What happened to the "7 beeps of bulls*it" thread?
Working on my cousin's Inspiron M5010 with same problem, the original thread had valuable info/links.
Anyhoo, I contacted Dell Support seems my Cuz never registered her laptop w/Dell (last warranty info left BestBuy Jan 2011, expired May 2012) As laptop is end-of-life and out-of-warranty the Dell tech wanted nothing to do with fixing this despite it being an obvious design/construction defect/flaw in the AMD/GPU/solder manufacturing process. Dell Tech said "take it to a local guy"
I'm not giving up just yet. Round II to follow... any suggestions?
ChromeFoundry
(3,270 posts)I used this method on several PS3s and a few motherboards and it is really very easy.
Her is a video on how the process should be done on you particular laptop:
Here is a cheap heat gun from Harbor Freight $9.99:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html
This is a link to the liquid solder flux I use, just before I apply heat for the reflow $12.95:
http://www.amazon.com/Chemtronics-CircuitWorks-CW8100-Clean-Dispensing/dp/B000LBA7PG/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1453048824&sr=1-8&keywords=Liquid+solder+flux
Honestly, I know it looks and sounds intimidating, but it is a very easy process. Take your time pulling apart the laptop and don't lose the pieces... This would save you a ton of time and money.
Earth Bound Misfit
(3,554 posts)I've already decided to try the reflow, I just came back from Lowe's where I purchased a butane pocket torch ($19.99) & an infrared thermometer ($34.98)... both tools will be useful for me beyond this project. Laptop is already disassembled - this model was actually pretty easy to take apart - and have cleaned the thermal paste off the GPU. I'm off to Staples or The Shack to get some Arctic Silver & prolly tackle the reflow later today/tomorrow.
Thanks again for the always useful, practical & thoughtful reply, you are a true DU Treasure!
Earth Bound Misfit
(3,554 posts)Laptop fired up Next project: Decrapify, already saved her user folders to external, probably just do a clean install.
Thanks again for the encouragement, it really was remarkably easy!
ChromeFoundry
(3,270 posts)Rock on!
Earth Bound Misfit
(3,554 posts)No DC current--laptop only worked for as long as the battery had a charge... crapped out after about 2-3 hours. Ordered replacement I/O board from Amazon $27 + $8 shipping less $10 gift card for applying for Amazon Store card... should get it Fri-Sat.
ChromeFoundry
(3,270 posts)Is it possible that when you disassembled/assembled it one of the connectors did not get seated correctly? I think the AC power jack has a current sensing pin that enables the charging circuit. Not sure if this is the your situation, but definitely something to look into.
Earth Bound Misfit
(3,554 posts)Found one on E-Bay for 5 bucks & change/ free shipping, replaced it yesterday, good to go
ChromeFoundry
(3,270 posts)One less unit in the landfill.