Owner's Thread: Dell Inspiron 7000 series

Device manager, double click display adapters, double click your display adapter, click on driver and click on roll back.

 

The installation media was a DVD. The 17" version that I have has a DVD drive so no problem there. I'm not sure what they would do for the smaller laptops. I think the media would have to be a USB key presumably unless they would also ship out an external DVD drive to go with it. I installed the clean OS by booting from the DVD and then when it asked where to put the installation I deleted all the partitions so the HDD was completely cleared (including the recovery partitions). The recovery partitions were recreated after the installation.

 

How many partitions ?

 

Hi guys,

I just wanted to share a story here.
I have bought the US top version, with SSD and 16GB.
Indeed it comes with a regular Sata-III SSD, not mSata as the website advertises. I called their support last week complaining about that. I got a call today, and they confirmed that the website is wrong (seriously?) and asked if I wanted to return the machine. As I like it a lot so far, I don't plan to return. But I asked the guy what could Dell do for me once I spent 12 hundred dollars and got something different than expected. He said his "senior manager" would call me. He did, but I couldn't pick up the phone. He'll try again tomorrow. Let's see what they're going to say, lol

Oh, the computer works well so far. I just find the trackpad really bad (I am coming from a Macbook where trackpads are wonderful)

 

Why are you guys buying from dell.com and not bestbuy or another brick&mortar store?

I think it would be faster for shipping. right?

 

Don't have the option of buying this model from anyone other than Dell in the UK. Mines finally gone into production after being stuck in preproduction for nearly a week

Shame Dell didn't think dropping me a line is good customer service in this day and age :-( Shouldn't have to chase them considering what I'm spending!

 

Hi Pedrohbr,

I bought same version of you and website and order says 2.5" 256 SSD so not doubt is a regular Sata in my case

Do you know SSD brand and model of your inspiron ?

Thanks ¡¡

 

Hi, I have a problem with my inspiron 7537
I need to access the BIOS, but I can't... I use windows 8.1 and have disabled the option "fast startup", but can't access with f2 and f12 keys (tried using the combination Fn+f2 and Fn+f12 too but nothing).. may help me please?
(sorry if language isn't perfect: I'm italian)

 

This is a UEFI Bios so you have to hold shift when clicking restart in Windows. That will bring you to the boot menu where you will have a choice to load the Bios, restore and everything else.

 

Thank you! I bought this laptop in october and since now I couldn't access the bios...... it was easy

 

So no trouble with wi-fi? I bought the exact same model. Btw, it also claims it's mSATA on the Canadian website, so that's obviously wrong too.

As for trackpad, did you try installing the latest drivers? Some others had issues that were solved with a simple driver update.

 

Can you say me SSD brand and model came with your inspiron ?

Thanks ¡¡

 

Ok, Guys. I received my SSD Samsung EVO 500 GB. I have it installed for almost a week and no problems so far. Moreover, a few ralentizations I noticed previously using Windows 8.1 have completely dissapeared! Given that I cloned the HDD into the SSD, and I have not updated any drivers since then, I can conclude that the prior low-performance was caused by the HDD. So I encourage all of you to do as me, and get rid or that HDD-dog. Windows 8.1 starts almost instantly, and programs open really fast. All is very responsive! It is worth the change...

Model: 7537
BIOS: A05
SSD: 500 GB Samsung EVO
Installation: cloning using Samsung software

Regarding other issues posted in this forum:
a) I have noticed that Wifi signal is a bit inconsistent, and it tends to drop quickly as I move away from the router. But I can't tell if that is a problem of this laptop or if it is a problem of my Wifi: I got similar signal strenght in different locations as with my Tablet (Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1).
b) The keyboard is fine for me. Obviously, if you press it too hard, it flexes a bit. But not with normal use. In fact, I have only noticed it after reading here some complains... How big and strong are your hands, guys!?
c) And finally, the screen is gorgeous!!

In sum, very happy with my new laptop. Very good Price/Quality/Performance, at least since the SSD change... Do it, do it!!
All the best,
Álex

 

Thanks for the intel, I have added your use case to the spreadsheet as well.

 

I received mines today. Changed HDD with Samsung EVO 250Gb and everything is ok after about 10 restarts...

I have some questions. Its my first laptop and I dont know how to do some things.

1. If I left it and screens turn off in a few minutes, I cant wake up it. I have to press power button two times, first for hibernate and next for wake up. And everything is where it was. How can I turn on screen just moving mouse for example?

2. I tried Diablo 3, and in high quality, its about 28fps. Im not sure if I am using Nvidia card or Intel. How can I check wich one am I using? I didnt buy it for playing, but I expected better quality. How can I run games with Nvidia card?

Sorry my english, I am spanish, and I am also posting from my mobile, worst combination ever!

 

Hi,

1. I think a guy report it before, is a driver issue.

2. Sorry i can´t answer because i haven´t muy laptop yet

I´m from spain too, waiting for my laptop when did you buy your laptop ? it was delayed ?

Thanks ¡¡

 

Hehe, are you the same asking in Noticias3D?

I bought it on November 19 and they shipped it on November 26. They estimated I would receive it on December 2, but received it this morning...

I complained lots of time about shippings delays on twitter...

 

Yes i´m the same ¡¡

i bought it on december 2 and was delayed, new ETA is on december 23

My test will be with starcraft 2

 

1. This issue can be fixed with a driver update:

You need driver 3345.
(thanks to person on Dell forum):

Go to Intel's system detect site and make it detect your system for updates: Intel® Driver Update Utility

This update has numerous fixes and the most important is: Resolved black screen occurring when resuming from an automatic monitor off scenario.

2. You are definitely using the Intel graphics card, because the GT 750m should give far better results. First, make sure you download the latest Nvidia drivers, and try again. If performance is the same, then you may have to do some manual tweaking. For instructions on how to do this, see this: [Solution] New laptop - NVidia Optimus may be incorrectly using on-board graphics - Steam Users' Forums


supeloco, I can't tell you which SSD I got because I haven't received my laptop yet!

 

There seem to be a major wifi issue with this laptop..

My connection keeps dropping intermittently.. I have set it to 20mhz only but then it does not save the wifi settings.. I changed the drives etc but still the same..

Very annoying... might give dell a call tomorrow...

 

Exactly what I expected and posted a few times in this thread, it would make no sense if the North American versions had different hardware

Same, it honestly bugs me a lot - I only really changed from the Mac because the resolution was too low I considered getting a retina version but since I need to run windows it has the opposite problem since now the resolution is too high for windows as there is no scaling in windows (in the desktop anyway).

 

Pedrohbr,

can you tell me your SSD brand and model ?

Please please please, thanks ¡¡

 

Did you try changing the WMM setting on the router? I posted earlier that disabling WMM made a drastic improvement in my wifi performance.

 

UPDATE: The Dell is having substantial speed degradation again as it gets further from the router that the other two laptops aren't having. Prior to disabling the WMM setting on the router, I was having terrible speeds even when the router was right above the laptop. Now it drops off a cliff if I get more than 20' or so from the router.

 

That's hopefully something driver related that will soon be fixed. We should start reporting the issue on the Dell forum, so we can reference that on assistance calls. Who wants to open it? If no one does it by tomorrow morning I will do it as soon as I am able to.

 

supelcoco, the US website had the information "256GB mSata SSD" up until yesterday. Today it shows "256GB Solid State Drive" (corrected). I believe they changed it after my call.
It comes with a Samsung SM841 256GB.

godfather666, the Wifi is indeed weak, worse than my previous computer. It is a bit annoying in some situations, but I was able to live with it so far as it hasn't affected me too bad.
The trackpad is running with the latest Dell drivers, as the one from Synaptics won't install.

By the way, a senior manager from Dell's customer service is shipping me a 1TB external hard-drive as a gift for pointing the error on their website, lol.

 

I wouldn't count on that. The problem with wi-fi may be due to the materials used, mainly the aluminum body. I say this because the previous XPS 15 model was made of the same material, suffered from the same problem, and Dell wasn't able to do anything despite the enormous number of complaints (Google "xps 15 wifi problems" and you'll see it was a huge issue).

It seems that this one isn't quite as bad the XPS from 2012, but the problem might have a similar source.

All I'm saying: don't count on a driver fix. If this is not something you can live, I advise you to return while you still can.

pedrohbr, they just fixed the Canadian website too. Congrats on the HDD.

 

To anyone who feels their wifi performance is ok, can you please run speedtest a few times at varying distances from your router and post the results, along with your isp's stated download rate? This may give us further insight as to whether the aluminum body is a factor, or if this is simply a card or driver issue.

 

I have done this a few times. ISP rate is 12 which I get when next to the router. Eight paces away it drops to under 6 and it's still line of sight. Even wifi on my Android phone still gets a full 12 from the same location. This is on a Netgear router. On the Linksys speed is less than 2 with my cell phone again showing a full 12.

I have tested using all the available drivers except the latest Dell driver for windows 8.1 11/28/2013 16.5.1.6, A00 which I cant get to install.

Dell insist that it's an antenna/wifi card issue and are sending a tech. to exchange the card. As others have said, I doubt this will fix it.
I will be sorry to return the machine as I don't know right now what to replace it with. Any ideas of an equivalent replacement?

By the way Dell's follow up has been excellent regarding the problem but their technician here in SoCal has been very sloppy. Let me down last week and arrived 90 minutes late today without calling first. So hopefully now scheduled for Thursday still within my return window.

 

You can always change the dPI, while still on 1080p resolution. Keeping it at 150% is good for the eye

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

If I wasn't clear, if anyone who feels that their wifi reception is good, with no problems, could run the test and post results, that would be lovely.

 

I received my Samsung 840 EVO 1TB drive last week -- got it on an Amazon lightning deal. Had a chance to install it tonight.

Inspiron 7537 (Best Buy model)
i7-4500U
8GB RAM
1 TB SSD (Samsung 840 EVO Firmware rev EXT0BB6Q (upgrade firmware after install))
Bios A05

Cloned my Windows 8.1 x64 HDD using Acronis True Image 2014 (Build 6614).

No issues so far. Will report any issues in the future.

Regards

PS Wow! It's fast!

 

See post #316 for my Wi-Fi test data. I'm using the 7260 with Wi-Fi driver version 16.5.3.6

 

Thanks Pedro ¡¡

Any kind of problem with your inspiron ? is all ok ?

 

It's not the performance that I am worried about but the frequent disconnections...

Has anybody managed to install Windows 7 on this laptop?

I tried installing but then it started asking for some drivers during the installtion process, which I think are the USB 3.0 drivers

 

Anyone who has this laptop, please report back and tell me if you hear a electronic noise, at the bottom of laptop anywhere at the vent that goes all the way across the bottom when you put your eye up to the vent please? I only have 12 days to return this laptop, cause it doesnt seem normal. Nor does a very in audible hum from the bottom only when you stick your ear next to laptop after leaving it plugged in charging overnight. PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

do you find any problem with usb port beside hdmi port the one with power share while connecting pen drives.
they are replaced motherboard new then still problem exists whether i want to know is it common problem or .......

 

Thanks for that - found it.

 

Yeah, one of my pen drives isn't recognized either... And a third issue arises.

 

It is a USB3 port ? My desktop has trouble with some external HDD or pen drives on some USB3 ports.

 

Someone asked for a public document with all of the encountered issues for the Dell 7537 and similar, so here you go: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1knOQpRqaTl3UWrQKFfpbFQv6HFXjaU16_R6z6QXjpyk/edit?usp=sharing
Please tell me if I forgot anything.

It'd be great if someone can add the link to the main post.

 

I've received mine today. It looks nice, but the hdd is painfully slow. I'll change it with a samsung 830 128gb and keep you updated.
I have one question about the build. Does anyone else have a gap at the bottom of the touchpad slightly bigger than the gap at the top? I'll try and upload a photo when I get home.

 

today i ordered a 840 EVO 250 GB as replacement of the 840 pro 256 GB. i keep you informed, after testing this new model, but i hope it works!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I did the same this morning as well

 

Thanks, that's pretty helpful.

By the way, has anyone tried replacing the Wi-Fi card with an AC wireless card?

 

I think that's normal. Most clickpads are hinged at the top, so being slightly slanted towards the bottom would not be unusual.

 

Guys, I found this thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5100655?start=0&tstart=0

Apparently, this is also a problem facing the new MacBook Air. There's no fix there either. I can't verify whether the problems there are exactly of the same nature. It seems to be more a problem of dropping constantly rather than being slow. But some were saying they got theirs replaced and the replacement worked better.

Edit: similar issues with Yoga 2 Pro:
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Idea-Windows-based-Tablets-and/Yoga-2-Pro-Wifi-Problems/td-p/1277577

 

The Macbook Air uses a different card (AC in the MBA, N in our laptop). The Yoga 2 Pro does have the same card though.

 

I assume you mean on the Mac, the problem is that some things will look horribly blurred, they already do on the Delll unless you change the scaling settings to 100% - for now Windows has no proper scaling, not sure how it can be so hard to do.

 

I plan on getting it one of these days.

Hardly different at all, they even use the same drivers.