[domer07]

My daughter dropped her Dell laptop.  6 months later it stops working, no power, nothing.  Tried a hard reset, all the recommended tests, then sent for repair through Costco (guess the extended warranty does not apply).  The computer is $550 and they want to charge $799 for repair.      

Anyway, I believe it is the mainboard which I can have swapped out locally by my IT tech, but cannot find a new board.  Everything I find is refurbished, yet the computer is only 2 model years old.  Can the refurbished boards be trusted?

 

If a new board is $400, then I guess it is a new computer and a good spanking.  haha

 

Suggestions appreciated.

 

 

Thanks,

 

domer

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BTW - the computer is a DELL 3K15 I5-4210U

Mainboard is 6YPRH

[domer07]

BTW - the computer is a DELL 3K15 I5-4210U

Mainboard is 6YPRH

[phillpower2]

Hello domer07,

 

In defence of your daughter I would say that the computer would have expired there and then if dropping it has caused MB or any other hardware failure.

 

I believe it is the mainboard

 

 

Can I ask what actually happens if you try and power up the notebook and why you suspect the MB.

 

Can the refurbished boards be trusted?

 

 

Depends on from where they are purchased and the warranty that covers them and fwiw replacing a notebook MB is most often not a viable option due to the high cost of the boards themselves and then the fitting costs you need to pay the tech or tech store.

 

Tip

 

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[domer07]

Thanks for the response!

 

I agree on the effect dropping should have had on the computer.  I doubt the damage lingered for six months.  However, Costco is standing behind that wall to deny the warranty claim at this point.

 

Nothing happens when trying to power up the computer.  No lights, no keyboard background lights, no power light at the power button.  Tried with just battery, removed battery and tried with just power adapter, tried with both - no lights.  Took the battery out, disconnected the power adapter and pressed power button for one minute, computer did not reset.

 

Regarding evaluation for needing a MB, the computer is 13 months old, Dell warranty ran out at 12 months.  Contacted Costco who had us send it to Encompass.  Their evaluation is MB replacement.

 

Thx for the tip on the Edit command.

 

domer

[phillpower2]

You are welcome domer07 

 

It would have helped you no end if Encompass had actually informed you what exactly was wrong with the board 

 

The substantial testing that you have done yourself would unfortunately suggest that the MB or a part of it is bad, can I ask if the DC jack port is ok as in not loose or damaged in such a way that it would stop the power getting to the MB.

 

A rather obvious question but I must ask if the AC adaptor has been checked and proven to be working correctly, if it has an LED on it, is is lit up when connected to the power outlet.

[domer07]

Attached are a couple of photos of the damage.  I don't see the DC port anywhere close to the corner nor is there any physical damage seen on the visible corner of the mainboard.   

 

There were no lights on the AC adapter to validate it being good or bad and since she mailed in in from college I did not have another Dell adapter to send her to check it out.  It may have been tested at the schools IT department but I am not certain.  That was my first suggestion to her.

Attached Thumbnails

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[phillpower2]

Looking at the pictures the one thing that may have caused MB failure is a short circuit due to the board not being grounded by the chassis properly, again though the problem would normally have been instant and not suddenly happened.

 

Can we have a picture of the DC jack port please.

 

Regarding the AC adaptor itself, have you seen the article here regarding basic testing.

[domer07]

I am waiting to get the computer back from Encompass.  Will forward a picture in two days.

 

Posted my displeasure working with Costco's Concierge Services on the Costco Facebook page and Costco responded right away asking for details.  I supplied as much as I could.  They responded saying my case has been elevated in the Costco and Concierge Services hierarchy.  We'll see where it goes.

 

I did not see the basic AC adapter trouble-shooting guide.  My daughter did say the LED came on on the adapter when she initially was trouble-shooting the no-power issue.

 

Thanks for the support!

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the update domer07 

 

I hope some good come of your communication with Costco and we will meanwhile wait on your picture update.

 

You are welcome btw 

[fred n]

Curious how this turned out , did Costco come through?  

[domer07]

Sorry for the long delay - it was a partially lost lifetime working with Costco.  They finally consented to a 50% refund.  

 

The DC jack port was on the opposite side of the computer from the damaged corner.  It did not appear loose or damaged in any way.

 

Regardless, I am now setting up a new Windows 10 computer.  Just discovered I don't have the product key for her MS Office I purchased through HUP program.  My company no longer participates in it so I can't just purchase another key for $10.  looking for other options.

 

Thanks for the help!

 

domer

[phillpower2]

I am now setting up a new Windows 10 computer.  Just discovered I don't have the product key for her MS Office I purchased through HUP program.  My company no longer participates in it so I can't just purchase another key for $10.  looking for other options.

 

 

Not sure what you are asking here so will give a couple of possible answers;

 

Office licenses purchased through the HUP are not perpetual, they may only be used as long as your organization continues to license Office with Software Assurance, basically you were renting Office and if you stop paying for SA on Office your rights to use the Home Use copy expire.

 

If you are looking for an alternative to MS Office, Apache Open Office

 

Edit to add;

 

MS Office question also answered by SleepyDude here

Edited by phillpower2, 01 November 2015 - 12:25 PM.
As per edit above.