. My computer crashes whenever it wants to. The screen goes black, power light stays on and fan runs. I have to hold the power button down and reboot.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, May 19 2005 8:43 AM
my name is frank yan, I think we should work together, sue the dell. please me at yanmbox@yahoo.com

I bought 5100 at Sep. 2003, the labtop have problem, sent to dell 3-4 times for repair, but never fixed the problem. and the last sent to DELL for fixed on May 2004 I received a dead laptop with scratch screen. I call DELL then 5100 has been replace by this 5150
on June 2004, three month later Oct 2004 the
motherboard dead by TOUCH 'N CRASH (MotherBoard
Defect), just pass warranty about 30 days, I keep
calling Dell few days, finally Dell replace the
motherboard for me, three month later it has problem again, damaged DC Jack on motherboard.

I can run the computer fine off battery, but it doesn't charge or run off of an AC adapter input. I went to PC repair shop, there was a dead 5150 there(motherboard dead, 13 or 14 months old), but AC adapter is working, use this working AC adapter connect to my 5150 it still doesn't charge and and there is no any light on. the light can flash once when connect it to AC adapter.

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, May 19 2005 11:57 AM
I purchased my 5150 late April of '04. In Jan of '05 my computer would boot up, but the screen wouldn't turn on, after a lengthy discussion with technical support, I sent it back to Dell & they replaced the motherboard.

Last night the same thing happened - the laptop will power on, but the screen won't turn on and then after several minutes the laptop turns off.

Even though I'm out of warranty now, will they still cover another replacement of the motherboard since it's since been done 4 months ago.

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, May 19 2005 6:25 PM
does any one know if The Better Business Bureau system can help us about this issue?
http://complaint.bbb.org/

frank
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, May 19 2005 10:41 PM
http://p068.ezboard.com/fi5150usersfrm2.showMessage?topicID=11.topic

If you look here or go to other message boards, you will find that it is very obvious that there is a chronic problem with this model laptop (Inspiron 5150). Dell is extremely uncooperative. Maybe if enough people complain, Dell will be forced have a recall! Here are the addresses where you can complain loudly:

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
CRC-240
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20580

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION
PO BOX 12548
AUSTIN, TX 78711-2548

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUAUSTIN OFFICE
2101 SOUTH IH 35, SUITE 302
AUSTIN, TX 78741[/font]
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, May 20 2005 12:23 PM
I called Dell again yesterday and got fight with technical support, and then the manager. and obviously he's not aware of lots of peoples having same problem. They never wanted to admit that, there is something wrong with that model.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, May 20 2005 6:33 PM
We also have the 5150 blues. I do intend on sending letters to the 3 addresses. I hope we can get something resolved from dell. I wish we would have done a complaint search before we bought this laptop, we would not have bought this piece of junk.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, May 20 2005 9:34 PM
I have the same problem with my Dell 5150. It just became unresponsive when I tapped it in the worng place. DELL Canada are refusing to accept any blame for the defective motherboard saying it's my problem and that it was my choice to not buy their extended warranty. They want me to pay $600 to get it fixed. It is 13 months old and so is 1 month out of warranty. I won't be buying DELL products again.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, May 22 2005 10:21 AM
I found a law firm that is taking information on problems with dell laptops. The website is

http://www.lieffcabraser.com/thankyou.htm
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, May 24 2005 2:40 PM
I'm having the same problem as several of you guys. Even the slightest pressure on the left of the laptop causes it to reset. I cannot use my laptop if I place it on my lap because it keeps resetting. It now works only in desktop mode, on a table with absolutely no shaking allowed!

My warranty has expired and I have no clue about what to do. Any help would be appreciated. Dennis, please put me on the list you are preparing.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, May 26 2005 6:19 PM
I've suffered a different but possibly related problem wuth my 5150 (which was a replacement for my 5100 that Dell repair lost). Six weeks after receiving the refurbished unit the audio went out, and yesterday the dvd- burner failed.
What gives with Dell?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, May 27 2005 3:30 PM
I too am suffering from the same problems. If anyone decided to pursue a class action suit, I'm all for it, just email me at DmHsk39@aol.com
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, May 28 2005 2:41 AM
hey all i'm really sorry to hear of your problems with dell. i just got off the phone with tech support. i bought an inspiron 9100 just over a year ago but had the 2 year warranty. my power supply started acting wierd. it will allow me to run off of ac power with the laptop on but the laptop wont recognize it and therefore won't charge the battery. when i called dell they were ready to send me a new battery but when i explained that the battery isn't giving any error codes and the laptop is recognizing a problem with the power supply they told me a new power supply will be shipped next day air and they will make a follow up call to verify the problem was resolved. The best part is it's 3am est where i am right now. my personal experience with dell has been good apart from these poor power supply designs. when i bought this laptop i also purchased an inspiron 1150 which has also not given me any problems. if this 5150 really is this bad then i wish you all the best of luck in recieving appropriate compensation for your troubles. I just hope you don't allow this bad experience with a poor design to taint your oppinions of dell's product line which, on a whole, seems to be of very high quality and performance. my sister got an athlon 64 laptop from cyber power and has had to send it back twice already. i'm pretty sure after that my next laptop will again be from dell.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, May 28 2005 6:19 PM
Well, it looks like I'm slightly more fortunate than most. I think I am beggining to deal with the power issue, about 1 week out of warrenty. I can use the AC power, but when I try to put the battery in, the battery warning light blinks green and orange, which according to the owner's mannual means the battery is to hot fo charge. 6 hours later, it's still to hot. Waiting on an email from dell, and I can only hope that they will be generous. Class action or anti 5150 website? Count me in: andrewrphillips@gmail.com. Thanks, Andrew
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, May 29 2005 9:22 AM
I thought I had a pretty good product with the 5150, then I got auto shut off and was like wtf? Called Dell and they say next day air to get a new MB. Well three days went by and no call. I called and e-mailed them and they finally had me call this Indian dude to schedule a tech visit with a new(?) mb. Well then I do a search on the internet for 5150 problems and what the sh*t? This is a freakin lemon! I just chose Dell cause they have the reputation for good and cheap and my Dell 8400 pretty much rocks. Well, I hope my 5150 dies a few more times in warranty then i get a new laptop provided by Dell.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, May 30 2005 8:04 AM
If anybody has an information about DC jack of Power adapter, i will be very grateful. I have same problem with my 5150. It has (-), (+) pins for 19,5V and one extra control pin as you know. I think my control pin does not work very well. May be we can solve this with a by-passing of it at both side with a small modifications.For this purpose, I need extra info about adapter.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed! -not yet...
on Mon, May 30 2005 8:39 AM
My 5150 crapped out about 3 months ago. It has the A/C jack problem. I have been out of warranty 3 months when it died. I submitted a complaint to the law office... Maybe that will help. I will never buy another Dell!!! We just need to complain a lot, and maybe Dell will listen.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, May 31 2005 10:44 AM
My 5150 is not charging. Cannot say whether there is adequate contact between the charger and the MO. Some of you are lucky. I live in Mauritius and the closest DEll is in Singapore. Just a thought though. In my engineer's days, the transformer was part of the system. I can understand globalisation but I still think that the Power Pack is still an unnecessary chunk !
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Jun 2 2005 11:42 AM
File a complaint about the problem at BBS (Better business bureau)

http://complaint.bbb.org/

Wait a week or two, Dell will contact you.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Jun 2 2005 6:26 PM
5150 - There are soooo many people with this burnt out motherboard prob that we all need to do something. Anyone know how to start a class action process? Wish I did... They ask for $400 to $700 so they can send you a new motherboard that undoubtedly will simply overheat again. What kind of crap is that? With me, same as a few posts up, about 14 days after the 1 year warranty.. I'm not a conspiracy theorist but, damn, it's uncanny how many people are having probs RIGHT AFTER warranty expires.. Anyone know a lawyer itching for a fun battle? There are enough of us I would imagine to pitch in the cost...

Email me...
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed! not yet
on Thu, Jun 2 2005 6:32 PM
My 5150 seems to be getting to hot after i start it, then just shuts off. i can't seem to figure out the the problem but when i hear the fan i just close the lid until the fan turns off then open it back up, then it works fine don't know why it does that. Seems to work for now, unitl i can figure out why it does that anyone know?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Jun 2 2005 8:50 PM
I think I found the problem, it is a heating problem.
what i did is that i put under my laptop a small fan to cool it off then I found this post on a dell forum.
chek it out
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_general&message.id=144502&view=by_date_ascending&page=1
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Jun 3 2005 6:49 AM
I've experienced the same thing as the others. My laptop shut down and flashed an orange light. Now it doesn't charge or respond in any way. I've purchased another battery and had the adapter tested. What a complete and utter joke of a machine. It overheats and leaves the owner with an expensive paper weight. A note to Dell, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Jun 3 2005 11:11 PM
Same problem after pc has run awhile, either shuts down or runs very slow then blue screen with 07a. Spent hours with dell a few months ago they said rubber feet were missing sent new ones. No help.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 not Fixed!
on Sat, Jun 4 2005 4:53 AM
Bought Inspiron 5100 in December 2003. Had overheating shutdown problem eight months later. After weeks of battling tech support, they came out and replaced heat-sink and fan assembly. Now six months later and out of warranty, same problem. I don't have time for this crap. I need a reliable computer and decent support that doesn't treat you like an idiot.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Jun 11 2005 11:14 PM
File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. DELL does not want to admit that they have a design flaw in this sytem...if it does, imagine what it will cost them to recall the models and reimburse all those that had to pay $600 for the repair. Yes, we are talking millions. My system died 1 month after the warranty expired. The motherboard was identified as the culprit. After filing a complaint with the BBB, they made their offer. DELL has offered me the possibility of buying an extended warranty and then having the repair done under that warranty. They had originally quoted me $600 for the repair plus $140 for a warranty. So now, I am faced with just $140, and it should cover me when the thing breaks down again. Yes it's not right, but seems like the best option. We are paying for their design flaw. I could fight it and take it to the press, but I don't know if the time is worth the money. A friend of mine once advertised his computer complaint on his car and took a picture of it. (He drives across the city everyday...thousands see his car and read the sides and back window.) He sent the picture to the company CEO, the local TV station and the city's newspapers, asking if they'd be interested in the story. He was offered a solution to his problem faster than a P4 processor!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Jun 13 2005 5:29 AM
I did file a complaint a while ago and I've been offered the same offer to buy an extended warranty. At least Dell is doing something. Not interesting that we have to fight that much thow.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Jun 13 2005 6:33 PM
Yeah, I totally agree. If they had said straight off the bat that there could be a possible fault with the system, and that they would replace the board if faulty (within a 2 year period) then I would have a lot more respect for the company. The way they are handling it now, means if anyone asks why they replaced the $600 part, they can just defend it by saying it was replaced under warranty. Yes, it is sneaky of DELL, and definitely not what I would have expected from the world's #1 computer supplier. I doubt I would buy DELL ever again.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Jun 15 2005 5:53 PM
My inspiron 5150 stopped taking a charge (right in the middle of my thesis defense, but that's another story). The machine just blinks the red light when I try to boot it w/the adapter plugged in. Same story I've seen a lot of places on the web, including Dell's tech support forums.

Dell, on the other hand, claims it's a liquid spill issue, which is nonsense because I treated my computer nicely (it has my life's work on it, after all). Therefore I can't file a complaint with the BBB as there is a 'dispute'.

Bah. These people have my motherboard hostage and want $650 for a new motherboard. I will never buy a Dell product again.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Jun 17 2005 2:03 PM
I too have the same AC Jack problem with my Inspiron 5150. My warranty just got over. AC jack is dead. Dell guys are suggesting to replace the mother board which would cost me not less than $600.
Anyone has found out any alternate solution ??
Please reply to me ASAP @ nirmalsinh@yahoo.com
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Jun 17 2005 7:32 PM
I was able to have the power supply changed under warranty. Unfortunately I now have the rebooting issue with any pressure on the case. I have also noticed if you bump the table it also reboots. Not happy as I am now 2 months out of my 12 month warranty. This is a flaw and should be fixed at Dell's expense. I wish I had found this site before buying or at least before my warranty ran out.
mtaulty wrote my Dell Inspiron 5150 F****d!
on Sat, Jun 18 2005 2:28 AM
nothing new here. the same problem. the same time (days after warranty ended). i want solution. is the problem power adapter or the socket? but anyhow it's f****d and so am i.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Jun 20 2005 6:47 AM
I had the same problem with AC adapter (still under warranty). Dell expressed to me overnight. Fixed the problem. You can find the AC adapter on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64466&item=6778613930&rd=1

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Jun 20 2005 9:31 AM
i have had the problem with the touch sensitivity this is a second hand lap top so im going to take it appart and try that suggestion made of removing the brackets and stabilizing that chip and report back soon
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Jun 20 2005 4:43 PM
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Jun 21 2005 12:38 PM
okay so i tried this procedure ... and its helped my lap top .. but ive let the problem go on so long that my chip is perminantly damaged .. GET TO IT EARLY ... its just two little plastic tabs that you break off ... not rocket science ... you open up the plate on the bottom of your laptop labeled c and break of the tabson the bottom of the plate that arent necisary to hold it in .. and your done ..DO IT EARLY
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Jun 22 2005 6:26 PM
I have two 5150's with the same freakin problem, I found these guys on the web, they did a great job fixing my 5150's

http://www.aqstech.com

dell sucks!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5160
on Thu, Jun 23 2005 8:52 AM
Dell inspiron 5160 is giving me atough time. It shutts down abruptly. I reinstalled windows xp many times. Dell changed the mother board once. No improvement. Can anybody suggest something extraordinary. All routine things have been tested but in vain Shaikh
staj72@yahoo.com
mtaulty wrote Dell inspiron 5100--bad motherboard
on Sat, Jun 25 2005 11:15 AM
My Dell Inspiron 5100 is a piece of junk. I bought it in August, 2003, and it died less than 20 months later. It has a bad motherboard--all repair people say that this is a known defect. First repair place put in new motherboard and it died before I could pick it up. Of course I had a year warranty. No more Dell for me!!!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Jun 28 2005 8:24 AM
I had issues with my laptop overheating. I kept getting blue screens and eventually Windows would not even start up. I contacted Dell, they told me that I needed a new hard drive. I brought my laptop to a friend of mine instead, he looked at it, wiped the hard drive, re-installed Windows, and it was still overheating. He then did an internet search, found out about the overheating problem. I blew the dust out of it and it's been working fine since then- this was mid-March.
Last week, it seemed to be overheating again. Blew the dust out, it seemed fine after that. This morning, I looked at my computer, that same blue screen is there again that says "dumping physical memory." I rebooted the computer, it seems to be having issues reading the hard drive (it sounds like its struggling) and now I can't even get Windows to fully start up.

Does anyone have any suggestions? E-mail me at JenInTheBx@aol.com if you can help. Thanks.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Jun 28 2005 9:25 AM
I too am having the motherboard short out problem. Dell told me they would charge me to replace it (1.3 years old). If anyone knows of anyone trying to get a group together to force Dell to fix this issue (lawsuit or whatever), please email me. tom.brune@gmail.com.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Jun 28 2005 1:10 PM
Has anyone had problems with the sound on their 5150. I had the mother board replaced and because of the sound and 3 days later it didn't work again. I also had the same problem the rest of you had with the computer not turning on, over heating, and not recongizing the power cord. Now I have sound problems. Of course my warranty is done and they want to charge me for a new mother board that didn't work to begin with. I HATE DELL. What a piece of crap.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Jun 30 2005 2:41 PM
9 months after I got the laptop, it began to shut down if moved or touched. Dell took 3 weeks to replace the motherboard due to backorder. 9 months later, now, the motherboard needs to be replaced again because of the ac adapter connection problem. My original warranty was 12 months, and Dell says the replaced motherboard was covered only under that original warranty and so I have to pay to have it replaced.

I submitted my complaint to the law office listed above by someone else (http://www.lieffcabraser.com/thankyou.htm) and I hope something comes of it. If enough people do, I assume they can do something to Dell on our behalf.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Jul 1 2005 10:02 PM
Same issue, just happened, ac adaptor no longer recognized by system. If I jiggle the cord on my new ac adaptor (I bought a second one for the road) I can sometimes get it to light up. Alas dell basically said my problem, out of warranty, replace mb for $700. I dont think the mb is bad, but just the dc jack itself. If anyone can recommend a local shop that can fix it near Toledo OH, I would be appreciative, I may check into that class action suit if this is a design flaw.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Jul 4 2005 6:11 AM
i think this modal of Notebook is not standard for us!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Jul 4 2005 2:13 PM
My 5150 was fixed by http://www.800tech.com
System works perfectly fine for now. I paid $100 + $20 for the S/H
Pretty good deal I guess! I'm not sure they always charge that much or not
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Aug 19 2005 2:25 PM
I am yet another of you all with a deteriorating 5150. My motherboard hasn't broken yet, but i having a lot of trouble with the power supply and random overheatings. As other people have said, it helps to rotate the connector a little, but this still wont do if unattended. Does anyone know any solutions to the power supply problem, or are there any success stories out there?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Aug 23 2005 6:43 PM
If your DC power jack is broken and need it repaired or have the skills to replace it goto: http://www.computekinc.us
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Aug 26 2005 2:23 PM
I downloaded a small program (can't remember from where) called I8kfanGUI that allows you to set the fan speed. My 5150 has not shutdown since. BUT...the display went dim 3 days out of warranty. I replaced the inverter but it's still the same. I will never buy another Dell! They wanted $850 to fix it.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Aug 29 2005 1:02 AM
my 5150 just crapped out also, however i had my AC adapter replaced by dell about 6 months ago as they were stating its the AC adapter, not the Motherboard. My warrenty was up july 1st so i guess i am in the same boat as everyone else, i just filed a complaint with the BBB so we'll see what Dell brings to the bargining table.

mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Aug 31 2005 11:30 PM
I bought my laptop online in mid August and finally had it in my hands on September 1st of 2004. Since it was better than my rotting desktop, I used it for everything and took it everywhere. In January, I bought World of Warcraft, a game which I thought was very stressful on my system, but regardless played it litterally 24/7 with a friend of mine who lived with me at the time. When I wasn't on it, he was. Its now one year later, and the only problem I have is my headset is somewhat loose in the sound jack. I believe this from the headset plug being slightly pushed to the side in the jack by the padding of my laptop bag. This is because I used to have the laptop turned on so I could listen to music on the walk home from where ever. No worries though, I had the laptop sideways with the bag open, fan and vents pointing out, for air flow. Winter conditions helped too! ;)

Anyways, I wanted to upgrade my Ram to 1gb, and while researching I find out the 5150 has sooo many problems, yet I haven't had one of these problems yet. Its unfortunate since Im now freaking out that my laptop is doomed to die and I have to buy a new one, which sucks because I am also a student, so its under the 4 year plan, stupid of me?

In responce to the overheating issue, I have always taken good care of my laptop. The only thing I neglected to do was use compressed air to clean it. Eeek! But after buying Warcraft, it rarely left my desk. So because of this, and the fact it is/was ALWAYS on, I have a fan constantly on, pointing at it from the back. I did this because 3 months after I bought it, the glue on the rubber 'feet' melted off, so with no means of air flow, I have a crude device set up to prop my laptop, tilted so air can flow freely with the help of the fan. However, Out of the 12 months that I've had it, 1 month ago was the first time I used compressed air to cleaned it out. A small/fair amount of dust came out, but it took a whole 5 seconds to finish cleaning it out totally. I was shocked, so I tried every small hole that could harbor dust, but I just ended up wasting alot of compressed air on nothing. :P I guess constant flowing air helps keep dust out a bit, ^_^

In any event, I was hoping that Dell had fixed this 'flaw' in their more recent 5150s, seeing as how most people who complain about it bought theirs back in '03. I am really hoping they fixed it so that I didn't waste 3000$ on a laptop that has a good chance of dying at anytime. Can anyone tell me if they did fix it, or at least some sort of way to save it before its too late. =(
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Sep 8 2005 12:08 PM
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Sep 9 2005 8:21 AM
I also have a problem with my laptop (dell inspiron 5150). The screen only shows the bottom line of the pixel's matrix, but is multiplied all the screen (from bottom to up). It seems that only the first pixel line (bottm) arrives to monitor and it's multiplicated to whole screen.

I conected an external monitor and it's working very good. So, I think it's not a video card fault. It may be, under my opinion, a cipset/data cable cord problem.

Have you ever encountered this kind of problem? If yes, did you fixed it? How?

Any advice will be appreciated - realwahl at yahoo dot com

Thanks in advance,
Lucian
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Sep 11 2005 3:56 PM
WELL ONE MORE TO THE FREAKING LIST, MINE PACKED UP IN 12 MONTHS 13 DAYS day before, AND WARRENTY HAD EXPIRED. Trying to sell it in the market in as in where is condition getting $200. Bought it for $1600. Hahahaha, well dont even know should i laugh or should i be angry, welll will file in the BBB and wait for what dell has to say, in the meanwhile, i think i am going to stick to IBM's going forward.... Hmpphh!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Oct 8 2005 2:19 PM
I'm rather grateful I bought the warranty with my 5150. It's been worth every penny(the warranty not the machine), I even upgraded to in home service due to the frequency of repairs. I've gone though 7 motherboards, 2 video cards, and 2 power adaptors since June of '03. Can anyone beat those numbers?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Oct 18 2005 4:29 PM
another one bites the dust. My daughters motherboard went also.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Oct 19 2005 6:58 AM
My motherboard went, I sent it to dell (I was still under my 4 year accidental waranty thing) and they sent me a new one. Honestly, it runs a heck of a lot faster than it did before...
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Oct 19 2005 12:14 PM
SO WHERE ARE YOU GO TO FILE A SUIT AGAINST DELL FOR THE INSPIRON 5150
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Oct 19 2005 1:56 PM
I CAN GET IT FIX FOR $200 ,1 DAY TURNING AROUND!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Oct 26 2005 7:42 PM
I have the same issue with the power adapter: A few weeks ago the cord started becoming loose, it would fall out and switch to battery mode. Ok, no problem, stick it back in. Then it would not fall out but it would kinda half register and the computer would switch between on ac and on battery power, thus making the screen flash. Then tonight it just stopped recognising the power cord so now it is basicly a hunk of metal and plastic. I'm dreading my call to dell. I hope I'm still under warranty.

This is my third problem with the 5150, first my sound card mysteruously broke, one minute I had sound, then I didn't. I think it overheated. They had a guy come out and replace it for me.

Then a few months later my cd drive broke (The middle spindle came off and it wouldn't read cds.) and I had to have them send me a new one. Why the crap don't they include instructions for installing the cd drive with the cd drive. I took off the whole damn case before I found out that all you had to do was pull a dmn lever and it poped out.

Who's for marching down to (h)ell HQ and slaughtering their laptop designers?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Oct 26 2005 7:50 PM
Wait, false alarm, after two and a half hours it started working agian. Should I still call dell just in case it stops working for good?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Nov 7 2005 4:22 PM
see website thisisbroken.com and search on Dell
also see
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_power&message.id=36897
If you are under warrenty - DON'T LET IT LAPSE, and yes call Dell now. This is just the beginning of you problems, don't play for a new adapter - this is probably a faulty adapter jack. See all the posts at the sites above. Good Luck
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, Nov 28 2005 2:04 PM
anybody have any better or more pictures of the board and where to look?
need more indepth instructions
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Dec 3 2005 10:35 AM
in holland we all get it fixed for free !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Dec 4 2005 3:28 PM
Just to add in - I'm so glad i found that im not the only with this problem. From the first day i got this computer I've had to send it in more than 5 times!

I've had two motherboards crash - a faulty cdr/dvdrw, two hardrives have gone(and have been replaced by a model that juts out of my laptop's casing), a messed up faulty adapter that never would work properly, and i once had to send the system in just because the laptop would randomly shut off.

On top of this - all the rubber feet have pretty much melted away because this machine heats up so much.

Anyways, once again the power adapter isn't 'working' - I guess you guys are saying that it must be a faulty power outlet in the back of the comp?

And - is Dell doing anything about all these complaints?

From what i'm reading - i'm guessing that my latest replacement adapter
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Dec 22 2005 1:55 PM
I had the same problem and their manager says that if there was such a defect they would have recalled it by now.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Dec 29 2005 8:05 PM
Ive been having the AC adapter issue so far. It jumps from battery power to ac power and sometimes doesnt even recognize the AC adapter. When i called (when it was still under warranty) they replaced the motherboard and the ac adapter...which worked ok until about 2 weeks after the warranty went out (go figure). When I called back again they tried telling me it wasnt the same problem that I was reporting "2 different problems"; even though I clearly said 800 times that it was the same problem and they hadnt fixed anything. I thought it was just an isolated case, but I've been doing the research around and have found out that it is pretty wide spread and in a lot of cases worse for the 5150s. I've been putting in complaints and questions everywhere and anywhere..hopefully something will pop up. Its obviously a heating problem because these days my cooling fan goes off about every 5 seconds. Dell really needs to get on this problem, its sad that they are denying and even blaming customers for their problems. email me with any info/comments/questions: alenus40@gmail.com
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Jan 3 2006 5:37 AM
I too had a Dell Inspiron 5150. Luckily for me, when the problems started I had the good fortune to check this site and others...

I ran out and bought a Toshiba, about 3-4 days before the Dell died for good and cannot be restarted, unless, of course, I replace the motherboard for $800+. A new Toshiba for $1200 seemed liked a better buy to me, especially as the new motherboard is no guarantee of a complete repair, from what I've read.

I'm open to joining in a class action lawsuit, if one is taken up.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Wed, Jan 25 2006 10:56 AM
I have the same problem with the 5150.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Jan 26 2006 11:09 PM
Had the machine for 13 months, the motherboard just went bad tonight.. conveniently 1 month out of warranty. I also had problems with the AC adapter on it not working properly. I can't believe there's not a class action lawsuit against Dell on this.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Feb 4 2006 10:20 PM
I am a Dell Solution Provider. In other words, a Dell Reseller, but I'm not allowed to say that.

Dell has done a wonderful job at upsetting most of my clients who depended on Dell to provide to them quality products and service. In nearly every case, they failed to provider quality service and in many cases they fail to provide a working product out of the box. Here are a few of their blunders.

1. Customer received incorrect PC and was then charged for it. We checked, they goofed. In fact, someone (or some computer) canceled the order and sent my client what "they" wanted.

2. Customer received a new PC, dead on arrival (DOA).

3. Customer purchased PC and was then sold a second drive to do a mirror. Didn't bother to tell the new PC owner that doing a mirror would erase all the data on the original drive.

4. Received a Refurbished PC. It was cleaned on the outside and on the board and cards. Took the front plate off and found more dust bunnies than I could gather in my entire house.

5. Purchased a Pentium 4 PC and received a Celeron.

6. Customer PC issue was misdiagnosed as a Hard Drive issue (problem was video). The client received a HD with Windows Home (she had Windows XP Pro) and a bad memory module. I had to force escalation to get the proper HD, new memory that worked and the video card.

Should I go on? I have so many cases I can tell you about. Oh how I would love for an Attorney to contact me about this mess...

Michael, you'd better do something about your company soon before the legal sharks kill it. Or have the Board of Directors stripped you of your dream? Somehow I can't picture you being behind this mess. Is this what you want? Is this what you intended Dell to be? Have you called "Basic" technical support? You should try it so you too can feel the shame and disgust that I experience
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Feb 11 2006 6:37 PM
CAN ANYONE SAY......CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT?????????????
I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, HAD THE COMPUTER 14 MONTHS, AT MONTH 13 THE MOTHEBOARD WENT OUT, I STILL OWE A BUTT LOAD OF MONEY ON THIS AND THEY WANT 500 TO FIX IT.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Thu, Feb 16 2006 1:20 AM
I fixed my 5150 yesterday myself. I had it apart, soldered and back together in less than 2 hours and it now works. If the motherboard is not cracked you can resolder the power port back on and reinforce it so it does not happen again. Cost me $10 for a soldering iron.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Feb 21 2006 12:39 PM
Aqstech.com fixed my ac adapter problem for under $200. and in less than a week. I only found their business by reading this message board. Real happy with their service
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Feb 28 2006 7:05 AM
I purchased my 5150 in August of '04. Up until Sept. of '05, it was fine. As soon as my warranty expires, trouble begins. The problem was with my screen. The screen just all of a sudden went dark, really dark. It was only visible if you really focused on the screen in certain lighting. Everything else was fine, the system booted properly, windows runs properly, I just couldn't see the screen. I called the help desk and we didn't manage to fix the problem. I then removed the connection from the video card to the lcd, booted, shut down properly, and reinstalled the card. It worked fine after that. Then just a few weeks ago, it happened again. And I've trouble shot the hell out of it and can't get it to work. Any one got any ideas? Thank you
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Mar 7 2006 6:04 AM
Just bought a new battery from Dell. 152 bucks. only to find out it's the freakin mother board. I emailed this cory guy lets see if he is for real. I searched dell at the BBB over 13 thousand complaints filed. it kills me to have been ripped off. why did they recall the motherboard?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Mar 10 2006 9:43 AM
Hello all,

I purchased this POS laptop in August 2004. Here are the repairs that have occurred since then:

* Motherboard (Replaced - 3 times)
* Memory Module Bay (Replaced - 2 times)
* Power Supply (Replaced - 2 times)
* Power Cord (Replaced - 2 times)
* Optical DVD Drive (Replaced - 2 times)

Now I can't boot the computer reliable. After I got the Motherboard replaced (most recently two weeks ago), I had to reformat and reinstall the OS due to applications hanging and crashing. Now after the Dell screen, it goes to a black screen, have to hard boot, press F12, and select Internal HDD to get it to boot.

I tried fixing the MBR (FIXMBR) and Boot Partitions (FIXBOOT C:), nothing...didn't do a damn thing.

I ran diagnostic program (through F12 menu) and it hangs on Memory test, which leads me to believe that now I have a Memory problem YET again!

This is the most POS laptop ever manufactured. From what I've read, the whole Inspiron line except for recent Inspiron/XPS are nothing but glorified paper weights!

Shame on you, DELL! DELL SMELLS! DELL SMELLS!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Tue, Mar 14 2006 6:32 PM
Hi all

I have a Dell 5150 and have been able to fix it.

It seems that the memory card cover has a tab that presses against the MB. Over time it causes micro-fractures on the solderjoints of a chop.

Fortunately being a tech I was able to resolder the legs and cut the tabs off the cover.

It's a know but according to Dell - un-regognised problem.

My 5150 has been running for 6 months now with no recurrent issues

Take Care

Dave
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Broken
on Thu, Mar 16 2006 12:52 AM
Add another to the list. I bought a refurbished model, and noticed the heat issue early on. So - I bought a lapcool (recommend it for anyone with a laptop) and my laptop lasted for 16 months and now when I power it on, it simply blinks orange. No bios screen on lcd and no external video either. Naturally, I had a 1 year warranty. (Sigh) I guess I'll contact Cory Fein.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Mar 17 2006 1:15 PM
Threatened dell with county court under the sale of goods act for selling goods not fit for purpose. My 20 month old inspiron fixed free of charge in 48 hours.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Mar 19 2006 12:30 PM
Add ANOTHER one to list.

TWO MB replacements in 1 year. And a Palm Rest.
Also had the Mem cover tab problem
NOW 1 week after new MB the CD does not work.
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sun, Mar 19 2006 12:33 PM
I had the "pressure on the left side of Palm Rest" problem too.

They are JUNK!!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Sat, Mar 25 2006 4:08 AM
Seems like solution might be nearer!
In a dutch consumer television program broadcasted in december 2005 this issue with this 5150 came up.
Many people were in the studio with the same program. In this program an expert explained what the problem was, it is a constructiot fault which is indeed in lid c on the back of the laptop. When you open the link you can watch the program, also if you do not understand any dutch, you can see what the problem is.

After a lot of trouble with dell, it seemed like they recognize the problem. All dutch costumers can call to +31 20 6745401. Then dell will fix the problem. I didn't phone yet, I was so exited about this discovery that I didn't want to wait till monday to tell you about this.

They also said that dell cannot really hide behind a finished garantee (at least according to dutch law). Dell sold a laptop with a construction fault from the beginning, also after the garantee is finished they still sold something which they never shoulds have sold in the first place. The fact that dells is the manufacturer AND the seller makes it more easy, the one cannot hide behind the other....

Also thanks to all the people who wrote here before. Because of this it was more clear to the people who made the program that something was really wrong with this type of laptop.

Maybe it would be good if all of you also write to your national consumers tv program and show them this item. Maybe they want to work on it too.

The link is:
http://kassa.vara.nl/portal?_scr=kassa_artikel&number=2017734

Good luck!
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Fri, Apr 14 2006 2:46 PM
I have 2 bad 5150 notebooks, Dell should responsible for the faulty design, but it seems hopeless to hold them for this problem ?
mtaulty wrote re: Dell Inspiron 5150 Fixed!
on Mon, May 1 2006 3:18 PM
I've had my Inspiron 5150 for nearly 2 years. I had no idea there was a design flaw until it exhibited the sudden shutdown syndrome recently. The laptop had been in the trunk of the car in its bag & fitted snugly between other luggage, apparently too snugly. I emailed Dell but surprise surprise got no reply.

This weblog was invaluable in enabling me to figure out what was happenng. After only 20+ hours working on the problem I appear to have fixed it (yahoo!) by resoldering the pins on the wee IC that one of the C-cover tabs has been touching whenever that part of the computer is squeezed. Resoldering was a big deal because it is extremely fine work. I also removed the tabs on the C-cover. This is a design flaw that just should not be there - shame on you Dell for not being big enough to admit that you have stuffed up. Thank you Mike Taulty for an excellent web log.
Quick Book WebLog » Blog Archive » College of Education: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas wrote Quick Book WebLog &raquo; Blog Archive &raquo; College of Education: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
on Thu, Jul 26 2007 7:59 PM
???????????? ????????????????????. ???????????????? ??Butterfly?? ????????????????, ????????????, ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????? wrote ???????????? ????????????????????. ???????????????? ??Butterfly?? ????????????????, ????????????, ???????????????? ???????????? ????????????
on Mon, May 25 2009 8:03 AM
(C) Mike Taulty, 2010. All rights reserved. The information in this weblog is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. This weblog does not represent the thoughts, intentions, plans or strategies of my employer. It is solely my opinion. Inappropriate comments will be deleted at the authors discretion. All code samples are provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose.
Powered by Community Server (Non-Commercial Edition), by Telligent Systems
bliss:andrewbelon.com