Is my Dell Inspiron 1525 on it's way out?

Mockingjays

I don't know if anyone can help me? I've had a Dell Inspiron 1525 for several years now and for a few months I've had terrible problems with it freezing. It freezes if I'm online or even just typing on a Word document. I also occasionally get blue screen, black screens with info about registry (or something) and sometimes the message about it not shutting down properly when I turn it on, even if I did shut it down properly. Sometimes I do have to force it off because it freezes completely.

I've got antivirus software and I've also run a malware detection scan. Nothing was found. I removed all the photos and backed the, up. There are only a handful of documents stored as I use Dropbox or just print things out. I've restored it to factory settings and only have internet security, Office and my printer installed. My use of it is pretty basic - email and general internet stuff, ie shopping. I've never played any games, don't have a lot of music on it. Often the only way I can use the internet is in 'safe mode'.

I wondered if there's anything else I can try or if it's likely it's on its way out now?

Many thanks to anyone who may be able to help.

fermi

Have one of those as a spare/secondary laptop running fine under xubuntu. May be worth a try if all else fails.

macman

Is the fan running frequently at high speed? I've seen several of these with overheating issues. Whip the rear panel off, remove the fan ducting and clean out the 'slug' of dust that builds up in there-you won't shift it just using a can of compressed air on the vents, it''ll be too compacted. Plenty of guides on youtube if you need help.

Mockingjays

Thanks both.

Good to know I may not have to replace my laptop just yet.

S0litaire

Yup! open it up and give it a good clean out!
Then install Linux on it ^_~
I tried Linux Mint for the first time in about 3 years!
It's gotten a LOT better on my old HP 550 laptop.
That will do everything you need (most Linux installs also have LibreOffice so you can edit/create word docs)

mbrownish

A good clean would definitely be worth a try. Get yourself a can of compressed air (try Maplin's) - you may be shocked at what comes out. Chronic overheating from accumulated dust and grime is a common problem for older laptops; prevention is better than cure, as it leads to component stress and eventual failure .

You may also be lucky enough to have a decent local repair shop that will take it apart and clean it properly for a reasonable price - but most people aren't.

Fergie76

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UMqYV5PHWc

closed

What internet security? what does the bluescreen say?

If you can only use the internet in safe mode, that suggests a software problem, factory restore it again and run chkdsk c: /F to check the hard disk out