Laptop Crashing

[mtblillie]

So some good news, I was able to successfully set up the thumb drive. I brought it home and attempted to run the memtest startup, but could not find it in the advanced boot menu. So I swapped usb ports and it popped up. I guess the port I was using isn’t working correctly, which is probably why I couldn’t set up memtest to begin with.

I ran memtest, which found no errors. Attached is the report.

[phillpower2]

Good news that the present RAM passed the tests, the outcome though reinforces my suspicions in that your computer does not have enough physical memory.

Click “Start” → type msconfig in the search box and press Enter. On the “Boot” tab, click “Advanced options” → make sure “Maximum memory” is not selected and that there is a 0 in the box.

brought it home and attempted to run the memtest startup, but could not find it in the advanced boot menu. So I swapped usb ports and it popped up. I guess the port I was using isn’t working correctly, which is probably why I couldn’t set up memtest to begin with.

Was the port the USB 3.0 type and the port that you were able to use the USB 2.0 type.

[mtblillie]

Good news that the present RAM passed the tests, the outcome though reinforces my suspicions in that your computer does not have enough physical memory.

Click “Start” → type msconfig in the search box and press Enter. On the “Boot” tab, click “Advanced options” → make sure “Maximum memory” is not selected and that there is a 0 in the box.

Done, the setting s above were already in this configuration, I didn’t have to change anything.

If this is true, it’s weird that I have crashes sometimes just modifying folders. I wonder if there is something in the background that is killing the memory. I totally understand Photoshop taxing the system, but file explorer? Or maybe that is just an issue that windows 10 has?

Was the port the USB 3.0 type and the port that you were able to use the USB 2.0 type.

I’m honestly not sure. In device manager I see several references to USB 3.0 but not 2.0, and I can’t determine from the list which port is which.

[phillpower2]

If me I would replace the present 4GB stick of RAM with an 8GB stick, 64-bit Windows will run when there is only 4GB of RAM but to get the best out of 64-bit Windows having 8GB is recommended.

USB 3.0 ports are normally blue while USB 2.0 ports are black.

[phillpower2]

Any update for us?

[mtblillie]

Any update for us?

Unfortunately no, this work week is the busiest of the year for me, this is the first time I have turned on my computer since I posted here last.

USB 3.0 ports are normally blue while USB 2.0 ports are black.

All the ports appear to be black (or grey, rather), so I am assuming they are 2.0. I looked up a picture of the blue 3.0 to be sure I wasn’t mistaking gray for blue, but it seemed pretty obvious on the picture.

If me I would replace the present 4GB stick of RAM with an 8GB stick, 64-bit Windows will run when there is only 4GB of RAM but to get the best out of 64-bit Windows having 8GB is recommended.

I was wondering if this would be a good idea, if it is simply happening due to overtaxing the RAM. I will look into getting an upgrade. I’m not particularly fond of the idea of replacing the RAM memory simply because this particular laptop wasn’t designed to be taken apart very easily, but if it will help I will give it a try.

Thanks for all the help!

[phillpower2]

There are various different models of the Dell inspiron 15 3000 series notebook, can you tell us your exact model so that we can take a look at the service manual,

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 notebooks that have an Intel CPU, 3552, 3558, 3573 and 3576, which one of these do you have?

[mtblillie]

There are various different models of the Dell inspiron 15 3000 series notebook, can you tell us your exact model so that we can take a look at the service manual,

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 notebooks that have an Intel CPU, 3552, 3558, 3573 and 3576, which one of these do you have?

The system information app is telling me that it is a 3542

[phillpower2]

Looked at the user manual which if you haven’t got you can download from here

Swapping out the RAM is real easy on this model,just follow each of the steps and you will be fine, make sure that after removing the main power brick and if connected the AC adaptor that you press the notebook power on button for twenty or so seconds to get rid of any residual charge in the notebook and before handling the RAM ground yourself by briefly touching something metallic like a domestic radiator pipe etc.

These upgrades are guaranteed compatible when you order from Crucial.

Same spec of Crucial RAM for $4 less from here

Please note that there is no point in purchasing the more expensive 1866MHz RAM as your CPU determines what the maximum compatible speed of RAM is which in this case is DDR3 1600MHz and more importantly because your notebook only has the one memory slot any RAM upgrade will still only work in single channel which = 800MHz as opposed to the 1600MHz that the RAM is capable of when used as one of a pair of matching sticks of RAM, you are looking to be able to use more demanding programs and have more tabs open which an 8GB stick of RAM will help you to achieve, it will not allow any other computer hardware to run faster so you must decide for yourself what you are wanting to achieve before making any purchase.

[mtblillie]

Well that is unfortunate I was under the impression that it had dual channel RAM, but now that I look at the manual it only has the single…I was starting to think about 16GB too, but oh well, something to pay closer attention to the next time.

At least the slot is relatively close to the surface of casing, unlike the fan which I had been originally thinking I would have to replace. The one thing I don’t really like is that you have to take out the keyboard to get the casing off…but maybe I am still used to older model laptops.

It may be a week or two before I can get the new stick in and installed. I’m not sure if you want to keep the thread open that long or not. Either way, thank you so much for your help with this!

[phillpower2]

The one thing I don’t really like is that you have to take out the keyboard to get the casing off..

You don`t with your model of notebook, see pages 23 to 26 of the user manual at the link that I attached in my reply #54.

We will leave your thread open for a few days more and close it if we do not hear back from you by then, send a member of staff a PM if you need the thread reopening.

You are welcome btw