Our Dell Inspiron 1100 Has Overheating Problems Again

I am having a similar problem with mine, and upon removing the heatsink unit I realized that the cpu was attached to heatsink and am unable to separtate it, do you have any suggestions as to how to resolve this? Was this the case with yours?

I'm having the same problem with my Dell Inspiron 1100. This causes the computer to run really slow as well. The heat actually caused part of my power supply plug to MELT when it was in the socket. Thankfully, Dell replaced that at no charge, but when I told them about the amount of heat and the fan always being on, they suggested I BUY a cooling pad. I don't think this is right. I hope you post any solutions you might have. This will most likely be the last Dell I will ever buy.

Chris

Hey, great website ;) "learning css myself"... Could you please explain what method you used to remove the actual CPU from the heatsink??

I removed the heatsink unit and the CPU was glued on, I suppose the thermal greese has hardened like a rock..... I didn't want to try and pry it off to damage it, so I only blue the dust off...

Its for my g/f's computer; keeps crashing from over heating goes up to 70'c

Thank you so much for this post. I have been looking for a while for instructions. By the way, these instructions work for the Inspiron 5100 as well.

As to the CPU sticking to the heatsink: I used a jewler's screwdriver to gently pry up under the green board, alternating on all four sides, careful not to scratch it. And it popped off.

Then I used rubbing alcohol and Q-tips to loosen the old baked-on grease. I also had to use my thumbnail (carefully) to get the harder stuff off.

It's only been running a few minutes but already my CPU temp is 40C-50C and my HD temp is 33C. This is incredible. It was running 60C-70C (CPU) and 50-54C (HD) before.

I am glad to find this website and I was very surprised to know that someone like Dan will take precious moments out of his time to create this website for us people who badly need it.
I was able to pull out the heatsink with in 5 minutes without any problem. I removed the old greese and applied new heat sink greese from Radio shack ($2.17 incld tax). My laptop is working great..no heat and no fan noice.
THANKS DAN for your great help

I forgot to tell you that before applying greese, you must clean your heatsink by blowing air through the heat sink vents. I also unscrew the fan which attached to the heat sink with three screws.
I also forgot to give credit to sherree for creating this website. Thanks both of you for the help

Thanks for the further details, Wendy and Zach. I'm sure some will find it helpful!

I just found and applied your fix for the overheating issue and downloaded the fan monitoring program. I think this is going to fix our problem also. You have done a great service!
Thank you
Sharon

Dan, you absolutely rock. I was in a panic mode an hour ago. I was at the local library trying to do a lesson plan for one of my teaching classes, and my Dell Inspiron 1100 just shut down, BLAM. Yes, it had done this before, but only under really heavy CPU loads. The problem was obviously getting worse. I figured it was something like a heatsink compound problem, but I thought I'd go into work and see if anybody else had similar problems.

I expected AT MOST to find a text description of how to fix the problem. You put up pictures! I easily took my laptop apart, scrounged around work for some rubbing alcohol and heatsink grease, and 20 minutes later, my laptop is running smooth. I can barely hear the fan running.

Oh, I was surprised to find that I can pull my entire CPU from my laptop in sleep mode! I thought it had shut down again from a thermal overload, but it had just gone to sleep. Don't try that at home!

Thanks again, I hope someone can help you out as much in the future.

Thanks for at splendid homepage.
I also experienced that my 1 year and four month old Inspiron 1100 suddenly shut down without warning.
First I tried Dell. They told me that the problem was probably the heatsink : A new heat sink cost 200 dkr. (approximately 33$) but they asked for 1800 dkr. (approximately 300$) to do the “out of warranty reparation”
– too expensive if you ask me compared to the price of the price of a new laptop.

I the found this homepage and tried – due to the description on this page - to clean the heatsink/fan. It didn’t work out. I also installed the “Dell Inspiron 8x00 fan control” and could see that I got a temperature problem.

Then I ordered a new heatsink/fan at Dell - to the price of 300 dkr. (apprx 50 $) including transportation.

I installed it but this didn’t do the trick either. There were no sign of life from the fan. I even tried to put back the old heatsink. But nothing helped. I could only start the computer when it was cold and then it only ran for 10-20 minutes.
I got rather pissed off - so I restarted the computer 40-50 times. Suddenly I got some kind of BIOS-error and after restarting the computer again everything seemed to work fine - great. The next day I called Dell to ask them whether my problem was a BIOS-problem. They couldn’t tell me but suggested it could be some combination = heatsink+BIOS problem. I then asked them whether I should update my BIOS – they told me that this was a good idea. I found the update file on Dells homepage (I1100A32.exe) I installed it – I turned on the computer but then got a bit scared because again there were again no sign of life from the fan (almost got pissed again). But the computer didn’t turn off. After a while the CPU got hot and when the temperature reached 55 degrees Celsius the fan started to work –> a happy man again.

Well the point is: Before trying to clean your heatsink or ordering a new heatsink from Dell you may try to update your BIOS first. If you update your BIOS the fan may turn on (and Off) at another temperature than before - so be patient. If you use the “Dell Inspiron 8x00 fan control” you can control CPU-temperature yourselves.
Thanks again
Pedersen, Fred (Denmark)

When I emailed Dell with the problem, they told me I needed a new motherboard and CPU! However, by the time that I got their message, I'd already pretty muvh followed the procedure here, pulled out a dust bunny the size of Wyoming, and everything worked fine.

In a lot of cases, including mine, removing the heatsink will be unnecessary because the heatsink is well bonded to the CPU and no dust is getting in to hurt the cooling. OTOH, the fan must be pulled and compressed air used to clean out the entire area under it, especially the cooling fins to the rear, where the real cooling takes place. If this isn't enough to keep the machine from spontaneously shutting down, then you can clean the CPU and put on some new heat compound, preferably something with a better heat conductivity than Dell's.

Remember also to get the most up to date BIOS. BIOS A32's text file says that it's supposed to "update thermal table to improve the "Thermal dust" issue on Inspiron 5100," and who knows, maybe it helps the 1100, too. BTW, don't get too impresssed by or afraid of the heat readings you get with fangui; they change with the BIOS version, and I have no idea which BIOS, if any, shows the coolest, or most accurate, temperatures.

I removed the heatsink/cpu, and now my keyboard/LCD isn't working, any ideas.

Thanks Dan,

Your website was a great help, I did what was written and so far so good.....no heat!

Does anyone know if I should have used the expensive Artic Silver compound instead of the generic stuff?

Keep up the great website, you have a fan in me..

Jordan on the sunny Mediterenean Coast in Croatia

Had the same problem, upgraded the bios and sprayed out the fan and it works much better.

Of note, if you try to upgrade the bios and it says it can't because you're at a phoenix bios, you'll have to upgrade to A22 and then on from there. I went to A32 which is where the fan control fix appears to be.

Excellent advice and guidance that will help me cure the identical problem on my Inspiron 1100. Just one question, mine sucks air through the back and blows out the bottom where the heat can't escape easily. Is my cooling fan going backwards? Can someone check theirs? Thanks robert@homelectrix.co.uk

Great site. Thank you!

I just replaced my heatsink and reassembled.

The fan comes on when I power-up, but the display does not appear and the system does not boot-up. I didn't disconnect anything else that I'm aware of. Any thoughts/ideas?

Seems like the same problem as Chuck (June 8 post).

Robert (6/14) - My fan runs the same as yours.

!!! Warning !!!

Following (or perhaps, deviating from) the above procedure may damage your computer!

At least, based on my experience and the posts of Chuck (6/8) and Glenn (6/14).

I followed this procedure on my Inspiron 5100. My CPU was also bonded to my heatsink, and initially, I did not remove it. After cleaning the heatsink and vents, I reassembled everything. After this, my laptop would no longer boot even to the BIOS. It powers on (fan runs), but no more.

Thinking that perhaps the CPU did not seat correctly, I disassembled it again, and this time separated the CPU from the heatsink, re-seated the CPU and reassembled. Still no luck. I'm still not 100% sure that the CPU is seating correctly. My best (and only) guess is that the socket or CPU was damaged due to some misalignment when screwing the heatsink back in it’s mounting with the CPU attached. Obviously, I don't know what it looked like when it before I removed it, as it was impossible to see, but it just doesn't feel solid. But no matter what I do it doesn't seem to seat any better.

I would think twice before performing this procedure, or at least (if my guess has any accuracy) make sure you remove the CPU from the heatsink.

Thanks a bunch!

I had the same problems with my Inspiron 1100 and your page was a great resource on how to fix the problem. After spending 20 minutes cleaning out the heatsink and fan it runs much cooler now.

Hi, reporting back on a successful repair. There was a thick layer of dust across the copper cooling fins that was only visible after taking the fan out of the die cast section, and after cleaning out, the air flow now expels heat through the laptop's rear vent. The CPU chip remained firmly glued to the heatsink throughout. On re-insertion to the motherboard I aligned the chip's pins to the socket whilst the socket was in its unlocked position, then I gently turned the socket's locking screw whilst easing the heatsink assembly into place. Maybe those that didn't reboot after re-assembly need their CPU chips re-seating.

I have the no video problem afterI cleaned the heat sink and fan and re seated the processor, has any one found out a way to resolve this??? Too much thermogrease perhaps?

Lo and behold, I jumped the gun on the previous post. There is a really easy solution if you loose video after reseating the CPU. There is a ZIF mechanism for laptops just like for desktops. Obviously no room for a lever so instead there is a small turn screw on the left hand side of where the CPU sits.

If you look closely, there are small LOCK and UNLOCK icons on either side of the space wher you would turn. After seating the CPU, simply turn the little notch to UNLOCK then back to LOCK, screw your heat sink and fan back in, replace all screws and parts. Blowing out the dust does help a ton but I think I will update the BIOS just to be on the safe side.

A.K., my friend, you are a genius. I could sense that I was making a jackass mistake regarding the seating of the processor, but could not figure out what it was.

Use the screw, problem solved.

How hard should I screw heatsink to CPU? May I use other thermal compound like arctic silver 5 or arctic ceramique?

hi, i read this forum and it completely applied to me. i went out, bought some new themral compound, cleaned my cpu and my heat sink, applied the new compound, put it all back together and....no fix. my temp started out at about 65-70 degrees when i turned it on, but now it starts at 60 -70, but then rapidly heats up hack into the 70's range. could i have done something wrong? maybe used bad compound? i cleaned the dust out too but to no avail. any response would be GREATLY appreciated, ty all

Hey I am studying to dell certified and came accross this website in research.... When removing the processor FAN assembly You have to make sure you do NOT touch the copper tubing on the thermal cooling system OILS from your hand will cause the copper tubing not to disipate heat properly..... just extra info I thought might help

I found some precision info about the proces.
1.Removing EMI shield and thermal cooling assmebly and other stuff): http://docs.us.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins5100/sm/index.htm
Cleaning and adding new thermal compound (it's very important to do it properly!):
http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique_instructions.htm

My cpu temp: idle temp = 36-38 grades(celsius).
max(100%) cpu use for ten min. = 65-70 (64 -after hovering dust without any parts removing.
I'll give you some info about cpu temp after replacing thermal paste for ceramique. (maybe in two weeks - busy right now)

I tried this fix on mine. Now when I try to boot it up, all it will do is stay running for a couple of seconds, the num lock light will flash nine times and then it shuts itself down. Any ideas on what might be going on?

Finally I done it. I've cleaned radiator from dust and I've changed thermal compound. I warn everybody it's not easy (its very hard to do all process properly. When I was trying to remove heatsink from cpu I almost break pins(legs) of cpu (My advise is: change cpu socket position to open when you try to remove hatsink). The heatsink came out with cpu attached to it. (The legs of cpu were little curved.)It wasn't easy to separate Cpu from heatsink (I used my swiss army knife to do it. (It was impossible to do it with plastic - non scratching knife). Next I cleaned cpu and heat sink surfeces with izoprophyl alcohol(high purity). Then I cleaned radiator from dust ( I think that the best way to do it is to use direct stream of water). Next I applied some arctic ceramique thermal compound and replaced all the parts. Now I have 36 temp idle and 62 max with 100% cpu use (when temp reach 62 fan kick to next gear and temp fall to 60). These temps could be lower after 24 houres. (thermal compound needs some time to be fully efficient). So if you really want to clean radiator and change thermal compound - read first this: http://docs.us.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins5100/sm/index.htm
http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique_instructions.htm
ps: Use only the best thermal compounds and apply them properly!!! (arctic silver 5 or ceramique or ocz +ultra5).

Hey I am having the same problem with not getting any response from the monitor after cleaning out the fan and heatsink and re-assembling the computer. my cpu is stuck to my heatsink and i am wondering if it asolutely necessary to seperate the two. i have taken the advice of using the unlock/lock screw and am still have no luck!! any helpful words?

Lets see, my problem is when I press the power button, the HD, power, etc lights turn on green and orange,and blink randomly(absolutely randomly, no order) No video is recieved by the display. Its become as useful as a paperweight. Dell has no answer for the problem, other then the mobo or processor is fried! I have another 2.0ghz intel celeron laying around just of a differnt fsb. but if the procesor was fried the lihgts wouldn't spiratically blink as they do. So my problem is finding a mobo for under 300 US american dollars. http://www.laptopparts.com has a replacement mobo but for 500 friggin' dollars. And its not covered unedr warranty so i don't even wanna know how much dell would charge for jsut the mobo itself. so if anyone can find a replacement mobo for the 1100, it'd be greatly appreciated.
lupinguard@walla.com
AIM: shavelieva

Thanks for the information!
It is also a good practice to wear an anti static wrist strap when opening your electronic components.
I would also remove the battery before opening the laptop just to be on the safe side.
The processor can be removed by sliding a small screw between the heat sink and the processor a few times until you get a groove in between the paste, then you can pry them apart.
Also, the screws are numbered 1-2-3-4 on the fan assembly, This should be the sequence in where you should tighten them when you are putting it back, it should only be snug not Gorilla tight as for these components are very delicate.

Thanks again Dan

Worked great for me :). Thanx for the info.

Ok from the research that I have done I have determined that this is a 400fsb cpu, it is not prescot ready. So Has anyone actually had any luck upgrading this cpu from the stock 2 gig?
I have found upto 3.0 ghz celerons that are 400 fsb, and I have a customer that is interedted in upgrading so If anyone has had any luck in this upgrade on the cpu please let me know!

Followed Dan's directions, ran down to Radio Shack and purchased $2.00 heat sink compound. Used reasonable care and took my time. Working like a champ. Dell claims there isn't a problem with cooling on the 1100. I would disagree based on what I see here.
Thanks for the link to the fan monitor applet.

Hello, I was reading some of the comments about the dell 1100, My son called me this morning saying that he was unable to boot his computer, I asked him to try dc and ac, both no boot, nothing. When I came home I the only light that comes on when I press the power button is the amber battery light. I came across your web site looking for help. I have noticed that prior to total power down it was have heating and fan issues as described above...looking for help
John

My laptop is new again! Thanks.

Everything runs better. I went from 70C to 50C (even under heavy CPU loads).
For those who messed up their notebooks doing this procedure, it's not hard to fix, just get a tech person you know to look at it. Piece of cake.

I have had this problem since May with my 1100 and dell suggested it being a virus or something else that has nothing to do with them. This website is exactly what I've been looking for since then and I'm glad I have finally found it

I was reading everyones post, I ended up cleaning out both my Dell 1100's the same way about a year ago, but I am really dissapointed about the amount of heat I have, even after it is cleaned thoroughly. Also even my power supply heats up very hot. I bought a cooling pad which works great, but its a laptop and it makes an already bulky laptop even bulkier. I have had my laptop for atleast 3 years, and hardly used it because of the size and heat issues. I started using it again but more as a desktop replacement then a portable laptop. I wish Dell would do something to help us out, maybe a nice fast fan would be great. Anyways glad to see everyones in the same situation as me. Hope we could figure out a better way to cool an already bulky laptop? Any ideas?

Thanks for the tips and pictures!!! I was worried about my own overheating/shut down issues and feared how much it would cost to send my 5100 to Dell for service....but thanks to your Bio's update tips, pictures and $2.09 at Radio Shack for Heat Sink Compound I tore into my laptop like I knew what I was doing. So far, 5 hours later it is still running cool and quiet.

Great post! Just finished up and my 5100 seems to be much improved. The only difficult part was separating the cpu from the heatsink... I ended up using an exacto knife to delicately remove the thermal compound from around the edge before popping the two apart. Prepackaged alcohol swaps worked pretty well for cleaning off the compound.

In response to "By hello , written on July 25, 2005 at 11:27 PM." I am having the same issue with my Inspiron 1100. I was using my laptop, when it suddenly had a complete power down. Thus far, I have not been able to boot it up from either the battery or ac power. Even though the AC adapter is plugged in and the green light is lit on it, there is no light on the laptop present. Any suggestions? Please reply to ymp5845@fsu.edu

I have a Dell Inspiron 1100. One day it stopped working, no lights or activity on the Laptop. The power pack works well. I'm wondering if the overheating issue is burning out the Motherboards? I checked Dells FAQs and found that it has to be the Motherboard. Do you think overheating has damaged to motherbard. Thanks for your time.

PS. Great Web Site, Thanks for spreading much needed information Dan.

Hi Steve S,

This is the same issue that I am currently experiencing with my laptop. If I hear a response I'll pass the info along to you as well!

I also had an overheating problem with my dell inspiron 1100. I sent it back to dell under warrenty. When they returned it I received a notice that if I had it repaired and it wasn't under warrenty it would have cost approx 300 - 400 dollars and asked me if I wanted to purchase an extended warrenty, I didn't. The overheating problem came back approx 3 months after the warrenty expired. I called dell and told them I was having the same problem and they said that warrenty parts are only covered for 90 days. Found this board and followed the instructions, only I used the Arctic Silver #5 along with the cleaning compounds. Cost was approx 7-10 dollars for everything. Took apart the heat sink, cleaned the cpu and the heat sink, followed the directions for the application of the Arctic Silver grease/cleaning compounds. Installed the program for the Dell inspiron 8000/8100 fan monitoring and now as I type this I'm looking at a temp of 41 degrees where as before it would hover around 55 to 60. The warrenty work that dell performed stated that they replaced the cpu and fan unit. When I took the heat sink off the cpu I found a "glob" of heat sink grease smeared on the cpu, over the edges and not totally covering the unit at all. Oh well, not another dell. Thanks for the help and info.

I've had a Inspiron 1100 laptop for over a year now. I've been using it mostly for gaming and i plan on building a new computer in the coming few months. I was just wondering if there was any possibility in replacing the Celeron into a Pentium 4, when i first purchased the inspiron 1100, it had a customizable option upon purchase to switch the celeron into a p4, But i don't know which one i should buy. Judging on how well the cooling fan works under heavy load, i was wondering if someone could tell me what pentium 4 they could recommend which won't overheat in my rig. I was thinking of maybe a 2.8 ghz, but i don't know what effect it would have on heat. Also, does this motherboard support hyper-threading? i can't remember if you need a certain mobo to use hyperthreading or its just a feature that is supported by all motherboards.

Just to let everyone know... This seems to be resolved with the latest bios version. After installing the latest bios update the machine is running much cooler, and the cpu usage seems to be better regulated as well

I just had my 1st overheat shutdown on my Inspiron 1100...I downloaded the fan control utility..my ? is what is the proper cpu temperature range....I'm not willing to try and repair this myself so what would be a fair price to clean fan etc...Thanks

By hello , written on July 25, 2005 at 11:27 PM.

I have the exact same issue that you described. Did anyone give you a fix????

Thanks,

Bill

Follow up to my previous post. After opening up my laptop, I reapplied the heatsink compound, but it didn't do anything to fix the situation. After some more poking around and consulting with one of my CS friends, the motherboard is pretty much shot. Does anyone have suggestions if it's better to buy a new motherboard or buy a new laptop?