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Optiplex GX620 USB Problems - Freezes, lock-ups, etc.

I have a customer who uses Dell Computers for his entire network. He has one GX620 that he uses to do taxes with (he's an accountant). He purchased the workstation with about 50 USB Flash drives to give out to his customers so they could easily bring him their files. Worked great for about a year. Now he gets random system freezes when inserting a USB flash drive or trying to back up using external USB hard drives. Dell has had us update the bios, reset the bios, update chipset drivers, etc. with no luck. They then replaced the motherboard, USB ports, and even the hard drive. He's had to pay me twice now to reinstall his software and restore his files and the problem still is not resolved. I suggested a power problem to Dell but they insist that the power supply is not the problem. He still gets random freezes and lockups, and now even the USB mouse and keyboard randomly freeze. He has a 3-year on-site warranty with Dell, yet they just come in, toss in a part and leave, which leaves me to restore his data and him to pay the bill each time. Any suggestions?

Oh.. Dell's diagnostics show no problems with the system, and the USB flash drives are not the problem (we numberd them and kept track to see which ones cause the lock-ups, it's totally random and doesn't always happen).

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

PCBONEZ

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Spliner69

ASKER

Still working with Dell on the problem, they just can't seem to solve it. They have replaced the motherboard, and the capacitors on the old motherboard did not seem (at least visually) to have any issues (no bulging, leaking). So the problem may be with the motherboard still, just that Dell may have replaced with the exact same model. I'll update this question as I find out Dell's solution (well.. their 4th try at a solution). We have a 3-year on-site warranty on this machine and it is 1.5 years into that warranty. What has dell done so far to resolve your problem?

FYI: I'll suggest to them a different model motherboard but I doubt it'll do any good. I'll also give you credit for the solution if we find that is the cause. Any issues with USB lockups on the PCs in your lab?

PCBONEZ

I just read through from the beginning again.
Are you sure these folks are spreading viruses around with all these flash drives?

PCBONEZ

EDIT
Are you sure these folks -aren't- spreading viruses around with all these flash drives?

Spliner69

ASKER

Accepting PCBONEZ's solution, even though it was not really a solution. Dell has since authorized replacement of the Optiplex GX625 with a new 700 series Optiplex which is on its way. I have to assume PCBONEZ is correct in the assumption that the problem lies with the motherboard model rather than the software which is why Dell is no longer arguing about other options. I would suggest that PCBONEZ give Dell a call and ask for replacements of his Optiplex's that are having similar issues with the MB, as long as they are still under warranty.

PCBONEZ

Thanks.
Thanks for suggestion too but I don't have any that need fixed.
I rebuild motherboards as a side business and so know what shows up needing fixed.

jrinohio

Have same identical problem with the Dell G620. I am going to try a USB hub to see if the problem resolves.
As long as I don't plug in any additional USB items I'm fine but add one more item and it freezes, even at start up. I'll let you know if that works!

Spliner69

ASKER

Dell replaced the system with a newer model. The problem seemed to be with the motherboard after all. They'll likely make you go through a ton of their other fixes first, but if you complain they'll replace it under warranty.. that is if your warranty is still good. Luckilly my customer had purchased a 3 year warranty with the system.