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9890 PCMCIA dead...

post #1 of 12
Thread Starter 
I just received my 9890 and noticed that my PCMCIA doesn't work. I went to device manager (XPPro), and the typical PCMCIA card services device doesn't show up (sometimes it does-~5% of the time). I did a search to try and manually install the card services, but it doesn't find the device. I tried to use the driver disk from Sager (nothing for PCMCIA). I also installed every driver (in XPPro) for PCMCIA card services (one at a time) and all of them end with 'device failed to start'. I've since removed them. I'm beginning to think I've got to return this thing after only having it about a week. Does anyone have any ideas before I send this thing back?
Thanks!
post #2 of 12
What cards have you tried to use? I've noticed that only 32-bit cards work at all. I have a 16-bit Dlink network card that doesn't work on just about any modern laptop because it's 16-bit.
post #3 of 12
Thread Starter 
Great question! I couldn't find anything on the specs for the card I'm using. (SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS). But the weblink (http://www.soundblaster.com/products...k/notebook.asp) shows all the PCMCIA's it is compatible with, and they are mostly all newer laptops with 32 bit interfaces.
The interesting thing is that I have no PCMCIA card services in my device manager. I believe this has to be installed before I can install any PCMCIA cards.
Your thoughts?
post #4 of 12
Thread Starter 
I just had one of those rare instances when I booted and the PCMCIA card services showed up in the device manager (It showed as 'Generic Card Services'). I held my breath and installed a PCMCIA card. The result??? I lost the mouse and keyboard-not even ctrl-alt-del worked. I had to reboot by holding down the power button, and when I did, the PCMCIA card services was gone again.
post #5 of 12
I am sorry to say it might be RMA time. That PC Card slot is part of the motherboard and should show up when you turn on the power.

Your audigy card should have been spotted when you installed it.

Only thing I can think of is to run a sfc/scannow and see if that might help.
post #6 of 12
Thread Starter 
I did as you suggested. On my reboot, the video driver needed to be reinstalled but there still was no PCMCIA services. I appreciate the help. I didn't know about using sfc....
I also noted that I have to leave the Data Execution Prevention settings (under system properties/advanced/performance) set to 'Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select' and I had to select "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services".
It sure sounds like a conflict between motherboard components. I would like to save the long RMA process if possible, any other ideas?
Thanks!
post #7 of 12
Thread Starter 
Today I took the laptop to the factory in LA. They confirmed the PCMCIA slot was dead. I'm supposed to call back on Thursday and possibly change out the laptop. I'm considering this alomst closed. Glad I work so close to these guys.
post #8 of 12
Thread Starter 
Well- I thought I should close out this thread. Today I went to the factory and they swapped out my old laptop with a new one. The tech switched the harddrives and since I had a zero pixel policy he also swapped the screens. I now have PCMCIA capability and the laptop is working great. My experience with Sager has been exceptional. I had a broke laptop and they fixed it in less than three days from the time I discovered the problem. I can't expect any better service. Now I've got my fingers crossed that no more issues will show up....
post #9 of 12
Yeah it might be great for you but what about us who do not live in Cali have have to send the product back for repair? I have had my laptop for 2 weeks and both DIMMs died. Now I have to send the laptop back for repair? So that will probably be a two week turn around. It will be gone longer than I have had it. I think they should just send me a new one and they can deal with that one. I am to the point where if I have to send it back they can just keep it. I feel like this laptop is a lemon... And I have to eat the shipping costs.
post #10 of 12
Thread Starter 
When I bought the laptop, that was one of my major concerns; if it breaks where does it get repaired and how long does it take to get repaired. Since Sager had a facility in Ca. I jumped on it. If I lived out of state, I probably would have bought somewhere else.
With your situation, I would think that you could negotiate to get them to send two more dimms and if you don't send in your two fried dimms, have them charge your credit card for the two additional dimms. That way you don't have to go through packaging the laptop up and the new dimms would be on the way to you now. The motivation for Sager would be that they either give you your money back and get no sale (which costs them money), or they make you happy and keep a customer.
For me, I just wanted to report that some folks are having good experiences with Sager's products and they do seem to stand behind the product. At my work we have had three Sager's. At one time or another each had to go back for a motherboard or a fried dimm; even a harddrive. But Sager fixed them and they are still working 3+ years later. My Dell laptops have had to be repaired too (all three of them). They are still working now.
For me, I expect machines and electronics to fail occasionally, I don't like it and I'm not happy about it, but failure does occur and I tend to be on the losing side of the statistics. That said, my way to mitigate the problem (since I can't seem to eliminate it) is to make sure I have access to the repair facility or I don't buy.
Good luck!
post #11 of 12
Yeah they want me to fax my cc and dl to them. I don't have access to a fax machine. I am really unhappy with Sager. The bad RAM is their problem not mine but they are making it impossible for me. I am just considering to return it and tell everyone my experiences with their company. I mean 2 weeks and I have to go through this crap?? There needs to be a computer lemon law. Yeah electronics do fail but when you pay for top quality stuff you expect just that top quality.

Very unhappy with this machine... Yeah its great but support will not work with me and my situation. Being on a biz trip and not having a laptop is horrible and for them not to work with me and requesting I send it back is not acceptible. If I send it back they can keep the damn thing and refund full price including shipping. If not I will just file a complaint with CC company and do a stop payment.
post #12 of 12
Thread Starter 
Don't blame you....
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