[olug] OT: Crispy Windows Laptop-Followup

[Rob Townley]

On 9/7/07, Dave Thacker <dthacker9 at cox.net> wrote:
>
> On Friday 07 September 2007 08:43, Rob Townley wrote:
> > On 9/7/07, Dave Thacker <dthacker9 at cox.net> wrote:
> > > On Thursday 06 September 2007 19:50, Dave Thacker wrote:
> > > > I've been asked to look at a windows laptop that "wouldn't
> boot".  So
> > >
> > > far
> > >
> > > > I've determined that it won't start it's own display, but if you
> hook
> > > > up
> > >
> > > a
> > >
> > > > monitor to it, both the monitor and the laptop display work.  I can
> > > > boot
> > >
> > > to
> > >
> > > > a Trinity Rescue CD and see the windows drive.  Any ideas on what
> could
> > >
> > > be
> > >
> > > > causing the local laptop display to behave like that?  I'll go run a
> > >
> > > virus
> > >
> > > > scan while I wait for replies.....  :)
> > >
> > > After an evening of working with this, I'm very confident that it's a
> > > video
> > > hardware problem.  It's a 3 year old HP Pavilion, any recommendations
> for
> > > a
> > > repair shop?
> > >
> > > TIA, Dave
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > OLUG mailing list
> > > OLUG at olug.org
> > > http://lists.olug.org/mailman/listinfo/olug
> >
> > I am sure you tried these, but just to make sure these items are not
> > overlooked:
> > 1.) Most laptops have a special keyboard key that toggles among LCD
> only,
> > LCD and CRT, LCD and TV, JUST CRT.  You want to try both LCD or "LCD and
> > CRT"
>
> I've tried all combinations here.
> > 2.) LCD may be just fine,but brightness level may be turned down.  Turn
> up
> > and try in a dark room.
>
> It's bright.  It's just scrambled
> > 3.) Some Laptops have a BIOS setting to choose CRT only that would cause
> > what you describe.
> > 4.) Booting up with an alternative CD may just duplicate the problem
> > because framebuffer issues.
>
> I've tried Trinity and a Windows XP CD.  They both had the same issues
>
> > 5.)  OS Video driver settings are configured for CRT only.
>
> It will display OK, but It only happens about 1 out of 30-40 boots
> > 6.)  Depending on the laptop power configuration and whether running
> from
> > AC or not, the screen may be blanking right away to save power.  Make
> sure
> > all tests are done on AC power.
>
> They have been
> > 7.) There is not really a 7, but if you open up the case, be careful of
> how
> > much power may be going to the screen.
> >
> Since it's not mine, I'm not going to take it apart, but I appreciate the
> warning.
> >
> > Does anybody need a Linksys WRT54g power supply or 2?
>
> Yes, please.  I found my bricked unit, and I want to see if I can bring it
> back from the dead.
>
> Dave
>
> > _______________________________________________
> > OLUG mailing list
> > OLUG at olug.org
> > http://lists.olug.org/mailman/listinfo/olug
>


Give me a call to arrange pickup and / or bring by your bricked unit because
i will be testing out the new dd-wrt release candidate.

Robert T. 402-670-4326