Desperately need yo help - STOP MESSAGE

[moriokfutai]

Hi guys,

I really need your help with the following situation as my laptop's warranty will run out in may 2007.

I read some horrible stories about the Dell technical support, so, I would like to avoid it if possible

Here we go:

MY LAPTOP:
-Dell Inspiron 6400
-512 MG RAM; Ati X1400; Intel Dual Core T2300; Fujitsu mht2080bh HD; intel wireless 3945 ABG; Broadcom network adapter; Sony DVD DW-q58A;

SITUATION:
-STOP messages: 0x7a (ftdisk.sys); 0x7a (atapy.sys); 0xf4.
-I have these BSOD rarely (1 time per month). 0x7a - atapy is the most often. The other 2 BSOD I only had them once each.
-I observed that the before the BSOD usually my system freezes.
-Also the machine is calculating a lot (the little lamp is on)
-It might happen on reboot (when I am not patient to have the laptop load all the application) or while downloading from net and trying to run other powerful applications.

I DID THE FOLLOWING:
- memtest86 - 6 runs - no errors
- microsoft memory diagnostic - no errors
- Fujitsu Diagnostic tool - no errors on both tests
- updated drivers (from Dell site)
- ran Dell diagnostic tools - no errors
- ran chkdsk c:/v /f - no errors.
- disabled the pagefile on C:, defrag C:, readded the pagefile ( 1300 MB, max 2000 MB) - still having BSOD

Thanks you advance for your help.

Regards,
Emil

 

[Liquidlen]

Start by running a couple of searches for those two file names. They appear to be ide controller related, but you must confirm this.
More importantly do not resist contacting Dell support, since you are so close to warranty's end , I suggest you are sure you do not have a Hardware issue which would be fixed for FREE !

 

[tipstir]

Have DELL send out a service tech or send the laptop to DELL but remove the HDD before you send it. When I use to service DELL laptops we had to do that. A lot of problems with DELLs is the MOBO in both desktop and laptop. The quick fix is to replace it.

 

[moriokfutai]

Hi tipstir,

I will contact Dell on Monday.

If I well understand you're suggesting to have the hard drive removed BEFORE I send the laptop to Dell?

Will they accept it with no HDD?

Thanks for your help.

 

[tipstir]

Well you don't want to send your personal data to them do you. They can fix your system without using your HDD. That's if you have send it to them? They might tell you to take it to a DELL Authorize Service Center or Dealer.