Tech info needed on 2 laptops

[BarnyardMonkey]

I got ahold of a couple laptops for doing some pc repairs for a couple people that need some work.Laptop repair really isn't my bag unless its software related,so hoping someone could give me some quick tips on what to look for first.


Laptop #1:

Gateway: P4 2.4G
512Mb DDR
60G HD

This one worked fine,but now it comes on and goes right back out.usually it goes out on the Post screen,but at times it makes it to the Win2k splash screen.
I've tried diferrent power cables with same result.
about all i have tried at this point.


Laptop #2:

Toshiba Sattelite: P3 800
256Mb
12G HD

This one here has worked in the past,but now gets no power at all.i've tried another power cable with same result.no lights at all come on the laptop when plugged in.


If anyone knows what may be the problem before i attempt to take these apart,i'd appreciate any feedback.

I can get Mod#'s if needed.



Shawn.

 

[LiLithTecH]

You may want to try reseating the MEMORY on the Gateway.
Also, does the cooling fan come on (from high to low) when it
is powered up?

On the Toshiba, you may want to try reseating the MEMORY also,
plus remove the BATTERY and HD before powering up. If it powers up,
replace the HD first.

Toshiba batteries have a circuit in them that prevents overcharging/overheating
that will prevent the laptop from powering up if there is an internal problem with
the battery.

 

[alzan]

I don't have experience with Gateways or Toshiba's but this little trick has helped get both IBM Thinkpads and Dell Latitudes (of various models) to boot to Windows: With battery and AC power removed, press power button on laptop on/off 9 times and hold button down for 20-30 seconds on the tenth time; this drains static electricity off the system board of the laptop. Do you have the OS install CD's for either of these and have you attempted a Windows Repair (assuming Win2K or WinXP?)

alzan

 

[BarnyardMonkey]

LiLithTecH, I'll see if the fan is speeding up then slowing down here in a few mins.
just got home.but last i remember it does speed then slow,but will recheck.

alzan, I'll try the power button thing out as well.but as far as the OS goes,the gateway will shutdown most times before it even attempts to boot from the HD.then sometimes it gets as far as attempting to load Windows before shutting off.

The power goes completely out is the problem.then it will fire right backl up when i turn on the power,but just keeps repeating the same process over and over.

And the Toshiba is doing nothing at all,so no need for a restore/repair CD at the moment.


Will check the above options,and get right back to you.



Shawn.

 

[BarnyardMonkey]

Ok i tried the gateway tonight,and it is powering up now but with similiar problems.
If i move the laptop around,or put pressure around the top of the laptop (below the lcd),the screen will get display problems.like letter overlapping one another,and or distorted.it even showed all horizontal lines on the screen,but everything changes if i moved the LCD in certain positions,or put pressure on the upper part of the laptop.

If i leave it set still on the desk it runs fine without this problem.
But when i try to run Dxdiag d3d tests,the laptop will shutdown within the 2nd-3rd test.

And the fan does speed up when first powered on,then goes almost completely silent thereafter.

I tried resetting the Ram,and also trying 1 stick at a time with no luck.
Also tried hooking an External monitor up to it with same results.
seems something is loose,or even damaged inside.

Will be taking it apart tomorrow evening,so any info on what to look for would be appreciated.


Thanks.