computer problems, what kind of notebook do you suggest/have Options

[DSToyo]

alright, as the title says my computer is screwed up
-to start off, i have a dell inspiron 1150 (not the best in the world) and it keeps shutting down on me. i can rarely get it to turn on (it was just working fine a couple days ago) and in order to turn it on (most of the time) the cd/dvd drive has to be open, and even then after it does boot up, if i eversomuch as touch it it will automaticaly shut of on me, i have tried many things and i can't seem to figure it out.
-i was told the problem could be the motherboard and that would cost me more than the computer is worth.
-i know that i will probably need another computer, but i just wanted to know if there is anything i could do to maybe try to fix this problem.
-this did, like i said just happen all of a sudden, i dunno why, or if this is common.
-any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreaciated, for i am not very computer savy.

This post has been edited by DSToyo: Jan 23, 2007 - 2:52 PM

[99GTauto]

Does it tend to stay on longer if it's been cold for a longer amount of time?
I've fixed a few Dells (and only Dells) that have had the heatsink plate unlatch from their CPU cause quick overheat/shutdowns.
If it's not overheating I don't really know, and I can't account for why it would work better with the optical drive open.

[tomazws]

Like 99GTauto said, random shut down is usually overheating. Also, a faulty power supply might also cause random shut down. Though, you mentioned when you "touch" the computer, it'll turn off?!?!? O_o; Would that be grounding problem? Too much static built up? You also mentioned that when you open the optical drive, your computer will run fine... hmmm I guess try unhook the IDE cable to the optical drive and see if it'll run ok on u?

[vsideboy]

maybe having the tray open lets some additional heat out of the main unit, allowing it to stay on for longer?

I think by touching it they mean using the keyboard, not actually touching the unit anywhere on the casing.

[giang723]

also check the capacitors on the motherboard, some might need replacing, also u should check ur graphics card and power supply, some might be crap and knack itself after a while, but yeahh i reckon it might be capacitors or power supply, anywyz hope it help

[DSToyo]

ok, i don't think its overheating at all, because i cant even get it to turn on, only like 10% of the time it will turn on and even then it usually just shuts off within a minute of being on. So it hasn't even had a chance to heat up. Unfortunatly i think might be time to go get a new comp.
any more suggestions??

*having the drive open just seemed to help try to turn it on but is probably just coincidence

This post has been edited by DSToyo: Jan 18, 2007 - 12:40 PM

[DSToyo]

also check the capacitors on the motherboard, some might need replacing, also u should check ur graphics card and power supply, some might be crap and knack itself after a while, but yeahh i reckon it might be capacitors or power supply, anywyz hope it help

im pretty sure is not the power supply the power supply has always been working great, ive tried taking out the battery and running it directly of the cord but that didn't do anything.

i have no idea what the capacitors are, cost, or how to even replace them

[tomazws]

oh so it's a notebook...

Is it still under warranty?

[DSToyo]

nah not under warranty

This post has been edited by DSToyo: Jan 18, 2007 - 1:55 PM

[95CelicaST]

What is the boot order in the BIOS? The tray might need to be open because it is trying to boot to a CD that isn't there. Computers SHOULD see that there isn't a disc and move on in the boot order.

Shutting off on its own seems like a bad power supply or a motherboard.

[LewFX]

you got a new paper weight, dell computers last 1-2 years before they break down, amazingly just after a warranty ends. ive worked on all types of brands. try taking out a memory chip first. if that dont work and if you really want to save it, take it somewhere.

[DSToyo]

-well i don't want to spend any more money on it, it isn't really worth it, i had someone else also tell me it was probabaly the motherboard, i just wanted to see if it could be something else or if i could somehow fix it another way without spending too much money.
-anyway, what kinds of computers (notebooks) do you use or suggest in the $1000 range, i guess i will have to be looking for a new one now.
thanks for the feedback

[JonCars17]

this is the model below the one I bought a couple of month back.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16834115250

So far it is a nice computer.

[DSToyo]

anyone?...suggestions

[Hanyo]

my sugestion is to remove everything possible.

Take OUT the cd drive. The entire module not just pop out the tray.

And remove all the ram modules.

Doing this will help you trouble shoot the problem. Eleminate anything else that can influence the the system.

From the sounds of it, its something bios/hardware related. Its not even booting up.

Another problems would be as simple as the power button. It could be stuck. So when you press it once its stays press and turns off the the system instantly.

[giang723]

also check the capacitors on the motherboard, some might need replacing, also u should check ur graphics card and power supply, some might be crap and knack itself after a while, but yeahh i reckon it might be capacitors or power supply, anywyz hope it help

im pretty sure is not the power supply the power supply has always been working great, ive tried taking out the battery and running it directly of the cord but that didn't do anything.

i have no idea what the capacitors are, cost, or how to even replace them

oh sorry i thought u were talking about the normal desktops, but from the sounds of it, probably the motherboard, yeah it's kinda expensive to fix so just get another one IMO, Dell is cheap but sometimes aint that good in quality, hey on the up side, at least ur comp didn't explode b4 ur eyes like the one below lol

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=32550

[soulshadow]

Replace power supply.

[DSToyo]

im pretty sure that my power supply is good because when i hit the power button the power light goes on. the light usually blinks on and off and nothing happens, but occasionally the light will go on and the fan will also go on but nothing else will happen.
-that ever happen to anyone else before?

[jess_i_74]

Could be motherboard then. The power switch sends a signal to the motherboard to turn on, it's not a physical switch. If mobo is borked, then it could get part of the way there but not all.

Though it could be PS too.

[spunky393]

I may get flammed, but i love my toshiba.