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Question

Laptop freezes for 50 seconds on boot

Aug 28, 2017 3:50PM PDT

Hello,

I have a serious problem with my Dell Latitude E6400 laptop with Windows 10. Whenever I start or restart my computer now, the splash screen would display for a few seconds to complete the power-on self test (POST). After that, all I see is a blinking cursor, and that remains for about 50 seconds until Windows boots up which itself stalls for a minute before I get to the lock screen.

Whenever this happens, the Ethernet and Wireless adapters don't work, and when I go into Device Manager, the Wireless adapter is missing and these devices report errors:

http://i.imgur.com/pqHf8cl.png

The Wireless adapter was missing, and Device Manager reported the following errors:

1. Intel(R) 82567LM Gigabit Network Connection (Ethernet):

This device cannot start. (Code 10)
{Operation Failed}
The requested operation was unsuccessful.

2. Intel(R) Active Management Technology - SOL (COM4)

Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

3. Intel(R) Management Interface

This device cannot start. (Code 10)
A device which does not exist was specified.

I began suspecting that it had to do with the Intel ME. I press F12 on boot, and select 'Intel Management Engine Boot Extensions (MEBx)'. I get something to the effect of "ME is initializing", it hangs on that screen for exactly 50 seconds, and then Windows boots (and hangs for 50 seconds).

I don't have any use for Intel ME, nor will I ever use it. I have had this problem intermittently for the past year, but I didn't pay attention to it until now. Re-flashing the BIOS didn't help; I couldn't update the ME firmware. It hung for 50 seconds, again.

http://i.imgur.com/t8xIZ2s.jpg

ME Firmware Update Failed! (Error Code: 8725)
-> Failed to receive last update status from the firmware.

I know something's wrong and unresponsive with the Intel ME, it's keeping my computer and network connections from working correctly and I don't have a warranty to take the PC back to Dell. What is going on???

Any suggestions would help.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
If the laptop has failing parts.
Aug 28, 2017 4:20PM PDT

Sounds normal. You can research those messages for priors like http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19649568 which many call out as a failing motherboard.

You might want to ignore this and save the bucks for a new laptop.
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gs-dell-latitude-e6400-laptop-intel-core-2-duo-4gb-ram-hdd-windows-10 pegs this as a 200 buck laptop when you can find them.

How about this 120 buck model which may have better specs? https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6A35CV8466

There are folk that want a fix that doesn't require boards or such but the good news is this class laptop can be had cheaper than any repair counter.

We bought 2 of those for the office and used the last chance Windows 10 upgrade and these are neat for the bucks.

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Want to stick with that model? Found it.
Aug 28, 2017 4:22PM PDT
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(NT)
Aug 28, 2017 4:32PM PDT

But this is the only problem my laptop has. I don't have the money for a new laptop right now. The entire motherboard doesn't have to be trashed just because of a small part. Where is the Intel ME? I can disable it if possible.

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Disable?
Aug 28, 2017 4:34PM PDT

Try device manager and the BIOS.

The prior discussions seem to agree the machine may need a new motherboard. I supplied some far less cheaper than repair options.

May want to just use it as-is till it dies.

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I've already went through those steps.
Aug 28, 2017 4:50PM PDT

I've already tried disabling those devices, and the PC still acts up when I boot it. And I went as far as taking the shiny motherboard out and looking at it, and it showed no signs of damage. This is a good computer and I want to fix this without having to go through a repair process. If there is a failing part, what is the mechanism for this failure?

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Remember I take it you did your research like I did.
Aug 28, 2017 5:01PM PDT

I didn't find anyone fixing it without replacing the motherboard. Motherboard repair is well, if you do such, you know the information you must find and where to scavenge parts. But at the price for a much better laptop being just about 125 bucks I suggest you not do that but use it as-is.

Your post says it works, just is annoying as the startup is delayed.