Tohiba Laptop Won't Boot....What are my options

[nissokone]

Hi,
I have a Toshiba A25-S279; Pentium 4-2.80 15X 512M 60 RW/DV WLg, less than 2 yrs old.
It simply will not boot...no sound at all when I turn it on, so no fan, no 'whirr' of HD, nothing. Appears to be completely dead. The only 'hope' I have is that the power light (plug icon) still lights up when it's plugged in, and the battery icon glows (dimly). Is there ANY hope for revival, or is it time for a new laptop?
Thanks so much for any suggestions.
Judy

 

[rvnguy]

nissokone,

that the power light (plug icon) still lights up

Are you refering to the power LED on your power converter?

The term "ICON" make me think that you are getting a live screen display but I think I am confused by your terminology.

Are you receiving any POST beep?

If not there could be a problem with the power switch. These, on all late machines, are momentary contact types to enable the power flow. Could something have possibly been spilled around the power switch? This could cause it to get gummed up so that contact is not being made.

Check your manual, for trouble shooting tips on powering on. and possible cleaning.

Please post back with results, and if you are getting any POST code (beep sequence) at all.



rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[nissokone]

Hi rvnguy,
Thanks so much for your response. By 'icon' I meant the little lights on the front of the case...LED is likely the correct term.
Aghhhh...you caught me. I'm hesitant (embarrassed) to tell you that yes, something did get 'spilled' on it---possibly! I foolishly watered my lawn and forgot the windows in my office were open! The laptop was unplugged and closed, but by the time I realized the water was getting in, several things were damp. I quickly wiped everything down, and the laptop DID turn on after that, but only once, I think....so if it's gone, it's likely my own fault.
However...I will take the plate off and have a look around the power button and see if I can see anything. I would guess that may be (at least) one of the problems, as there seems to be absolutely no response when I push it (like I might as well push ANYWHERE on the console). No, there's no beep...nothing at all to indicate anything's happening.
I'll let you know if I can see anything awry, but I'm not sure I'd recognize it if I did see something. Cross your fingers for me!
Regards,
Judy

 

[rvnguy]

nissokone,

Not a problem, as I am sure that it is only you and I that have ever made a mistake.

I jave never had a Toshiba open, but if you can determine that the Power switch is not part of the major circuit board (motherboard), i.e. if there are wires connected or a ribbon cable to it it might very well be replaceable.

I know how to jumper a desktop if the switch fails. I am afraid that I could not instruct you reliably on how to do this on a laptop. If you can get this checked you could determine if there was any other damage or if it is just a switch problem.

Got 'em all crossed XXXXX


rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[nissokone]

Hi rvnguy,
Thanks for responding to my other post (about the boxes) & for asking about the laptop.
Unfortunately, it's still not working; I'm afraid it may be a 'goner'. I've continued to keep it plugged in, and the LED =) (the lights on the front that look like a plug and a battery) are still glowing, and are glowing brighter than at first. However when I push the power button, still no reaction whatsoever. I DID take the panel off and look at it to see if there was anything obvious with the power button, but not knowing how it SHOULD look, it was a rather futile attempt. I still think you were probably right, and that that could be the cause, but I guess it's time to decide whether to turn it over to the pros, or just buy a new laptop. Neither choise seems very appealing. Ah Well---I do so appreciate your help and thoughts.
Best Regards,
Judy

 

[BrucesXP]

chaps!

1) Un plug it NOW for goodness sake
2) Remove as many plug in peripherals/batteries, hard drives etc as possible to open the case up to the air
3) Open the lid to expose the keys
4) Place the whole thing and the removed bits in a warm place (Clothes airing cupboard ideally or On top of a heating radiator or even in the cabinet with a hot TV/ Audio system. Aim to have it in a 30- 40 degree C ambient temperature with dry air
5) Forget about it for at least 5 days

Remove, reassemble and then try it for life (having tried to run it in a wet condition you may need to re-set the BIOS settings to defaults etc to actually get it going again)

This has cured 2 PDA's and numerous mobile phones for me/my army of technological dependents

DO NOT try to run it while it is wet !

HTH

 

[rvnguy]

nissokone,

From your most recent post to this thread:

BruceXP makes a good point, Do remove power (AC) and the battery also. I would, along with his recommendations, do this for a couple of days and then keeping it in the same warm & dry environ, orient it with the KB inverted in the event there is more H2O than expected. Gravity will assist in allowing it to leave the places where it is not desired.

I am still all crossed up for you on this.

best of luck
Jack

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[lewisp]

For what its worth, I have a DELL laptop. If you plug the power lead in the laptop does not take its supply directly from the mains source. All the mains does is to charge the battery. The laptop always takes its power from the battery.

If the battery is dead the laptop will not work even if plugged into the mains.

 

[nissokone]

Hi BrucesXP, rvnguy & lewisp;
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and for your excellent suggestions. This morning I had to go to the city where I bought the computer & was thinking of taking it to them & asking their advice. Suddenly...duuhhh... it dawned on me that when I purchased it, I purchased the extended warranty!! I don't know why I didn't think of this before...I guess because, generally, I DON'T bother with extended options. Thank God, I did so this time. The computer is now in the hands of Best Buy, and will be sent to Toshiba. Hopefully they'll get it back up and running.
I really do appreciate your time and thoughts!
Best Regards,
Judy