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    Inspiron 8500 Diagnosing problem

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by lesliesp, Dec 18, 2009.

  1. lesliesp

    lesliesp Notebook Geek

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    I have a donated 8500 that hopefully can be made useful for a student. It came from a library and looks very clean. Booting however indicates problems. Sometimes it will boot to the login screen but mostly there are lots of vertical lines, error messages I can't read, etc. I was able to get into the BIOS once and I was checking boot order. That seems fine. I tried to get into safe mode several times but was not successful. Is the presence of those colored lines, bars more indicative of a bad video chip or could it just be a driver problem. If the latter, any clues as to how I can get into safe mode? Does anyone know the proper video driver for this Dell?
     
    lesliesp, Dec 18, 2009
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  2. Wes of StarArmy

    Wes of StarArmy Notebook Consultant

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    1) Run the Dell diagnostics CD if you have one. See if there's any errors.
    2) Reinstall Windows and see if the problems continue.

    This should help narrow it down to hardware vs. software.
     
    Wes of StarArmy, Dec 18, 2009
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  3. lesliesp

    lesliesp Notebook Geek

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    Donations never come with documentation or cds :) I did finally get into safe mode and the lines/bars remain so I am pretty sure it has to be the gpu is loose or bad. (video card) Any recommendations for dependable, not overpriced repair facilities for Dell would be appreciated or even better a source for Dell parts other than Dell
     
    lesliesp, Dec 19, 2009
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  4. jeremysdad

    jeremysdad Notebook Evangelist

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    jeremysdad, Dec 19, 2009
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  5. lesliesp

    lesliesp Notebook Geek

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    I'll make a note of the procedure. It might have worked with an IBM I had on hand. Problem for me is finding an actual video card nVIDIA Geforce4 4200 64MB If I could find the card, the procedure is straight forward since the card isn't mounted directly on the board. Just disconnect and replace, that is if you can find the card. :)
     
    lesliesp, Dec 19, 2009
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