Sunday, May 6, 2012

My Dell Inspiron Laptop will not start up. What is wrong? Is it worth repairing?

The computer does not start up and flashes a post code that means "The video card is preventing the system from completing POST." It says that replacing the video card or system board may be necessary. My warranty is expired. In the past I have played some graphically demanding games such as Oblivion and wonder if that may have something to do with it. Is it something that is expensive/worthwhile to repair?|||What operating system are you running? For a few hundred dollars you can convert it to XP (if you still have Windows 98), add memory, etc. You can also have it backed up and wiped clean, incase you have a hidden virus. Take it to Frys Electronics or find a computer whiz to help you. It is a lot cheaper than buying a new computer and will probably run again like new.|||It could get a little pricey. Find the same model on ebay and buy it for parts. If it is an add in card then those are real easy to install.|||The video card is part of the motherboard.

You can search eBay and Craigslist for a similar laptop with a broken screen, dead hard drive, etc... then swap the parts over.

Laptops are not terribly difficult to take apart if you can handle a tiny screwdriver and not lose little parts.



You can look up the cost of new motherboard at support.dell.com.

Expect a PC technician to charge you for 2 hours labor @ $65 or so.

(How much is your laptop worth to you?)|||Probably burned out the display device

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