Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Inspiron 710M freezes up! Help!

Dec 29, 2009 9:48AM PST

A few minutes after I boot up, My Inspiron 710M freezes up and nothing will move. I power off, wait a couple of minutes and power back on. It works for a few minutes and the same thing continues to happen. Can anyone point me in the right direction to resolve this problem? Thanks

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
From the Cnet Laptop troubleshooting forum
Dec 29, 2009 10:59AM PST
- Collapse -
Inspiron 710m freezes up
Jan 1, 2010 1:17AM PST

Thanks for a quick response. However, I have had the computer taken completely apart down to the CMOS battery and it is as clean as a whistle. Does anyone have any other ideas of what the problem could be?

- Collapse -
Tell a little more.
Jan 1, 2010 1:22AM PST

Did you see them apply the heat sink compound? I saw a spat of machines last year where some tech in town was cleaning the machines and was not applying heatsink compound. They told the owners it was optional since the metal parts were bolted together and the heat would get out.

If it still locks up and a fresh install of the OS fails to fix it, then it's either an old machine issue where a new motherboard, ram or hard drive is needed. I can't tell which it is from your story and didn't read where I could not dis miss the old heat issues.

In fact, let's cover the use of the laptop. Is it on a desk or some comfy couch?
Bob

- Collapse -
Heat Sink Compound
Jan 1, 2010 10:39PM PST

Thanks, Bob. I was not aware of needing heat sink; I will get some today and check it out.

As for where the computer is used: on a desk. It belonged to my granddaughter and I am sure no maintenance has been performed on it until now. I am attempting to revive it!

- Collapse -
That's good to read.
Jan 2, 2010 12:40AM PST