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    old dell just switches off

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by anon125, Dec 15, 2012.

  1. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    the very old dell - unused for ages - worked just fine for a day.
    now 2 lights come on when i press the start button- but then a whistle as it powers down.
    i replaced the battery and the charger.
    no luck yet.
    model PP01X inspiron 18200
    any ideas?
    thanks all

    ps i need it for the old many multipin socket on the back that new ones do not have..
    like printers used to use.
     
    anon125, Dec 15, 2012
    #1
  2. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    You can try reseating the RAM or the other components, but if it just died without you doing anything it's probably hosed. Buy a new motherboard; these are literally like $19, though the issue might be on that little DC power board as well.
     
    Commander Wolf, Dec 16, 2012
    #2
  3. ktriebol

    ktriebol Notebook Geek

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    To cut your losses in expense and frustration, it might be time for a different approach. If you have access to a newer, working laptop, then you might be able to buy an adapter that will connect to a USB port on the newer laptop, and the older legacy port that you mentioned at the other end. Search at Newegg or eBay for the adapter you need.
     
    ktriebol, Dec 16, 2012
    #3
  4. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    how do i open the laptop to replace a motherboard? and power board?
    thanks
     
    anon125, Dec 16, 2012
    #4
  5. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks
    i think it is a 23 pin long plug/socket - does it have a name?
     
    anon125, Dec 16, 2012
    #5
  6. ktriebol

    ktriebol Notebook Geek

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    I wonder if you have a 25 pin RS232 serial port. If so, here is an example of an adapter that will work for you. It adapts USB 2.0 to either a 9-pin or 25-pin RS232 connector. You should be able to tell by looking closely at the photos in this listing.
    New USB 2 0 to 9 25 Pin Serial Port RS232 Cable Cord DB9 DB25 Adapter Converter | eBay
     
    ktriebol, Dec 16, 2012
    #6
  7. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    anon125, Dec 16, 2012
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  8. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    You can find a service manual for the Inspiron 8200 on the Dell website detailing the disassembly, but I'm going to agree that buying the USB adapter is a much, much better idea than trying to resurrect the dinosaur.
     
    Commander Wolf, Dec 17, 2012
    #8
  9. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks....
    the service manual is a exe file that of course wont open on a new computer!
    i prefer pdf but there does not seem to be onw
     
    anon125, Dec 17, 2012
    #9
  10. Nankuru

    Nankuru Notebook Evangelist

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    You're right!! I couldn't get it to run in Win8.

    There is a view option that will display the manual in any browser under any OS: Documentation
     
    Nankuru, Dec 18, 2012
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  11. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks
    still don't see the view option.
     
    anon125, Dec 18, 2012
    #11