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General discussion

Inspiron 1545 Problems - Randomly Deleting Files

Sep 11, 2010 1:56AM PDT

A friend asked me to look at her Inspiron 1545 that is no longer under warrantly. It beeps at least 15 times at startup (before Windows Vista SP2 is loaded) and goes to Boot Manager every time. There is only one OS listed, but "Memory Diagnostics" comes up as well. When I select Vista, it loads without a problem. However, when I double click on a file, Vista tries to delete it. This even happens if I select a file on the Program menu. It tries to delete the file and it won't let me cancel. I have to reboot.

Here are the things I have tried:

1. Dell Factory Restore from Recovery Partition
2. Swapped out hard drive
3. Swapped out RAM
4. Flashed BIOS (A14)
5. Used a remote mouse (problem still occured)

One other note: The right click on the touchpad does not work. If I use a remote mouse, I am able to right click.

I also tried to "interpret" the startup beeps, but they are inconsistent in number.

Other than randomly deleting files, the laptop works...i.e. connects wirelessly to internet, downloads updates, etc.

I thought it might be a virus, but can a virus infect the BIOS even after I flashed it?

By the way, it passes all Dell Diagnostic tests.

HELP!!!!

Discussion is locked

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This is almost certainly a hardware failure
Sep 11, 2010 9:09PM PDT

and most probably associated with the keyboard.
I have a Dell 1501 that gives very similar symptoms and have found that removing the keyboard entirely and using a USB keyboard from a desktop PC everything works.
Instructions for removing the keyboard can be found in the owners manual in the section called "Adding and Replacing Parts" or from the Dell webb page by searching for 1545 service manual.
I am currently waiting for delivery of a replacement keyboard to see if it is the keyboard itself or the connector on the motherboard or the controller chip.

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THANKS!
Sep 12, 2010 4:07AM PDT

You are my hero! I was able to replicate the exact problem I was having regarding the deleting of files and the boot to Boot Manager by holding down the "delete" key.

I tried to clean the keyboard but it didn't help so I removed the keyboard and I'm using a USB keyboard while I wait for the new one to arrive.

Problem solved!

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I am happy to report
Sep 15, 2010 9:45AM PDT

that the replacement keyboard fixed my Inspiron 1501 so it should do the same for yours.