Solved Dell Inspiron 1501 Hanging at Boot (RS485/M BR#22568)

[DRPCs]

Hello everyone, I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 that is currently hanging at boot. I've done a bit of researching and only found these two bits of information relating to the problem I'm having. (RS485/M BR#22568 , AMD Processors Forums - DELL Laptop flashes boot message: RS485/M BR#23931) the owner said this had been going on for some time now, he would have to manually shut it down and start it up many times before the laptop would actually start up.

From what I've found it seems to be something with the video card, possibly a driver? Thanks for your help!

 

[DRPCs]

Sorry for the lack of information, I was at work. The Operating System is currently Vista Home Premium. I managed to get it past the frozen bios luckily when it gave me a 'battery is critically low, press F1 to continue'. It booted past the login screen and is now showing me a black screen with a white movable cursor.

Edit 1: I drained the battery again and managed to start it in safe mode. In safe mode, I can access the desktop and all files.

 

[gregrocker]

Work through these steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start.

You may need to reset the BIOS if you can't boot a disk to check for infection and do the repairs: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS.

I'd also do the hardware tests if you can't perform the steps to disinfect and then attempt repairs.

 

[DRPCs]

I cleared the CMOS by removing the battery from underneath the keyboard - no change.

I've tried to get it to boot again, with no success. I was able to boot it before when the battery icon flashed orange, and giving me the 'battery is critically low' message. Now it only stays solid orange with no message. I am unable to get to safe mode (F8), setup (F2) or MultiBoot menu (F12).

 

[gregrocker]

Install, update and run a full Malwarebytes scan in Safe Mode.

Next try System Restore to before the problem began. If not try System Restore from System Recovery Options via F8 menu, the Vista installer or Repair CD.

Work through the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 which can be done in Safe Mode, then if necessary move into boot mode if you need to complete steps which are not accessible in Safe Mode, e.g. SFC /SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot

Try unplugging battery and A/C power, hold power button to release residual power, then plug it back in with A/C adapter only.

 

[DRPCs]

Install, update and run a full Malwarebytes scan in Safe Mode.

Next try System Restore to before the problem began. If not try System Restore from System Recovery Options via F8 menu, the Vista installer or Repair CD.

Work through the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 which can be done in Safe Mode, then if necessary move into boot mode if you need to complete steps which are not accessible in Safe Mode, e.g. SFC /SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot

Try unplugging battery and A/C power, hold power button to release residual power, then plug it back in with A/C adapter only.

The problem is, I can't get to boot setup. The freeze happens before anything, so I can't change the boot order priority to CD first, I can't access safe mode, and I can't run any scans. The only way I can boot to safe mode is if I can get the laptop to show the battery message, which seems to bypass whatever is causing it to halt in the first place.

I appreciate your help gregrocker, I'll leave the battery in the laptop, not charging, overnight and see what happens tomorrow morning. I need some sleep.

 

[DRPCs]

I've gone ahead and ordered a motherboard as per the clients request. I'll let you know the outcome when it arrives (7/31 - 8/2)

 

[DRPCs]

Replaced the motherboard and it boots perfectly.