Dell warns notebook users as memory loss strikes

Dell is warning that as many as 400,000 of its notebook computer users that their machines may contain defective memory chips.

Dell is warning as many as 400,000 of its notebook computer users that their machines may contain defective memory chips.

A memory problem has occurred with certain models of its Latitude and Inspiron notebooks, which could lead to problems such as system hangs, Windows 'blue-screen' errors and other less noticeable warning signs. But the problems only occur when the machines are brought out of suspend mode.

A representative for Dell said the bug can corrupt or destroy files and the notebooks' memory modules must be replaced. Dell has posted a downloadable diagnostic program on its website, which can check for the bug.

The problem has been traced to an unnamed component vendor that supplied Dell with faulty Ram modules. As a result, when affected computers go into sleep mode, the user data is sent to the system's flawed Ram.

Dell suggests changing the suspend settings from 'suspend to memory' to 'suspend to disk'.

Dell sent a letter to customers this week who had purchased Latitude and Inspiron notebooks between 1 February and 20 November 1999. It said the affected models included the Latitude CpiA, CpiR, CPt, CPx and CS and the Inspiron 3500, 3700, 7000 and 7500.

Jonathan Powell, notebook product marketing manager at Dell UK, said: "We know where the customers are and we are contacting them and providing them with utility disks."