Dell Studio 15 1558 Thread

Agreed. If it aint broke, etc.

Good to see Dell haven't forgotten about the 1558 tho.

 

That's the only issue listed in the release notes. That doesn't mean that other things weren't changed (either for the better or worse) while they were making the Lojack change.

I normally run the latest code (after making sure I can downgrade if necessary). One of the first things that many tech support lines want to know is if you're running the latest everything, and if not, to try that.

Cisco elevated this to a high art some years ago - the answer to just about anything was "Upgrade to the latest IOS and re-open the call if it still doesn't work". By the time you called back, you'd get a different operator, letting the first one out of having to deal with you. There's a bunch of architectural limitations in there that will never get fixed in Cisco IOS "classic", like deleted sub-interfaces reappearing at odd times. These days, deleting such a sub-interface prints a warning to that effect. The interim build I got that "fixed" this (many years ago) printed something like "Matter can neither be created nor destroyed... and neither can this sub-interface".

 

I just flashed latest BIOS for my notebook. Currently testing the eSATA port again. I'm expecting BSOD any minute now.

EDIT: Yeah, it does BSOD.

 

May I ask what kind of eSATA device you would disconnect while computer is running?

 

I'd just like to remind you, that esata, although modern and fancy, is NOT to be expected to be just as hot-swappable as USB or firewire.
If you have to unplug an eSATA for any reason during a session, please take the time to turn off the computer. -It will make harddrives (that are being disconnected) park themselves in a controllable fashion, with much less risk of data corruption).

 

External harddisk. Studio notebook has eSATA port which support hot-plugging. The external harddisk can be safely ejected just like standard USB & firewire external harddisk.

 

For more information regarding eSATA capability, you might want to read What is eSATA?

 

Yes, I know eSATA, and quoting a part of what your link says; "Unlike USB and FireWire interfaces, eSATA does not have to translate data between the interface and the computer. This enhances data transfer speeds, while saving computer processor resources and eliminating the need for an extra off-load chip.

This little detail makes it possible that something goes wrong during the process, for instance during the end-process, to call it that.
data is being transferred directly, and memory does not get a 'confirming handshake' that the current 'datatransfer process' is over.
If the HDD has been removed, the OS (in lack of deeper technical terms of what actually happens) trying to write/read more data to/from the now 'disappeared' drive, might give you a bsod, because the OS can't figured out what just happened.

Are you by any chance having pagefiling, virusscanning, anything assigned to that drive when attached?
It is as a previous poster said; Propably something with the OS.
Make sure that no program or OS is trying to use the drive.
It can very well be a powermanagement issue, where powermanager tries to make the drive sleep if it is not in use for a certain time.

 

Are you saying, even though I safely ejected it, the OS can't figured out what happen to the external disk? Just like USB drive, I can safely ejected the external disk by clicking the drive at "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media".

You also can refer to Dell™ Technology Guide manual. The manual can be access from Dell Studio 1557/1558 manual page. Quoting from the manual:-

 

No, I didn't have or set any of that to any of the external drive.

 

Well, if there are no background services/processes running ala fileindexing, powermanagementchedulingstuff, autoupdatestuff and with trashbin and thumbnail-pictures for foldercontent, and pagefiling and virusscan disabled, then I'll be a little bit short on ideas. How Myco$oft handles adressing the memory/identifies hardware/executes datastreams is a little bit beyond me.

I will have to take a look at the specs of the computer.
(on my way home from work now, no time to check atm, sorry...)

 

kizwan have you modded the A12 yet


Does the eSata thing only happen with the latest intel driver or is it with all of them?Maybe try Dell version?
How about the esata makers driver?

If its a mainstream setup try going to Station-Drivers: le site de drivers, bios, firmwares avec un forum d'aide

I dont know how but they get the latest drivers there.Its where I got the driver for my usb 3.0 adapter.

 

Yes, I has. You can find it here.

I tried two version of Intel Rapid Storage Technology from Intel (ver 9.x & 10) & one from Dell, but BSOD still happening. I even tried both "Removal Policy" settings; Quick removal & Better performance. FYI, I use the Safely Remove Hardware notification icon to disconnect the device safely. The only way to prevent BSOD from happening is by rebooting the notebook after disconnecting the eSATA drive, which is not convenient. Another workaround is reattaching the same or another eSATA drive. Beside the BSOD, the eSATA's hot pluggable function does works & so far none of the files transferred has lost or corrupted. Even BIOS by default set eSATA port with hotplug function enabled (you won't be able to change this setting without special procedure, e.g. BIOS mod or NVRAM hacking). Again this is mobile computer. So, if I can't unplugged eSATA drive without BSOD a couple of minutes later, what is the point of hot pluggable function at all? (sorry, I rant a little bit. )

 

Thanks for the mod kiz

Does the esata drive have a driver or does Windows load it?

 

Windows has "built-in" driver for it.

 

What brand/model is this eSata drive?

 

If it was updated or changed it should be in the release notes, otherwise that is just bad communication and version control.

 

Nothing in the forums of the producer of the external drive?
Some sort of firmware update?

 

what does the modded bios do or have over the stock bios ?

also anyone noticed after installing the lastest ati drivers there machine becomes slow and slugish ?

 

kizwan and me were on another forum trying to figure out the BSOD issue. I have an E-Z dock and pop in a 1TB Hitachi OEM drive. I have it turned on in the BIOS and like kizwan after I choose to remove it I wait for the it's no safe to remove message.

I did a lot of research on this and I suspect a Windows 7 issue. But since I can't get exact info on the eSATA port, I can't rule Dell out.

 

Okay, Is the drive(s) clean, or are you using some sort of software bundled with the drive(s). Such as a program automagically makes backups etc/et al, equally automagically? I had an external (usb/firewire) drive of which the name has been forgotten. The producer bundled a software of said functions in the best intentions, buuut... ...randomly fixing/tweaking my OS didn't make said software more trustworthy.
Just saying/inquiring, -just curious to find out of these things my self.

Propably needless to ask, but you have chaecked that there is no iffy process/service running in the background, related to that drive?

 

It was a brand new, clean drive. I mentioned it was OEM, so just a bare drive. Split it into two partitions. No particular services running either. This was after a clean, custom install of x64 7 Pro. The only thing I did was turn on eSATA in the BIOS. I had it turned off before as I didn't have that drive.

It's just wonky. My research showed it happened on various brands of laptops, desktops and the common denominator was MS.

Here's the dock: http://www.kingwin.com/products/cate/docking_stations/ezd_2535.asp It does have a back up feature for XP and the software has to downloaded separately.

I have the 1TB. Here's the drive: http://www.hitachigst.com/internal-drives/desktop/deskstar/deskstar-7k1000c

 

Hi everyone, i have a studio 15 and i'd like to know one thing about the wireless card...
I have an Intel 5100 wireless card in my laptop and every time i turn on it there is a gap of 15-20 seconds before my wireless connection is active.

From the moment i can see my desktop wallpaper (after login) i have to wait this 20 seconds before i can use my wireless connection, is this normal?

I tried both with windows and linux and the result is the same.

 

I just ordered a Dell Studio 15 1558 from Dell Outlet. I have a few questions:
1) Can I set it in motherboard options to boot up from a USB Thumb drive.

2) I want to wipe off the hard drive completely(I'm a linux guy). So I want the first partition to be 100 gigs for Windows 7, the rest for various Linux distros. I see that my order comes with a Windows 7 DVD OS disk. Will I be able to reinstall Windows 7 with this disk and choose the hard drive size partition? Or is this basically a image disk where I can only restore the whole partition?

 

1> Yes - I do this on occasion
2> I did the same thing; wiped drive, repartitioned, installed win7 and linux. I HAD to request an actual Win 7 dvd. The disks that came with the laptop would not load a full win7 (though there may be a way without the dvd....not sure). If you do not get the win7 dvd and need to request it, go this link and fill it out (or call them):
Dell - Support

 

I just done a clean install with windows 7. Every things working fine but I don't know how to play my dvd Its the first time I tried playing a dvd with my dell 1558 but it won't play.... any idea's?

 

Download Media Player Classic Home Cinema, Free Video Player Download

 

I already have media player classic to play my hd movies which I download. I can't seem to play my dvd's

 

It wont play a DVD through MPC-HC?

 

Did you try installing the firmware from the drivers & downloads page on Dell's site? Fixes and Enhancements: Fixes auto-run issue when media is inserted.

Just double check in Device Manager that you have the TSSTcorp DVD listed.

Firmware for TSST TS-T633C 12.7mm Slotload 8x DVDRW

 

Nice one m8.... I just needed to update the firmware as in device manager it had an old version from 2006... The laptop is quieter when booting up. NO RATTLING! from the disk drive. Thanks man.

 

I just noticed there is a new bios - A12 is this worth installing?...

 

Glad it's working.

I am running A12. BIOS updates usually include features & fixes. Just make sure your AC power is plugged in when you run it. Also, it's a little startling as the fan really revs up loudly while it updates.

And just so you know, I'm female.

Thanks for the rep.

 

Does anyone know if the 1558 supports Sata III? I've now got the money together to buy an SSD and don't fancy spending an extra £75 on a Crucial C300 for the Sata III speeds, if it will only run at Sata II speeds.

Thanks in advance.

 

Its only SATA 2

 

Thanks for that

 

I'm considering upgrading to a 4GB stick of RAM for 6GB total. According to Dell, I can mix one 2GB stick with a 4GB stick for now. Has anyone done this?

 

I havnt personally but I dont think you will have a problem with it.Others have done this without issue.

 

I've just installed an OCZ Vertex 2E 240gb and so far it seems fantastic. Windows 7 installed in not far over 5 minutes and boot up is about 10 seconds (without login). I ran CrystalDiskMark and the results were:



As this is my first SSD, I have no idea if they are good or bad for the specs of the SSD.

The laptop itself is a hell of a lot cooler than it used to be. The touchpad used to get so hot it was unusable, but now it doesn't get warm at all

 

I ordered a Dell Studio 15 1558 from the outlet store. It was advertised with 720p LED. But in my invoice slip it shows:

1 747H7 Module,Liquid Crystal Display,15.6 High Definition,UMA,LG Philips LCD,Hanks

Did I get ripped off? Is this not a LED monitor?

 

My Dell Studio 1558 WEI Score








Dell Studio 1558 (black Chainlink) I5-540M,8gb DDR3, ATI5470,Segate XT 500GB, BR DVD,720p,Backlit Keyboard,6Cell Batt,Bluetooth,DW1501,WWAN 5530,Win 7 Pro x64

 

Which part you see which make you think you got ripped off? I see "Liquid Crystal Display" (LCD) which is correct. "15.6 High Definition" also correct (720p). LED is the type of the backlight technology used. It's still "Liquid Crystal Display".

 

Yes its still a liquid Crystal Display same as mine .



@ kizwan cheers for all your help and advice

 

Did anyone try to install MAC OSX 10.6.7 on this notebook?

I need it for educational purposes

Was wondering about dualbooting it with windows 7

I may be buying a MAC in the feature. But I want to try it first. Sadly no trial versions of any kind

I guess I will keep Windows anyway

 

I got a Dell Studio 1558 and it really nice. I run Gentoo on it. I have one problem though...I noticed if my left palm is on the outside edge of the touchpad...NOT on the line indention or on the touchpad....just barely next to the indention line...it registers on the touchpad...making it hard to move the mouse around sometimes. Is this a known issue? Is it a hardware issue? Or could this be fixed through software?