Acer Laptop problems

superscaper

spud17 wrote: »

Could this not be a simple RAM issue.

If the Acer originally shipped with 512mb, it could be said to be Vista ready.

This does not mean it will work to an acceptable level.

And installing more ram shouldn't invalidate any warranty. I certainly remember reading that it was tested in court (with a desktop) that in that particular case voiding the warranty because of something like a memory upgrade was an "unfair" part of the contract and the warranty contract had to be upheld by the manufacturer because PCs as far as the court are concerned are designed to be modular and upgradeable so the manufacturer can't void the contract on that basis.

spud17

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_3692WLMi_Laptop_LX.AFL05.041/version.asp

Shows 512mb RAM with XP Home, this is OK, but if using Vista you need at least 1024mb.

If possible run scan at

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

kaydoh1981

Originally Posted by spud17
Could this not be a simple RAM issue.

If the Acer originally shipped with 512mb, it could be said to be Vista ready.

This does not mean it will work to an acceptable level.

The laptop actually has 1 Gb of RAM, and when the computer does boot into Vista (eventually) it runs fine - even runs the aero interface (relatively) smoothly, so the problem doesn't seem to be RAM performance when Vista is operational/running. I've also ran the windows memory diagnostics tool (lots of times) to check the RAM and it hasn't flagged anything up...

sco0ter

You didnt happen to install the upgrade for NORTON as well when you went from XP to Vista did you.... This would slow your PC right down.. Also what else do you have running at startup??

superscaper

sco0ter wrote: »

You didnt happen to install the upgrade for NORTON as well when you went from XP to Vista did you.... This would slow your PC right down.. Also what else do you have running at startup??

I think the OP should certainly follow all the "software" advice first despite my "legal ramblings" which are to be followed separately if all else fails and a software problem is ruled out (as far as any software problem can be ruled out).

kaydoh1981

sco0ter wrote: »

You didnt happen to install the upgrade for NORTON as well when you went from XP to Vista did you.... This would slow your PC right down.. Also what else do you have running at startup??

No- I tend to avoid Norton products due to their tendency (IMO) to hog system resources, so I didn't bother putting the new Norton stuff on it. I can see your line of thinking but I don't think it's the services/programs I have running at startup- the computer basically has a fresh Vista install on it at the mo (don't have it to hand 'cause I'm in work), and as far as I can remember, I've just reinstalled the realtek HD audio drivers and the acer launch control software (for the keyboard hotkeys) so at the mo there isn't the usual detritus which tends to build up over time- haven't even installed firefox!

kaydoh1981

superscaper wrote: »

I think the OP should certainly follow all the "software" advice first despite my "legal ramblings" which are to be followed separately if all else fails and a software problem is ruled out (as far as any software problem can be ruled out).

I agree with your sentiments here superscaper, but I feel that I'm currently on the slippery slope to the legal domain, as I've been around the houses 'software'-wise, and because of the fact that I'm getting the problem before Windows even gets a chance to kick in I think It's definitely hardware related- and Acer won't look at the hardware until I get over their XP/vista software hurdle. So methinks it'll be me vs the Acer CS department!

steve_r123

Judging from what has been said, it seems like there is a problem with the hard drive to be. Seen this a lot on laptops that I have looked at.

Your trouble is proving this to Acer is going to cost you at least £50 and a lot of time and trouble.

Throwing the "it's the principle" case out of the window for a minute, I would be inclined to get a new hard drive, install vista (presuming you have a disk) and be done with it. It will probably be cheaper anyway. As long as you are competant with a screwdriver.

Then, send the bill for the hard drive to Acer (presuming this fixed the problem) and demand payment. It's worth a try!

That's what I'd do anyway.

superscaper

kaydoh1981 wrote: »

I agree with your sentiments here superscaper, but I feel that I'm currently on the slippery slope to the legal domain, as I've been around the houses 'software'-wise, and because of the fact that I'm getting the problem before Windows even gets a chance to kick in I think It's definitely hardware related- and Acer won't look at the hardware until I get over their XP/vista software hurdle. So methinks it'll be me vs the Acer CS department!

As someone mentioned earlier, put it in writing as you'll get taken more seriously and get people with decision making ability looking at is rather than call centre people and maybe send a CC of the letter to the head honcho as well (in my experience that really gets things moving), making it clear in your letter to CS that you've sent a copy to the big cheese (Gianfranco Lanci, President of Acer Europe,MiddlEast and Africa).

kaydoh1981

steve_r123 wrote: »

Then, send the bill for the hard drive to Acer (presuming this fixed the problem) and demand payment. It's worth a try!

:cool: I like your style Steve!

I was thinking of going down this route- as you said this would be the simplest route- but the 'principle' keeps raising it's head

I think I'll do as you said earlier- get a letter through to Acer before my warranty period is up and see if I can get any joy with them- if not then I'll spend the £50 on getting a new hard drive as they did send me a vista disc. My only fear is that it's actually not the harddrive but maybe something like the mobo- 'cause I'm not handy enough to attempt a repair on one of them!