Computer problems - advice appreciated!

Hello everyone, I'm a lurking reader but first time poster.

I've been experiencing some display problems with my T61 and would appreciate hearing about others opinions regarding the cause of the problem and what to do about it. The problems started about a week ago and have become progressively worse since then, now including showing duplicate displays, unusual characters during boot-up, and not being about to boot up out of safe mode. I've tried using an external monitor but nothing is displayed. The card in the machine is an nvidia quadro nvs 140m.

Here's a short video I made. Thanks for looking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAP-B9csLr0

edit: not under warranty

 

you know that card (which I have too) has well known thermal isses right? invoked dell to extend their warranty on their NBs with that card. but loonovo did not do the same. might want to call them on it and make your case. nvidia paid a hefty sum or has reserved a hefty sum to apple, dell, and other nb makers to cover repair of this but as i said dell is the only one i know of to come out and say to their customers OK we will fix it if it goes bad out of warranty. because it starts on boot up and before windoze loads i think you are right its hardware related.

 

nvidia paid 300 million dollars altogether, allowing them to wash their hand of the legal problems associated with their graphics card having problems.... 300 million dollars is just barely enough to cover the cost of the GPU and nothing more...... this money covers both the laptop and desktop GPU that were affected... this is woefully inadequate as a compensation....... not counting the damage to various manufacturers brand..... So basically laptop manufacturers have to stump to the cost of motherboard swap, courier shipping, labour charge, etc....

 

My first reaction is the same as BaldwinHillsTrojan. I think you have been bit by the infamous GPU problem with this series of Nvidia GPUs. Unfortunately I think you may be out of luck as Lenovo won't fix it without a warranty

 

I truly believe that Nvidia would have gone out of business if they completely owned up to this. This is/was so huge, but they simply swept it under the rug and are allowing customers to experience the random failures.

 

Thanks for the responses. Anyone know approximately how much it would cost to replace the video card? Or, maybe I'll use this as an excuse to get another laptop. I could get a refurbished x301 for $1,220.80 using the WAREHOUSE coupon, haha.

 

Well, that is the problem. The Video card can't be replaced by itself. You would have to have the whole motherboard replaced since the video card is soldiered to the motherboard. I think this cost about $700. I think most people will say it is not worth it, just get another machine. This is one of the reason why I hate laptops.

 

Here's what I would do.

Figure out exactly what you want. Have the item # or exact configuration ready, and call for support on your current machine. State what you know, that this looks like a known Nvidia problem, and that you know they've provided funds to fix said problem. That you know Dell has been making repairs outside of warranty, and you expect the same out of a premium laptop purchase on a widespread and well publicized problem.

Don't lose your cool, and be nice and non-threatening. If they agree to the repair, which they probably won't, then great. But if you get and keep the rep on your side, you have a shot at a deal. Just say something like 'I guess I'll be needing a new laptop, can you do something for me?' Obviously you'll be talking to the wrong department, but I'm sure they must have a mechanism for this. It might involve a supervisor, or just a personal handoff from the tech support rep to a sales rep to explain the situation. If it fails, try calling sales directly and explaining the situation. They tend to be open to some bargaining anyway, so you could end up with a very good deal.

 

there are reports that Lenovo customer service have fixed the problem for free, but it did take couple of months of talking to various support personnel. Or just pay the money to get the warranty extended and get it fixed.

 

Worth a shot.