Studio 15 media sensitive button problem

Funny, since I haven't had any problems since I removed and threw away the cheesy ribbon cable from off the system board. Basically disconnected the CCC permanently but have since gotten used to not having a HDD activity light Life is good now

 

Just wanted to make a comment. One minute ago I updated to BIOS A06. Once it shows the POST screen, the loading bar stops about 3/4 of the way full. It then goes on slowly. In all it takes about 30 seconds to get through the POST screen.
I am guessing that when I updated the BIOS it switched my BIOS to thorough mode.
Looks like tomorrow I am going into the BIOS

But hopefully the Eject light will return to the realm from which it came.

EnergyXP

 

I am so happy I found this thread. This is exactly what my computer is doing. The eject button randomly comes on, and it tries to eject a cd. I read someone on here who is so sick of hearing that noise come on..I'm totally with them! My volume button would like up..and raise the volume all the way up. It wouldnt let me lower it for a good 5 or ten minutes.

I have talked to tech support a total of 4 times. Last night, I recieved a new hinge cover, changed out the old one with the white little wire..woke up this morning turned on the comp..doin the same thing. I also noticed in doing that, the NUMB LOCK is always on. So I'm totally frustrated. The first 2 times I talked to tech support they tapped in and updated the BIO's and all that. Has ANYONE come up with a solution to this? Cause at this point I am beyond frustrated with this computer doing this?

Thanks

 

It's an inherent flaw with all of the Studio laptops. Dell doesn't seem to want to fix this problem. Ford needs a class action lawsuit to light a fire under their seat, so perhaps Dell may get the same incentive when users with popped eardrums, who plugged in their headphones when the volume was turned up automatically, start to petition their lawyers.

 

I'm glad I found this site because it helped me realize that many Studio 1537 units had the same problem that I experienced.

My son wanted to buy a new laptop because his six year old Inspiron 600m was getting behind the times. I was thinking of the 1525 which I purchased for my daughter from the outlet about one year ago. However, I noticed the 1537 was a newer model, with an improved feature set and didn't cost that much more than a 1525.

Admittedly, I didn't do as much research as I normally do because I felt comfortable with Dell and when purchasing from Dell Outlet, a system can be sold if you're not quick to checkout.

I did read some reviews before the purchase on Dell's site, and most of the complaints had to do with the speakers, and a few concerning the keyboard.

The machine arrived quickly and I noticed that the keyboard was wavy. It seemed to work OK, so I tried not to let it bother me too much. I was getting the machine setup for my son and making sure things worked properly. So, I inserted a DVD movie into the slot, and after 5 minutes or so, the movie spit out. Later, I moved the laptop to another location in the house to test the wireless. I was listening to a CD that had MP3 files on it. After three minutes of listening, all of sudden, the CD spits out and the music can't play. I know I did nothing to cause the CD to eject. I had noticed the Eject light had been on prior to the eject, but didn't realize this was a common problem.

I began searching the internet for the problem and came across this site and found some posts in the Dell forum as well. I realized that the wavy keyboard and stuck eject key were fairly common problems without an easy solution. The best explanation I found was that there are wires beneath the media keys that are not tucked away properly and this causes the wavy keys and for the Eject key to get stuck.

Since the machine was a Previous Ordered New system and I was within the 21 day period, I spoke to my son (who lives nearby, but not at home) and suggested that the machine go back to Dell.

Dell wanted to send someone to fix this new machine, but I said no thanks and insisted it go back. They stated I would be charged a restock fee, which is ridiculous and I will fight against if it comes to it. I haven't received a refund yet, so maybe they will see my notes about the defects and not charge the fee.

It's a shame these problems exist, because otherwise this would be a nice machine for my son's needs. I'm sorry the story is so long, but I wanted to add my name to the list of people who have experienced problems with the stuck Eject key.

 

Bullish Dad..thank you for sharing your story. I like you am so glad I found this site..I wish I had someone in dell support offer to send someone over to me. I keep getting India. I did get a new hinge cover and fixed the wires underneath the panel til no avail.

Ahh. Wait. There's that ejecting cd slot sound again....

SOO annoying!




D

 

FrustratedinFL, sorry your fix didn't work. There goes my theory that the wires were the main culprit. I think if you call Dell in the afternoon, there's a better chance of getting the US, but no guarantees.

That's why I sent the machine back..because there isn't any apparent fix. Dell will have you try all kinds of things. You shouldn't have to live with the drive trying to eject a disk for no apparent reason. I hope you're able to get this resolved.

 

I sent mine back too, just today. Too many issues, I just bought the Dell 14 days ago... And I already had issues?

I am now considering a laptop with a better GPU.

 

My Radeon HD 3450 isn't that great for gaming. I thought about buying a HP for a better GPU but I'm not going to play any games on the laptop. That's what my desktop is for, and the more powerful laptop GPUs just suck up battery power anyhow.

The capacitive media buttons were a selling point for me just because I like new things. Unfortunately they are the reason I'm getting annoyed at the computer. I just make it a habit of lowering the volume before I listen to music.

 

I'm past the 21 day return period..and I"m afraid if I send mine in, it still won't be fixed. From what it sounds like on this board, is that no one has had theirs fixed and its kinda just gonna have to be that way. Has anyone here returned theirs, had it fixed and its now working right?
Dell also suggested a Recovery to set it back to the way it came, but I'm not sure about that...

 

I'm doing a system restore today...has anyone tried this to stop this problem? Did it work?



Thanks!
Donna

 

It won't work. The problem is with the hardware and interface with the laptop, NOT the OS.

 

Thank you for getting back to me So frustrating! I have replaced the hinge cover..so I guess I don't know my next move. Past the 21 days, guess I should ask them if I can send it in.

Thanks for the response

Donna

 

I have the Studio 1535. My eject button doesn't remain lit all the times but it doesn't eject any DVD or CD most of the times. I have to use eject option in Windows Explorer. I've turned off MediaDirect autoplay and don't notice any program running high in background after I've inserted my disc. I have no idea what's holding on to the disc. It sometimes does eject properly though. I have A06 BIOS and Vista Premium 64-bit. I like design of this Studio but begin to hate their slot loaded drive and media touch panel. My old Lenovo doesn't have these fancy things and it's more stable.

 

On 1/22/09, I posted about the problems I had with a Studio 1537 that I wound up returning to Dell. I mentioned that Dell was saying that I'd be subject to a restocking fee. However, I received credit for the return (took about 6 days from day Dell received the machine) and no restocking fee was charged.

However, they did not refund the $20 shipping charge. This is stated on the site, so I don't see how I can argue, and it's probably not worth the run around I'd have to endure.

So, it cost me $20 to test out a machine with problems. I guess it could be worse.

 

So is the problem with the cable, hinge cover, or motherboard? Dell just decided to send me a replacement hinge cover. I guess I will find out in a few days if that's the cause. Anyone with any experience?

 

I replace the hinge cover but still have the problems. I seen a temperoary fix that actuallly works. U
UNPLUG YOUR SYSTEM
UNPLUG THE BATTERY
OPEN TO LID (NORMALY TO WHAT YOU WOULD USE TO TURN IT ON)
HOLD THE POWER BUTTON FOR 30SECONDS
THEN PLUG BACK IN AND POWER ON. IT SHOULD WORK FOR ONE BOOT.

 

It's a firmware/BIOS issue.

 

Yeah, I know about the hold power button to reset capacitors trick but I really am looking for a way to permanently fix this problem. At least dell should try and help me solve the problem. Once the warranty is over though, I'll start exploring the more adventurous options.

 

I used the remove battery, unplug then hold power trick. It worked for a while but the not eject problem came back. So it's really a hardware discharge issue. I'm afraid there's no fix for it unless Dell changes their media panel's hardware interface. I ended up making a shortcut to CD drive and right-click to eject from there. Sometimes, it works on itself when I leave it unpluged for a while or use on battery only.

 

Hi guys, first time poster here
I will soon have a new Dell Studio 1537, a very nice birthday present.
I had heard about a few people having problems with the media buttons, but I did not know it was so widespread before I asked for it. That said, unless there is a serious problem with the machine, I don't intend on returning it.
I have done a lot of research on this problem both here and over at the Dell Support forums. One interesting thing I have found is that some people are suggesting that the problem with the buttons "sticking" is coming from EMI or other electronic "noise" being picked up by the panel/ribbon cable, and causing the problem. I remember reading that one owner actually ran a piece of foil above the panel, and the buttons lit up!
I do not yet have my new 1537, but I do have an idea that I could try to fix the button problem: Wrap some of that Anti-Static packaging that computer parts come in around the ribbon cable, perhaps preventing the noise/static being picked up by the cable.

Anybody else try any ideas like this? Anybody have any thoughts?

 

Wasn't noise in my case a couple of the the actual gold foil leads on the cheap ribbon cable attached to the system board end had actually lifted away from the cable. Just cheap construction of this cable...its removed now and not causing me anymore problems!

 

It's not EMI. I can replicate this problem on my 1537 on a regular basis. Everytime I do a cold boot of the 1537, the buttons go on the fritz.

 

this sure is annoying! I wonder if there's something that could be done like change the voltage those button use or make the laptop automatically discharge when you shutdown or after you shutdown so it won't happen when you boot up next time.

And im pretty sure one of the smarter laptop people will figure it out and post it here before dell can give a solution (that's what happened in my media direct button problem)

 

did this solve your problem forever?

 

Just noticed that there's a new version of BIOS A08 for the Studio 1537 released just today. Anyone tried installing that? I am installing it right now and will post tomorrow if it works or not!

Fingers Crossed!

 

Thanks for that, I shall install it on mine later.
In case anyone is wondering, this is what Dell says the fixes are:
1. Updated Cantiga Memory Reference Code (MRC) 2.3.
2. Update string in CMOS Setup title.

 

I tried the update and mine is still having problems

 

Yup updated and still having those same problems. I have now asked to send a technician or else replace the panel. Will keep everyone updated

 

Hi Guys

I have the same problem with my Studio 15's media buttons. Interestingly, I have just come off the phone to a Dell technician who claims there will be a BIOS update which will fix the media button problem released in the next "7 - 10 days". Let’s hope this fixes it!!

Cheers

Matt

 

@moth9087

I hope that the upcoming BIOS update will fix the problem, because the problem is very annoying. Bios update A08 don't fix the problem.

 

Dell needs to admit to the problem and find a fix (via BIOS or recall or something.) I got off chat the other day with one instructing me to reinstall the OS to factory settings...

 

I wouldn't go holding my breath for a BIOS fix able to fix hardware failure.

 

I'm still waiting for this f*****g BIOS update.
For my opinion: a BIOS update will never ever fix the "media sensitive button problem".
WHY: because the f*****g "media sensitive button problem" even occurs during normal operation in a Windows environment.
No f*****g update will ever change this shi*ty behaviour of the most crappy laptop I ever bought.
F**CK you DELL!

 

I highly doubt a slight malfunction of completely superfluous touch-sensitive buttons makes this "the most crappy laptop". I have a Studio 1535 myself, and I've been dealing with this issue since day one, and it's sure as hell nothing more than a minor inconvenience. If I wait a few minutes, it stops glitching and I can use all the buttons just fine. Even if it doesn't come back, there's keyboard shortcuts and menu options to do anything that the touch buttons can do anyway.

And for the record, the fact that an error occurs in Windows as well does not completely rule out a BIOS issue, although I don't think this particular issue is BIOS related. I've ran this laptop with Windows Vista 32 and 64 bit versions, Windows 7 64 bit, and Ubuntu 32 and 64 bit versions, and the issue showed up in all of them.

 

Oh believe me this thing has multiple problems as did the old one they took back/replaced.

 

If it's unbearable you can always disconnect the media controls. I can have this problem as soon as the computer is turned on, before Windows loads. Even if it is a design flaw in the hardware I think a BIOS fix is possible ... even it's its a cheap workaround like telling it to ignore the strip if it's stuck/touched for more then 15 seconds. The stuck eject doesn't really effect me, but when the volume up gets stuck it's pretty annoying ... it's obvious very load and if you use quickset you have a big volume control in the middle of the screen.

 

You'd be amazed at what a BIOS fix can do.

I have a Dell Mini 9 that wouldn't save the desktop settings for its life. If you arranged the icons the way you wanted, they'd go back to a default setting upon reboot. A Dell BIOS update fixed that. Weird how it works!

 

sigh.... looking at this thread everyday, searching all the forums, reading every post on dell's forum

still no answer or a more perm fix than "remove battery, hold down power button"

maybe i made a mistake buying my studio 1537

 

dude, you have to live with this or annoy the Dell guy and get a replacement as I did, I'm waiting for it, and I hope it solves the problem, a brand new laptop after 8 months of use is not bad at all....

 

im not sure a replacement of any part or a whole new 1537 will fix anything, but comparing getting a new laptop to just live with this, i think i might just keep the studio, i do like just about everything that comes with it

 

just ask Dell for a replacement, I'm not saying you get another laptop, I'm getting a 1535 just like I bought it.... I really like everything that comes with my laptop too. I just think a replacement will solve the lit up touch button problem, because they'll make sure that the replacement unit doesn't have this problem again!

 

Some replacement systems have the problem too. I'm actually using a replacement system right now. The original one had several other problems so they sent a replacement. Now this replacement has the eject problem, which is why I'm questioning Dell's overall quality. If little things like this creep up everywhere, will there be bigger problems down the road when my warranty expires???

P.S. Still waiting for that BIOS update.

 

True true..... I got almost everything replaced, because I had other problems too, now I have only the eject problem, but still I'm hoping that the replacement unit doesn't have any issues. Not a single one, but I think that's improbable..... I'm also waiting for the BIOS update. You guys with the problem, have you noticed, that when the laptop is used just with A/C Adapter, and it's turned off, sometimes the buttons "don't charge", and with the battery they always charge. I'm guessing it's a matter of grounding, I think the panel is not that well grounded, and besides it should be shielded in order to isolate it from EM interference....

 

Good observation rafucho. I also have a feeling it has to do with proper grounding of the capacitors. Then again, they sent me a new media-bar, which I replaced, and the problem is still here. Maybe the grounding issue is actually on the motherboard or something.

 

you know with more and more use of the laptop, the stuck ejection button seems to have gone away, I have not experienced it for the past few weeks from neither cold boot up or just waking up from sleeping. perhaps I have broken into these capacitors and they discharge much more easily since they're not as good at retaining the charges now compared to as when they were brand new out of the factory?

someone let me know if that even makes sense, im not an electrical engineer lol, this is just my observation and guesses

 

How long have you had your Studio 15?

I've had this one since November and it pretty much is on whenever I'm awake.

 

I get the problem EVERY time I do a cold boot in the morning or afternoon. So I run into the problem at least twice a day and I've had the 1537 since November.

 

hmmm i only had it since the end of Feb. 09 but it really has gotten better for me, problem free again this morning booting up

on a side note im not sure if it matters, but my laptop is 100% charged for the past few days and been running on AC power for days now, i leave the battery in

 

yes, maybe you're right elixir, as matter of fact, you laptop comes from a whole different fabrication time, this is why you may have found the sweet point of operation of your studio. KingRaptor has his studio since nov/2008, am I right?
I bought mine a week later of the launch (second week of july 2008).... it was full of hardware errors, that have been replaced piece by piece, and yet the lit up button remains.
I'm waiting for a brand new 1537 that will replace this 1535, and I hope the problem is now gone forever.... it's kind of boring that everytime I do a cold boot or my system wakes from sleep, 8-10 eject attemps from my dvd drive, it's not that nice...