Computer Questions

Axtech · Post by **Axtech** » 7/23/2007, 11:32 pm

So, I was on my laptop today. All I ever do on my laptop is chat on MSN and AIM. I was doing exactly that when suddenly my laptop shut off.
Now I can not turn my laptop on. It doesn't matter if it's plugged into AC, the battery, or both. It's totally non-responsive. No charging/battery lights, either. Just nothing. It's dead as can be.

It's obviously a hardware problem, there's no doubt about that. It's probably not under warranty any more, though I'm going to go digging through my papers tomorrow to try to find the info on that.

Anyone have any ideas as to what's wrong, or how much it might cost me to get this SOB fixed?

Post by **xjsb125** » 7/24/2007, 7:16 am

If it's the power supply internally, you are probably fucked over bad. Have you noticed your hard disk making any weird noises lately? If the hard drive failed, then it might not be that bad, but you'll still have to get someone to try and recover the lost data from it. Who makes your laptop?

Kicker774 · Post by **Kicker774** » 7/24/2007, 9:11 am

To troubleshoot laptop power:
1. Unplug the AC and take out the battery, then hodl down the power button on the laptop for 10 seconds. This will discharge any remaining energy in the laptop.

2. Plug in just the AC cord but not the battery and see if it powers on.
If it does then chances are your battery could be completley dead and the power supply is sucking up too much power to try and charge the battery adn not enough to power the laptop itself.
If there's no power you could have a bad AC cable or connection or the power supply in the laptop itself is bad.

3. Use the laptop on battery only and see what happens.
If there's power you could be looking at an AC cable problem.

If there's a small pin in the back of your AC jack on the laptop make sure that's not loose. If it is and the laptop isn't under warranty you could be looking at an expensive repair $100 - $300 and up.

Hit up Slickdeals.net and stay tuned for the next great laptop deal and buy a new one at that point.

Axtech · Post by **Axtech** » 7/24/2007, 9:34 am

So, I discovered that I actually have two weeks left on my warranty. I guess if there's a "lucky" time to have a computer die, this is it.

I took it in this morning, and apparently that model (Toshiba Satellite A60) has an issue with the motherboard overheating.

I get it back in 10 business days.

Thanks for the tips though!

Oh, and to answer your questions: nope there were absolutely no signs of troubles before it happened. And there was no power whatsoever regardless of the combination of AC/battery.

Kicker774 · Post by **Kicker774** » 7/24/2007, 4:09 pm

Axtech wrote:So, I discovered that I actually have two weeks left on my warranty. I guess if there's a "lucky" time to have a computer die, this is it.

Lucky indeed.

All thsoe horror stories you head about peoples laptops dying on them 2-3 weeks after their warranty expires are true.

Worked for Winbooks support (Laptop Mfg.) for 2 years and one of the thgins I remeber most was the 3 year and 1 month calls about thier Si model and the HD in them dying.

Not only did I have to break the news to people that their warranty expired 3 days ago. The HD in it is not user replaceable and we're not allowed to give instructions on how to open up the case and remove it that way.

Fun job

superrgirll · Post by **superrgirll** » 7/25/2007, 7:54 pm

the same thing happened to my laptop. i gotta take it in somewhere, but i don't know where

its4am_isanybodyhome · Post by **its4am_isanybodyhome** » 7/25/2007, 9:30 pm

Axtech wrote:So, I was on my laptop today. All I ever do on my laptop is chat on MSN and AIM. I was doing exactly that when suddenly my laptop shut off.
Now I can not turn my laptop on. It doesn't matter if it's plugged into AC, the battery, or both. It's totally non-responsive. No charging/battery lights, either. Just nothing. It's dead as can be.

It's obviously a hardware problem, there's no doubt about that. It's probably not under warranty any more, though I'm going to go digging through my papers tomorrow to try to find the info on that.

Anyone have any ideas as to what's wrong, or how much it might cost me to get this SOB fixed?

that happened to my computer. and then to my mom's computer, but hers she managed to turn back on, after a little while.

Kicker774 · Post by **Kicker774** » 7/26/2007, 7:05 am

superrgirll wrote:the same thing happened to my laptop. i gotta take it in somewhere, but i don't know where

If you call the Geek Squad not only will they come to your home to fix your laptop. They'll also secretley videotape you in the shower.

Oh.. wait.. that's probably not a good thing is it?

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 7/29/2007, 9:13 am

On the subject of laptops:

How can I upgrade my processor? I have an Intel Duo Core 2.0 ghz right now but I'd like to get a 3.0 ghz or higher installed onto my notebook, which is from dell. When I ordered it last December, the fastest processor I could get from them was 2.3 ghz and I wonder if I could even get a faster one.

This upgrade is for gaming purposes of course.

Kicker774 · Post by **Kicker774** » 7/29/2007, 11:05 am

You'd have to find out the motherbaord model and see if it can handle a new processor. 2.0 to 3.0 is a big jump.

You may also need more power to run a faster processor. So that would involve upgrading to a more powerful power supply.

Then you need to find out if your case can handle the additional heat created. I don't know how much hotter it would run, but heat is a big killer in laptops.

Your also voiding any remainder of your warranty.

Laptops are not easily upgradeable like desktops. Possible yes ... sometimes. I would advise against it though.

On the bright side, some dell laptops have the ability to easily upgrade the video card. That would certainly help in gaming.

It all depends on the model.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 7/29/2007, 11:53 am

Well shit.

Random Name · Post by **Random Name** » 7/29/2007, 3:37 pm

buy a new one.

<_<_>

Axtech · Post by **Axtech** » 8/1/2007, 11:15 am

Vista can kiss the fattest part of my ass.

Dr. Hobo · Post by **Dr. Hobo** » 8/1/2007, 2:36 pm

that good huh?

Random Name · Post by **Random Name** » 8/1/2007, 7:15 pm

Return it and get a mac.
:eek:

Post by **xjsb125** » 8/1/2007, 9:11 pm

At least with a Mac, you'll have an expensive computer to smash with a sledgehammer.

Axtech · Post by **Axtech** » 8/1/2007, 9:43 pm

Lando · Post by **Lando** » 8/2/2007, 3:29 am

xjsb125 wrote:At least with a Mac, you'll have an expensive computer to smash with a sledgehammer.

yeah but why smash a good computer when you could just smash a couple PCs for the same price? More smashing for your buck!

Kicker774 · Post by **Kicker774** » 8/2/2007, 7:05 am

I have plenty of PC's I'd be willing to smash a Mac with.

Save me from buying a sledgehammer.

Lando · Post by **Lando** » 8/2/2007, 2:33 pm

good thinking. PCs are worth less than a sledge hammer!