Urgent Help

thesecretforme

My Dell Inspiron 1501 will not turn on at all. I have it connected to the battery and the battery is on, but nothing is happening. Is the motherboard completely blown? I am bringing it somewhere to get it looked at....

Effluo

Try taking out the battery and then turn it on...

On most laptops you can run them straight from the powersupply...

Also check if the little green light is on on the little box on your cable.

If it's not then try changing the plug. You'll prob have another one around somewhere...

thesecretforme

I took it to PC World, they tell me the motherboard is bust and that it is 300 euro to repair.

I guess there is no other way around this is there?

kuban-83

If it's really the motherboard, then the cheaper way would be if you buy on you own the motherboard:

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=Dell+Inspiron+1501+motherboard&_sacat=See-All-Categories

and replace it.

thesecretforme

Do you think I would be able to install it myself?

kuban-83

I think yes. I couldn't find any movies on youtube for that laptop, but there are some about different models. You can try it.

2'th would be if you ask PC World or someone you know how much they will take for a replace only.

BTW: check the solution from Effluo. I hope that the guys in Pc world checked it correct.

RoadKillTs

Do you think I would be able to install it myself?

I wouldn't really recommend changing the motherboard yourself. I think you would be better off getting a professional to do it.

the_syco

How old is the Dell? I'd be surprised if PC World could tell it was the motherboard without taking it apart and testing it... unless the "€300" is the starting price for these things? I remember seeing a thread in COnsumer Issues about someone who started with teh €300 charge, then another charge, then... seems PC World just kept randomly replacing parts. Unless they know for certain it was the motherboard, it sounds like a "replace and hope for the best" solution. In other words trial and error at your expense.

Try removing the battery and the power lead, and press the power/on button on the laptop 3 or 4 times. Then insert only the power lead (leave the battery out), and see does it switch on. If it does, wait until it boots into Windows, before plugging the battery in, and leave it to charge for an huor before using it.

DevilsBreath

Take RoadKillTs advise. If you havn't replaced a notebook MB don't do it, there are to may mistakes that can be made.

That perticular system is not the easyiest to replace the MB on.

What i would sugest is try removing the RAM, HDD, CDD, Bat and connecting the Power supply and see if you get memory beeps. I wouldn't trust PCworld's diags.

ttm

This might be a similar problem to that I have seen in many of the Dell D series a few years back. The power button was mounted in such a way that when it is pressed it puts pressure on components on the motherboard and heavy handed users managed to dislodge the socket that power button daughter board was conneted to. For most users the only repair was a new mother board, but for anyone handy with a soldering iron they were easy to fix.

If you can find someone with a docking station for your laptop (if Dell made one for it I don't know) then if its the type of switch issue I'm on about it will start fine in the docking station as the docking station has its own separate switch circuit.

Also if your batteries flat check its not a damaged power socket, either borrow a charged battery or get someone with a Dell Inspiron 1501 to charge your battery.

btw I wouldn't believe a word anyone at PC World told me

ttm

OP if you don't already have then download the owners manual here and the the service manual here

Then take a look at page 97 of the owners manual and remove the hinge cover that has the switch button on it. Once you have done that plug it all in and try pressing the very small power switch with your finger and gently wobble the board its connected to. If the unit eventually comes on let us know and I'll tell you what needs doing next (you need to find someone to do some soldering).

The service manual will show you how to replace the motherboard and let you know if its within your capabilities. More than anything its fiddly job that needs attention to detain and tbh the 1501 was never a great laptop and not really worth fixing , I doubt a working one would fetch 200 euro in an open auction on eBay.

Hank Scorpio

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