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unexpected shut down on Smart PC 250N
Recently purchased a Smartpc 250N, and has started to
unexpectedly shut down.When problem occurs
Problem occurs in AC or battery mode. It also appears to occur more frequently when using applications which use more of the systems memory and CPU such as games, which cause system to
overheat . Although has occurred when I tried to scan the system for viruses using Norton Antivirus 2002 and also shut off when using word processor.What I've done to resolve problem
I have checked disc for errors and viruses but none found. I have followed Dells advise and updated BIOS, but no change. I have unchecked the relevant boxes in start up and recovery screen on Win XP but this was of no help. I have also used Dell Diagnostics to find errors but system passed all tests,
including fan.A temporary remedy that I've learnt is that, by placing system on stand-by and then off stand-by after windows fully starts and opens on desktop screen, then the fan cools the system down as normal and sytem does not unexpectedly shut down, or has not done so yet!
What next?
I've contacted Dell again, and their next solution is to format the whole hard drive and reinstall Windows. This is somewhat Barbaric so they have told me to back up all my data, and they will go through the process with me tomorrow. Will keep you posted of any improvements.
Can you offer any advice?
It has only been just over 2 weeks since I received the system so it is within their 30 day return policy. do you think it is wise to accept the 15% defeat on the purchase price and return the system for a refund?, because this seems to be a common and recurring problem with this model and Dell do not seem to be able to help much. Or do you think I should soldier on and hope that Dell finds a solution soon, and may be these are just isolated cases. Anyhow keep in mind I'm a student who had to work very hard to earn the money to purchase this laptop.
If this is a common problem with all laptops of this model, do you not think that Dell, with its great reputation would fix the problem before the problem is known to watchdog agencies or other media.
Anyway I will keep you updated on any solutions or decisions I make and please offer your advice.
- I'm curious to know if you have resolved your problem as my smart PC 250N has started doing the same thing exactly. Was it ever attributed to a hardware problem? Perhaps upgrading the fans would help? If as it seems there is something endemic to the particular model make, Dell should do something definitive about it.
Never_Grew_up
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Posted February 1st, 2003 18:00
I expect there are many happy owner of SmartStep 200N and 250N models, but it seems that the owners that have problems with theirs never seem to get the problem resolved. I haven't seen anyone report as final solution yet.Chris27183
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Posted February 2nd, 2003 18:00
winxpChris27183
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Posted February 2nd, 2003 18:00
au contraire, I seem to have gotten mine resolved. Had dell send an entirely different, new smartstep 250n.... hasn't shut down yet (almost 3 weeks). I also made a point not to change/update/modify any drivers from the base win2k home install. I guess a combination of the new system and keeping the original drivers has solved the problem... I know that isn't much of an answer, but it does seem that the problem is not every smartstep.- Same is the problem with my SmartPC250N, The problem is still there and the solutions dell recommends are totally non-sense. It seems that people sitting at dell are really sleeping. One person asked me to change the power management settings in the BIOS, but he didn't know that there are no such settings in SmartPC / SmartStep BIOS. and the latest recommendation is to remove all the games from the computer because this computer is not capable of playing any games that require some power, means to say 3d Games. But this system is not even able to play any games. I installed plus for windows XP and it cannot even play the games bundled with plus now these are not 3D games. I tried to install windows again and it did the same halfway during installation and its was i think 6th attempt that i was able to run the installation of windows smoothly.Anyhow return this system and buy another. I will recommend Inspiration 8200 or any with Mobile Processor.
Nicko_Brennan
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Posted February 19th, 2003 20:00
Please see my new posting about the lack of a resolution on the SmartPC shutdown issue.
jenbob13bob
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Posted November 12th, 2004 10:00
All smart pc 250n's and smartsteps all have the same overheating and shut down problem - there is NO solution all the suggested methods only lead back to the same shutdown problems eventually. This is because they are lemons - the overheating is caused by the use of a desk top processor in a mobile environment with insufficient space and fan for cooling. Dell will NEVER admit this design fault. All the laptops are ticking time bombs and I was fed line after line by dell all nonsense. I went to my credit card company and made a claim under section 75 of the credit agreement act and eventually got all my money back surprise surprise I will not be spending it with dell. If you want the solution to the problem fight for your money back because getting rid of the laptop is the only solution. Do u really think you should have to pay approx £1300 for a laptop that doesn't work as advertised and that you have to modify to get any kind of use from? e-mail me at mokeymoomoo@hotmail.com if you would like further help with making a claim. We should all be fighting to get some justice on these machines!jenbob13bob
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Posted November 12th, 2004 10:00
All smart pc 250n's and smartsteps all have the same overheating and shut down problem - there is NO solution all the suggested methods only lead back to the same shutdown problems eventually. This is because they are lemons - the overheating is caused by the use of a desk top processor in a mobile environment with insufficient space and fan for cooling. Dell will NEVER admit this design fault. All the laptops are ticking time bombs and I was fed line after line by dell all nonsense. I went to my credit card company and made a claim under section 75 of the credit agreement act and eventually got all my money back surprise surprise I will not be spending it with dell. If you want the solution to the problem fight for your money back because getting rid of the laptop is the only solution. Do u really think you should have to pay approx £1300 for a laptop that doesn't work as advertised and that you have to modify to get any kind of use from? e-mail me at mokeymoomoo@hotmail.com if you would like further help with making a claim. We should all be fighting to get some justice on these machines!
Tech322011
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Posted January 6th, 2003 22:00