[olug] OT: Crispy Windows Laptop-Followup

[Dave Thacker]

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
> >
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>
> 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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