SXPS16 Hangups

So the other day, seemingly out of nowhere, my computer began experiencing "hiccups" where everything freezes for anywhere from ~1 to ~10 seconds. If sound is playing at the time then this is accompanied by a rather unpleasant noise.

I spent quite some time testing this, and have come to the conclusion that the thing is FUBARed, hardware-wise, as I have even experienced the issue in the BIOS! I was hoping it was simply the memory as this would be an easy fix, but I let the Windows diagnostic run for hours and still no problems were found. It's as if the computer is completely unaware of its illness.

I have experienced problems with Dell laptops before this as well and will probably not be purchasing another one.

The laptop is still under the completecare warranty that I paid extra for. I am looking for ways to get a replacement computer out of this ASAP, and without hassle. Suggestions? My ex's computer had issues with the screen that were never repaired and it took nearly a year of calling and mailing to get a new one.

Thanks!

 

Have you tried:

- Testing the AC adapter with a multimeter

- Used a known good Dell 90 watt AC adapter

- Reseatted RAM and HDD

- Used known good RAM

- Tried the Dell Diagnostics? A failing HDD can be the cause of unusual lock ups.

And which Studio XPS 16 are you referring to, there are 3, 1640, 1645, 1647

 

It's a 1640.

I will try another adapter, however, the problem appears to happen on battery power as well.

Since I have observed this happening in the BIOS, I do not see how the hard drive could be the problem. Nevertheless, I will try some diagnostics on it and report back.

 

Tried the Dell Diagnostics and it reported everything fine. Called Dell and they said my "completecare" does not come with onsight.. which is bull. I can ship it to them if I have to but I highly doubt the problem will be fixed.

Is there any way I could get a replacement out of this? Clearly something is FUBARed hardware-wise, yes? I'm wondering if I should still try replacing the ram, just in case.

 

So I replaced the memory and the problem remains. Is there any chance it could be the processor? Has anyone here seen anything like these before? Please help, it makes the computer unusable for most tasks.

 

Have you tried a known good drive? What is your SATA operation set to in BIOS? IDE, AHCI? Sometimes a hard drive can pass diagnostics but still cause issues in Windows.

Have you tried booting from a Linux disc to rule out drivers?

 

I have not, but perhaps I should? The BIOS is set to AHCI. Already tried IDE, same problem.

I've seen the problem in the BIOS, so I doubt Linux will do it, but I'm going to try it right now!

EDIT: Still seems to hitch in Ubuntu running off a flash drive. Need to play around with it some more though. I'm having trouble installing an mp3 codec...

 

If you want to confirm what exactly what you have under CCare, you can go to go here, put in your Service Tag, and it will give you info.

Or, log into your online Dell account, go to "My System & Pheripherals", and you will see info about your lappy.
Under Contract Type "CC", click on "Warranty Exp." and it will give you a drop down with a description of what CCare you have.

For instance, I have CC, Next Business Day (inc. nights/weekends) and XPS tech support. : )

 

Nice nice, thanks Cin.

 

Here the same problem, i have 1647. I updated the ram to 8gb (crucial) and i had lots of BSOD and laptop freezed vibrating loudly, i had to remove the battery to turn it off. Finally found that the crucial ram was faulty (sent it back and got refund), put back the samsung 4gb that came with.
Did a fresh install (with Crucial DDRam I could not finish the installation successfully), wiped the recovery stuff, installed all the drivers ( once are listed on Latest drivers thread), and when i installed the windows 7 Firewall Control Free 64bit, the laptop stopped responding and the vibration noise started again, i was scared, I could not say where was coming from, all was vibrating (it looked like the adapter issue, i can not say for sure.I have the 130W one) . I removed the battery, the only way to turn off the laptop.
Its been a week and it is working fine now, no BSOD/freeze at all. I have talked with Dell, they could not say anything.
I am a bit afraid what might be, it could happen again. I have 2 year CC, next bussines day, but when i checked the Service Tag it is saying ...."There are no service contracts or warranties associated with this system"...strange.
Once i have checked and it was saying that there is warranty CC 2 years...

 

Hope you are able to find the answer about your CC you are looking for there!