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Question

Dell 1545 - Black Screen

Jan 15, 2014 8:27PM PST

Hi Guys,

The problem I am currently having with my Dell 1545 is the screen keeps going black. The laptop works fine for a while, then suddenly the screen goes blank, then black, but the computer sounds like it is still running. Holding down the power button to turn off, then turn on again, the screen is black, but after a couple of hours the laptop is fine again, I am able to work on it, go on websites etc, but then the problem happens again, turn the computer off.....and the cycle continues.

I am at a loss at what to do, I've completed 4 passes on MemTest86 with no faults found, ran MalwareBytes, but nothing was found, defragged the harddrive, it still keeps happening.

Any help will be much appreciated!

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Tell more
Jan 16, 2014 1:07AM PST

There are a lot of 1545 models out there so tell more. Especially about the last time you used the canned air.
Bob

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Answer
Basic info
Jan 16, 2014 2:38AM PST

Just how old is this laptop? Also, a dying battery can cause weird power issues as it drags down the laptop or be part of the overall problem. Hence, the reason for age of laptop and battery as well. If too old and/or totally relying on the AC charger that can cause "overheating" of that circuit or the battery Li-ion smart ckt. as well. These are areas you probably can't fix other than replace battery or AC charger as a total fix package in this area.

Excluding hard knocks, laptop can falter due to lose cabling and/or harness. All this on top of a "overheated" laptop if used alot could result in poor video port output. This is also related to ANY overheating because the video is in constant demand that ckt. can be overwhelmed and start to shutdown or blink out. Since, it appears to blank then black, that may also be related to other half of video the display LCD itself and related LED/ backlight becoming bad. if this is the case a laptop repair is very likely provided you want the expense of repair. If capable you maybe able to accomplish this, as I'm sure there are YouTube videos are dis-assembly of a 1545.

Of course, as already posted to you, have you tried blowing out the air vents, etc.?

tada -----Willy Happy

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Update:
Jan 16, 2014 5:52PM PST

Update:

Ran the PSA test and I was given a 2000-0146 error (HDD), so now I am on a mission to try and find a fix to that! Dell, in their infinite wisdom did not provide me with an Windows 7 installation disk, so if reformatting is the answer, I might have to buy a new CD.

Thanks for the help everyone.

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Odd.
Jan 17, 2014 2:12AM PST

So few machines come with restore media. We have to create them of in the case of Dell use the Digital River downloads. No, that's not code, that's a real web site that Dell and other makers have placed .ISO images of the restore media.

HDD's do fail, and only those new to this think they can fix a failed HDD.

Tell the forum if you fail to find the Digital River. It's not a secret.
Bob