Studio 1558 - Random shutdowns and slowdown

Specs
Intel core i5 m450 @2.4ghz
4 gb ddram
320gb sata @ 7200rpm
BIOS version A07
ATI mobility radeon 5470

The laptop started to randomly shutdown 2-3 months ago and as time progressed the shutdowns became more frequent. Then a week ago a general slowdown also happened, meaning that I couldn't load any software, although I could and can get to the windows desktop.
The shutdown is in the form of the laptop completely shutting down (no restart, no bluescreen).

The slowdown happened right after I installed a bunch of windows auto-updates. Could be coincidental I really don't know. And these problems are probably two separate problems since the shutdowns have happened long before the slowdown problem.

The laptop runs smoothly on ubuntu from a flashdrive, though still shuts down after some 30 minutes (longer if I elevate the laptop and put some cold ice underneath).

Diagnostics test showed:

A failing harddrive (error code 2000-0146), but this is not the cause because the shutdown still happens when running ubuntu from a flashdrive, with the harddrive dismounted. And also happens while running the diagnostics test.

Dead battery. My battery is completely dead (error code 3600-0853)

Video-thermistor or something error (error code 3900-0626)


Any suggestions as to what may be causing the shutdowns or the slowdown? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

The laptop could be overheating and shutting down to prevent further damage. Try cleaning the vents with compressed air.

 

In the past I've cleaned it several times with compressed air. But I don't have a compressor here where I live now.

What I've done instead, a couple of days ago, was to take the motherboard out (where the fan is attacted to) and then vaccum the fan. Made sure no dust was left anywhere. There's wasn't much dust to begin with.

The laptop doesn't really feel warm at all before it shuts down. But I don't know if it can still be warm inside.

 

Have a look at this: Dell Studio 1558 turnning off suddenly

 

Have you tried downloading a temp monitoring program to see exactly the temps inside?

Having seen similar issues on a Consumer line Dell before iv'e seen the following Fix it in previous cases (No promises on yours)

Have you checked for a BIOS update? Iv'e seen many a Dell BIOS update in the past to deal with Cooling fans under cooling or as it were over cooling in the case of under cooling it could very well be throttling your machine at first (slodowns) then eventually causing a shutdown/reboot.

Two For some odd reason with ANY USB device attached and or any ports used i have seen on certain machines slowdown occur randomly until a BIOS update was applied..sometimes even after the fact. Actually i had a co worker attach a USB drive once and the motherboard died at that instant...go figure.

THird already tried a live Linux OS on USB which i was going to recommend.

Fourth 3900-0626 in your case by the description could possibly be a bad GPU temp sensor..If the Sensor fails and the machine does not know this temps could raise out of the safe zone causing Hardware damage. Iv'e also read though never seen a case or two of this error relating to bad Video ram.

Just thinking out loud...

Is the machine still under warranty? Seeing as how you took it apart to the motherboard i assume not.

 

I watched the video. The guy in the video states that his fan had failed or broken, while I hear mine still running, though it never really goes in high gear. So I don't know if that is the cause. Can fans be partially broken? Like still run but but doing so suboptimally or smthing?

1. I downloaded RealTemp and looked at the temperatures there, but I don't really know what they're supposed to be like. I can try and post a screenshot. If I remember correctly they were like 35 and 43 on avg, small spikes up and down.

2. Yeah I would like to try and flash my BIOS to the A12 version (my current one is A07), but it's recommended to be done with a working battery (the software only works with a >10% battery because I tried). I found a guide online on how to get around that, but it's not recommended to be done without a battery because something could supposedly go wrong, I don't really know what the harm would be.

2. I have some usb stuff attached, flashdrive for linux OS, phone for internet. I don't really know what you mean. The usb's are messing up the motherboard?

3. I had the same thoughts on this one. But I think the only way to replace this is by replacing the whole motherboard. I haven't got a clue how the sensors look like.

5. It went out of warranty like 6 months ago. So thought I would just take out the motherboard to see if there was any dust causing overheating.

 

IF i was you i would buy a new laptop (or a second hand Hardcore model within great shape).
Hardly no meaning put in large repair money to fix this one working 100% perfectly

My humble meaning

 

On the BIOS that's odd...my Laptops almost never have a battery in them unless i am traveling and i have never had an issue updating over AC power only...In fact i'd only recommend relying on AC power i'm not sure why anyone else would recommend different.

 

Toshiba BIOS update always asks to have both battery and AC plugged in.

 

Yeah.
News is that I took the motherboard out and disassembled lots of stuff on there, then put it back together. Now it's even worse - stays on for max 5 minutes.

So I've decided to pick up a cheap new laptop (on a budget). I've chosen out the toshiba satellite pro c850 and the hp probook 4330s. Will be deciding between those within the hour.