Laptop won't start 2

[BurntFingers]

I have a Toshiba 220CS laptop and have recently been having problems with system hangs and resets. They appeared to be hardware problems because it would be as soon as the system was switched on or in the middle of doing something. Moving the PC seemed to initialise the hangs.

I noticed that the system case seemed awfully hot and the fan was not working! Ah! I thought - The fans broken. So not being afraid to open up a case and get my hands dirty thats what I done. I managed to get the bits down to their individual components - pulled out the fan to check it. Wired up a 9v battery to it and sure enough - IT WORKED! Puzzled I re-assembled everything. Now to the crux of the problem.

Whenever I switch on the laptop I get the green power indicator on for about a second, then it goes off before the AC adapter light starts blinking at me. Nothing I do can get it to boot or even switch on. The manual says it's an overheating indicator, wait then switch it on when the light stops blinking. It won't stop!!!!! For hours it's been going in a centrally heated house, in London, in Winter.

Any help for an ashen-faced, over enthusiastic, poor excuse for a laptop repair man would be most appreciated.

Regards,

BurntFingers

 

[KimberTech]

(as gently as possible)

Take the notebook to a certified technician and take comfort in knowing that there are many homemade technicians that "OOPS".
There are too many variables fixing notebooks to help over a post. I repair them for a living, and if you continue to try to boot the machine with something in the wrong place, even a screw grounding out the board, you will do some major damage.

Good luck friend

 

[BurntFingers]

I see your point! Unfortunately it will probably cost more than the laptop is worth to repair it. Opening it up in the first place, I deemed necessary because the thing was unworkable with its constant crashing and hangs.

Do you think that I may have a cable incorrectly fitted? If not I think I may have blown the fan when I was testing it. Is this were the thermostat type thing would be mounted (actually on the fan) as this would explain the constant complaining of overheating?

At the end of the day, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. It'll just be time to get a new one! So I'm not too fussed if I have 'blown' it. So any further help would be appreciated.

 

[KimberTech]

As I stated, it is really difficult to effect a notebook repair over a post.
It is possible that the manufacturer would send you a manual if you asked for one.
The other option is to look for information on the website here:

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_home.jsp

As for fixing it yourself, the best information I can offer is this:

Notebooks are fiddly, and the cables need to be firmly in place. Screws need to be the right length in the right places.
Lots of cables need to lie in the right place so they dont crimp when you close the case...it is close quarters in there.

The other thing to look for is what position things are in when you close the case up.
Are you able to get it to turn on with the case off?

Be careful handling parts with your hands because static discharge can damage the components. I wear an anti static bracelet, not usually working on PCs but notebooks for sure.

Wish I could be more help....
Best of luck

Kimber

 

[BurntFingers]

Hi Kimber, thanks for the advice.

I am now convinced it's the main board that's at fault. Looking around more carefully, I found that one of the chips had a blob of solder covering some of the pins. I don't know where this came from, and if it's not the cause then it darn sure won't be helping matters.

Now to see if I can find a mainboard.

Thanks again.

Burntfingers.

 

[KimberTech]

Anytime..
I can be reached by e-mail for advice at
technicaladvice@yahoo.com

Good Luck!

Kimber I pledge to share any information I have and advise to the best of my knowledge based on the information provided. RULE#1 Do no harm.

 

[BurntFingers]

Thanks very much. I'll let you know how I get on.

BurntFingers

 

[KimberTech]

Let me know how you get on, and vote this helpful if you have found it so.

Kimber I pledge to share any information I have and advise to the best of my knowledge based on the information provided.

 

[FatesWebb]

I am a authorized repair tech for this model.

I will tell you this, the screws on this thing especially the ones that are in the back of it have to be the exact right screws. and the LOOK the same but like one screw is like 1 millionth (ove exaggerated) of a inch shorter... if you put the wrong screw back in the wrong place... you get what you are getting... also it sometimes happens if your screws arent tight. the toshiba laptops are the worst I have worked on as far as complexity goes and I have worked on like almost all manufactures... I would take it apart and try putting it back together i guess... otherwise you may try putting it in the freezer... (just kiddin) yea otherwise it may be overheatin like you origionaly suspected.

 

[KimberTech]

FatesWebb.....

It seems we agree on more than screw placement, as I had mentioned in an earlier post.
Nasty little pieces of equipment arent they?
I havent heard back on how he is doing with it, hope we do.
I pledge to share any information I have and advise to the best of my knowledge based on the information provided.

 

[BurntFingers]

Yup, still working on it! I have had problems finding a supplier of a new mother board - but have found a supplier of a base laptop (i.e. without hardrive, floppy etc.) for just £90 (i think thats approx $200USD). It may well be the screws - i'll have to have another look. What I will say is that the connection for the keyboard is awful. The idea of a ribbon cable that connects using a wedge is ludicrous and a pain to connect back up.

Anyway I'll let you know how I get on - it's obviously worth checking out the screws judging by what you pro's have said. Thanks for the tips.

Regards,

Tim