Laptop crashing and restarting

[phillpower2]

Any update for us mtblillie?

[mtblillie]

Unfortunately the problem persists. The weird part is the computer doesn’t feel warm when it freezes, but I still can’t perceive the internal fan kicking on. It seems like it has more to do with taxing the processing power than getting too hot, but I’m not really sure. Maybe it’s both. The fan tray I bought seems to help, but only a little.

[phillpower2]

Try a clean boot and then enabling a couple of things at a time testing as you go, this may help you to identify if a particular item is tripping the system up, see info here

[phillpower2]

Any update?

[mtblillie]

Sorry, it’s a bit of a slow process, and I unfortunately haven’t had a lot of time to work on it. I do plan to continue though. As soon as I have something (or nothing, as the case may be) I will let you know.

Thanks again for all your help!

[phillpower2]

You are welcome and thank you for the update (y)

[mtblillie]

Unfortunately, the system still freezes while in clean boot environment, even with everything disabled. I’ve noticed that the laptop will run smoother (faster startup, programs open quickly, etc), but it does not solve or even seem to help with the problem.

[phillpower2]

This leaves hardware and overheating.

The maximum safe working temperature for the CPU is 100°C and you are not getting anywhere near this before the computer is shutting down which goes some way to pointing more towards a hardware problem, before we go into detail on possible hardware causes can I ask that you try running the Dell diagnostic tests for notebooks.

Let us know how it goes.

[phillpower2]

Any update for us?

[mtblillie]

Next steps for fixing your memory.
Your memory appears to be working correctly. If you are experiencing a problem, it may be due to software or configuration issues.

(Memory stress test seems to be recommended, I’ll try that when I get a chance).
Next steps for fixing your hard drive.
Your hard drive appears to be working correctly. If you are experiencing a problem, it may be due to software or configuration issues.

(Checking and updating BIOS is an option in this field).
Next steps for fixing your battery.
Your battery’s capacity is decreased. It is normal for rechargeable batteries to degrade over time. If your battery is still under warranty, contact Dell Technical Support to determine if this issue warrants a replacement part.

(This seems to be the only actual ‘hardware problem’ it found).
Next steps for fixing your videocard.
Your video device appears to be working correctly. If you are experiencing a problem, it may be due to software or configuration issues.
Next steps for updating your drivers.
Out-of-date drivers could be causing issues
You have 1 device driver update(s) ready to download and install. Updating your driver(s) can fix device compatibility issues, improve overall performance, and enhance security.
Intel Management Engine Interface Driver | Chipset_Driver_5R99D_WN32_11.0.0.1153_A00.EXE (153 MB

I have been trying to download and update this driver from the microsoft website for a while now with no apparent luck.

[phillpower2]

I have been trying to download and update this driver from the microsoft website for a while now with no apparent luck.

You appear to have most of the above in hand, the exception being the chipset driver, possibly the most important driver of all, you cannot get this driver from Microsoft only Dell, use the Detect PC option here

[mtblillie]

You appear to have most of the above in hand, the exception being the chipset driver, possibly the most important driver of all, you cannot get this driver from Microsoft only Dell, use the Detect PC option here

Thank you, I will try that. Ironically last night I had no issues with crashing at all running through the tests.

[phillpower2]

(y)

[mtblillie]

Sorry, I had actually been attempting to download the driver from Dell. I was able to get it downloaded this time and installed successfully. I will do some testing and see if there are further issues.

[phillpower2]

(y)