[olug] OT: Crispy Windows Laptop-Followup

[Adam Lassek]

I've repaired this kind of issue a number times, here's what I would check:
Test the memory. Since laptops usually share system memory for video ram,
bad ram will on occasion cause video problems. This is the easiest thing to
check.

If the memory checks out OK, you most likely have either a loose connection
between the screen and the motherboard, or a defective video chip. Sometimes
a loose connection will start working again briefly if you move the screen
around or flex the case. Since the display starts working once you plug in
an external monitor, its sounds more like a bad video adapter.

If it's the video chip you are screwed. I have seen HP motherboards go for
up to a grand depending on the model. They usually cost about 50% of the
original price of the laptop. You might get lucky on the price, but be
prepared to pay for diagnosis whether or not you decide to have it fixed.

The only place in town off the top of my head that does laptop repair is
TriSec, in the basement of MegaMart. Not having dealt with them personally I
don't know if they can order HP parts.

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
>
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