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Laptop problem

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Blake, Oct 25, 2009.

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  1. Blake

    Blake Contributing Member

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    So I have a 5 year old IBM thinkpad x31 laptop, and when I turn it on, the computer powers on, but nothing comes up on the screen...it is just blank. In addition, hitting CTL+ALT+DELETE does nothing and none of the function commands work either, so I know it isn't an issue with the screen going out. Basically, it powers on and off only by pressing the power button, and it turns on and off quickly.

    Nothing actually works but there is one green light on and I can hear it running.

    Any ideas? Also, is it worth trying to get it fixed (thinking maybe the motherboard?) or should I just buy a new laptop?

    Thanks in advance
     
    #1 Blake, Oct 25, 2009
  2. Kyakko

    Kyakko Contributing Member

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    hook it up to an external monitor. if that works, put it against the sun light when it boots. if you can see a faint shadow windows, it might be the backlighting giving out. they usually have a lifespan of around 5 years of heavy use. a new screen cost about 150 bux on ebay.
     
    #2 Kyakko, Oct 25, 2009
  3. Blake

    Blake Contributing Member

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    Appreciate the advice.

    however, if it was just the screen, then wouldn't the computer respond to CTR/ALT/DEL and reset? it doesn't respond to anything
     
    #3 Blake, Oct 25, 2009
  4. Kyakko

    Kyakko Contributing Member

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    it does something, but you might not see what's going on. CTR/ALT/DEL doesn't necessarily restart the computer in windows anymore. it just gives you an option to restart or other things.

    if you can see the POST screens, thinkpads have a diagnostic mode... i forgot what f key it is, but it test your system.
     
    #4 Kyakko, Oct 25, 2009
  5. Blake

    Blake Contributing Member

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    No, it won't sleep (function+f4), it always restarts when I hit CAD twice (xp os) or at least makes a beeping noise. It isn't responding to any keys or commands. Pretty sure it isn't just a burnt out lcd.

    Thanks for your help...appreciate it
     
    #5 Blake, Oct 25, 2009
  6. Chopped

    Chopped Member

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    can you turn on the think light with the fn keys?
     
    #6 Chopped, Oct 25, 2009
  7. Blake

    Blake Contributing Member

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    nope.
     
    #7 Blake, Oct 25, 2009
  8. Chopped

    Chopped Member

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    then it should be a mobo related issue, if i recall correctly the bios controls the thinklight function.
     
    #8 Chopped, Oct 25, 2009
  9. Blake

    Blake Contributing Member

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    well that sucks

    might as well buy a new laptop...don't know if I trust a refurbed motherboard and new ones are a couple of hundred bucks
     
    #9 Blake, Oct 25, 2009
  10. Nutcracker

    Nutcracker Contributing Member

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    my parents have a laptop repair shop =), been in Houston since the mid-80s

    vicscanfix.com
    $175 flat rate motherboard repair.
     
    #10 Nutcracker, Nov 2, 2009
  11. Outlier

    Outlier Member

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    This has happened to me before. Repair guy said it cost 300$ to repair it. I bought a new laptop. Have you ever spilled something on your laptop?
     
    #11 Outlier, Nov 2, 2009
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