Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge *Part 2*

Thanks, again, ExParrot! I've been able to turn it on just once since getting your message. I attempted to change the setting so that it would run the full POST. I say "attempted" because I'm not 100% that I did that right. I poked around in the BIOS. Under "System Logs" and "power events" there were a few ASF2 force off events listed. I also initiated some test called "pre-boot system assessment build 4127", and it ended with "memory test failed."

At this point I'm leaning towards buying a similar model off eBay and trying to sub in parts until it's working. My logic is that I'd be able to try a few different things, and it could be helpful for future issues as well. I found this auction (luckily since its name is mis-spelled!):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Peris...ash=item4680e2e8d2:g:QaMAAOSw~TNbT5QX&_sop=15

It seems promising because the items that it lacks (hard drive, ac adapter, or battery) are items that I believe are fine on my Precision.

However, I haven't yet tried the "reflow in the oven" trick. If that's effective, let's say 25% of the time, then it might be worth it to try that before buying a parts machine?

Can anyone point out what I'm under-thinking?

 

Well Brian85, I've never done the "reflow in the oven" trick myself but I'd guess more like 10% chance of a lasting fix. So that would only be logical for "fun", depending on your definition of fun.

Trying the m/b from that ebay system is probably a better option. If it POSTs as in the pictures then the m/b probably works. Then you'll have a source for other spare parts down the road.

Good luck!

 

I purchased that laptop! In which order would you try switching parts?

1) memory (because it's easy)
2) motherboard
3) CPU

 

I might first verify the ebay system seems OK with an HDD or SSD and the battery + A/C from your main machine. Then you know you have good parts.

Assuming that you don't like this franken-system better as the running M4400 then you need to figure out what you need to bring into your first machine to get it working. I would try the other stuff before the m/b swap since they should be easier and the machine is old enough to benefit from a repaste and fan cleanout anyway. Doing the memory before the CPU is logical because that is easier. A fresh CMOS battery is probably a good idea when you are done.

Have "fun"!

 

Glad to see such an active community for the M4400. Could anyone provide some guidance on how to enable Bluetooth using Windows 10? I followed the instructions on an earlier page here but Windows keeps disabling Bluetooth due to its 'security' concerns. I've tried a number of solutions ranging from installing the Dell driver package in compatability mode to installing the Lenova driver that was linked but I keep getting stymied. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Hi Bryan,

I´m happy that someone still runs M4400. During the time I have resigned on Win 10 on my m4400, because the new Win10 actualizations brought often new driver issues. However, that bluetooth issue you are describing above was possible to fix. Try this:

1. Disable Driver Signature Verification
/You can hold down the Shift key while you click the “Restart” option in Windows. Your computer will restart into the special menu. Then select the “Troubleshoot” title on the "Choose an option screen" that appears. Then select “Advanced options”. Click the “Startup Settings” title. Click the “Restart” button to restart your PC into the Startup Settings screen. Type “7” or “F7” at the Startup Settings screen to activate the “Disable driver signature enforcement” option. Your PC will boot with driver signature enforcement disabled and you’ll be able to install unsigned drivers (just for once, next it switches automatically back to signature enforcement)./

2. Instal Bluetooth driver through option troubleshooting in the control panel
Choos option troubleshooting in control panel.


Then:

Then:

Then click on "Run as administrator". The list of programs appears - choose option "not listed" and then find the path of your old dell bluetooth driver and click "next". New dialog appears - choose option "Try recommended settings" / or something like "test program" (I m running now win7 so I m just going accord my memory how it was in win10).

Afterthat, instalation of bluetooth driver should start. Hope it will work.

 

This is great, thanks for sharing. Let me give that a try. I have to confess I broke down and bought an inexpensive Bluetooth USB connector which worked well but it would be nice to get the native BT functionality working. I'll post back with my results!

 

Ok, let me know if it works. I´m curious.

 

Thanks again. In the end, I decided to simply transfer the hard drive from the machine I had to the machine that I purchased (which lacked a hard drive). It booted up perfectly, and everything has been good ...except for some troubles with the keyboard: 9 keys did not work: z x c v m , . RIGHTSHIFT and ENTER. Thinking that the keyboard was at fault, I replaced the keyboard with the keyboard from the machine that I had (which had no issues). But that did not fix it.

Any ideas? When I plug an external keyboard into a USB port, that works fine but essentially turns the machine into a desktop

 

Bummer. If the same keys don't work with the swapped keyboard you could try swapping the keyboard connector but most likely it is a M/B issue.

Low probability things to check/try:

• On Win10 I use the DELL_TOUCHPAD----POINTING-ST_A15_R298882.exe driver but that shouldn't affect keys
• See if those keys work in the BIOS screens to rule out a Windows issue (or boot a Linux OS from a USB drive)
• Disable Windows Sticky Keys

Unfortunately, you probably need to look for another M4400 for a donor M/B.