My Samsung RV511 Laptop - Some Issues

Aidan Sweeney

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Mar 1, 2014
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4,580
Hello everyone,

I'm just looking for some answers to my questions about my about 3 and a half year old Samsung RV511 laptop.

Generally, it's been a very good laptop. Windows 7, Intel i3 processor, 4 gigs of ram. Awesome.

Let's get to it.

My first problem is it's getting very hot. I don't do very much at the same time on it. Usually all I'm doing is listening to music on Spotify (which is a very awesome music service, by the way) and 2 or 3 tabs in Google Chrome (fastest web browser ever). When I play a game, it's just the game running. No Google Chrome or Spotify. Occasionally I'm also writing a word document.

If I just put my hand on the left side of my computer, it's really hot. I'm just guessing it's 80 to 90 degrees. It may be even hotter than that. The left side of the keyboard is also hot. Just so you guys think I'm serious, if I put my hand on the escape key right now, it's just about as hot as the left side. Right now I'm using it on my bed, it makes the covers really hot. All of these hot temperatures are easily 80 to 90 degrees. I'm guessing it's the CPU. Also, it gets this hot after about 10 minutes of use then once I turn it off it takes a few minutes to cool off. I've read that if the side of your computer is hot, the fans are working. But should they be this hot?

Issue number two is battery life. This thing won't get me through the whole day. Don't suggest getting a new battery, I already have that in mind. All I do mostly is browse the web and listen to music. I do have the power plan set to high performance, but for it to affect battery life that bad? Not good. It only takes about 2 hours to charge, though. The battery lasts about an hour and half to two hours.

Issue number three.is rebooting every time I open it. So, if I just close my laptop, next time I open it it shows the Samsung, asks me to select an OS (because I have Windows (7) and Ubuntu (12.10) installed). Next, here's where it gets complicated. If I boot into Windows, it resumes Windows. Then I get a black screen. I turn off my computer, I do the same thing, and then Windows asks me if I want to resume from restoration data or delete that data and simply restart. I just hit delete that data or whatever it says, and then I use Windows like normal. Now if I boot into Ubuntu, if I close it, I'm not sure what happens since I haven't really been using Ubuntu. Now, in Windows, if I open the start menu, click sleep, and then close my laptop, when I open it again, it goes right back to Windows, like it's supposed to do. And in Control Panel, I have it set to go to sleep when I close the lid. But it shuts down instead.

I'd like some answers so I can figure out what to do. I'd like some good answers explaining it sort of in depth.

Thanks! Any help would be appreciated!!

I also have a question:

The BIOS thing on some Asus computers is graphical and you can use your mouse in it. Is the Samsung BIOS thing like that? I don't really need an answer but answer if you wish.
 
Solution
As to the heat issue, it's probably clogged with dust inside. You can blow the dust out of the fan outlets with a can of compressed air.

The BIOS is probably not mouse-enabled.

If the battery hasn't yet been replaced in 3+ years it's due. Those batteries do wear out over time.

Windows might need a re-install. If you don't use Ubuntu much would you consider redoing it with Windows using the entire drive?

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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As to the heat issue, it's probably clogged with dust inside. You can blow the dust out of the fan outlets with a can of compressed air.

The BIOS is probably not mouse-enabled.

If the battery hasn't yet been replaced in 3+ years it's due. Those batteries do wear out over time.

Windows might need a re-install. If you don't use Ubuntu much would you consider redoing it with Windows using the entire drive?
 
Solution

Aidan Sweeney

Estimable
Mar 1, 2014
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4,580


Well, I did reinstall Windows in early 2012, (I installed Ubuntu in late 2012) and then I installed Ubuntu later.

Let me explain this a little more in depth.

Battery: I mostly use it on AC power, though it does work for the mentioned time on battery. I do prefer AC power. I'm pretty sure laptops work with no battery, but they must be plugged in.

Windows may need a reinstall: I didn't install Windows nor Ubuntu, one of my family members did, and then me and another family member share this computer. They put both on Drive C. I do have Drive D. Drive C is 179 GB and D is 150. I do use D, but most of my stuff is on C.

Heat: If I put my nose near the keyboard and smell it, it smells just how it feels on the side.

BIOS: OK.
 

SchizTech

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Dust is a very common problem, as is worn out batteries. If the laptop hasn't been cleaned, it's a good idea to get that dust out of it. You can get a can of compressed air at any number of stores (staples, radioshack, computer shops, etc).

Do you have the windows install disk? The activation key should be on a sticker on the underside of the laptop (check it's still readable). If you can get that it would probably benefit from a cleanout (back up any information you want to keep first onto a separate drive)
 

Aidan Sweeney

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Mar 1, 2014
26
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4,580


I don't have the install disk (well I do, but I have no clue where it is, probably buried with the user manual in my basement lol) but all the bottom stickers are still on there and the product key is still readable. But it does have Samsung Recovery Solution (whatever number it is) but I have no clue what that is, I never used it, nor do I really need it when I'm just using it normally. I'm guessing it something that has to deal with reinstalling Windows? I have no clue...

I never mentioned it's Service Pack 1. It's 64bit Home Premium.

Oh I never mentioned I'm on vacation so it's not at where I am right now it's at my house, which is almost 300 miles away from where I am right now. Sure I could look for a new installation disk, but Windows 7 was released around 5 years ago, so most stores won't have them, most likely.
 

SchizTech

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Yes, the Samsung Recovery solution is a utility to restore the original factory image (Windows plus all original software). Most laptops come with a built-in recovery utility in lieu of recovery disks nowadays, though installing a different OS can make the laptop unable to use the recovery. I do suppose it's possible the Samsung recovery will still work, so it's worth a try before you go hunting for the disk. You can invoke that by pressing F4 during bootup.

If you can't find the disk, you can download a legit copy of Windows 7 with SP1 from here:

http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso

You would need to re-activate with the key (you need to be online to activate), re-install device drivers (available from Samsung.com - it may be a good idea to download them to a flash drive before wiping the system) and whatever other software you want.
 

Aidan Sweeney

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Mar 1, 2014
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4,580


I do have a Windows 7 SP1 ISO but it's 32-bit. Better get a 64bit. I still have the thing..oh it's called the product key.