Toshiba Laptop Problem Diagnosed (Kinda!!...)

[Josh111]

A computer technician at one of the big computer shops told me that the reason my computer will not start and the screen is blank etc is due to 'a problem with the motherboard' and will cost around 500 to fix and would have to go to toshiba directly. I know nothing about computers, so does this price seem excessive to this in the know here?!?! If it would cost that much, I think I'm better to buy a new laptop!

Secons question now... If I did buy a new one, how much would i look at paying for recovering the pictures, documents etc off my old one?!

[VHG]

Well �500 does sound VERY high, but maybe he was just trying to get you to buy a new PC.

The motherboard is the main "board" that every other device in your laptop connects to, so IF it has gone then it means taking the whole laptop to pieces and putting a new one in. Expensive, but not �500 worth.

However, it MAY not be your motherboard, it may be your hard disk, or even the screen.

If you can tell us the EXACT symptoms we will try to determine what the problem is.

[VHG]

IF the laptop is not repairable, getting files off the hard disk is not that difficult.

Most (all?) laptops allow you to remove the hard drive. Normally it is a case of turning the laptop upside down, removing one screw, and taking out the hard drive.

Here is a picture of someone removing a hard drive from a laptop:

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/images/pavilion- dv9000-laptop/04-remove-laptop-hard-drive.jpg

Then you need to buy an external hard drive case (without a hard disk inside). It will look like this

http://www.betweendreamsmag.com/briannaphotogr aphy/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/external_hard_ drive.jpg

You then put YOUR hard disk inside the case and plug it into a USB port of any working computer.

Windows should recognize it, and make it drive letter E or F or G etc (depending on next free drive letter).

You then simply copy the files off the external hard drive, and onto the hard drive of the Pc or laptop its plugged in to.

[VHG]

If you do buy an external hard drive case make sure you get one for a LAPTOP hard drive not a DESKTOP hard drive.

Laptop hard drives are smaller than desktop hard drives. Laptops are 2.5 inches, and desktop are 3.5 inches.

You should be able to buy an external hard drive case in PC World, Maplins or similar stores.

[VHG]

If you are interested, here is a picture of a laptop motherboard, the large circuit board in the middle of the picture.

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/wp-images/troub leshoot-dead-laptop/test-laptop-motherboard-10 .jpg

Every device attaches to it, including CPU, memory, hard disk, mains power, graphics card, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers.

[beso]

Never mind the external case size. Case can be purchased that will fit either size drive or even a 5 and 1/4 inch drive such as a CD.

This will be more use to you than one designed specifically for a laptop drive.

You do need to make sure the internal data and power connections are suited to your laptop drive. But after that I would chuck the drive and fit the case with something useful.

[Josh111]

You have all been extremely helpful thank you.

[Cockney_si]

You may want to try this and see if anything works:-

1. Remove any power connectors for the laptop if they are plugged in

2. Remove the battery from the laptop

3. With the battery disconnected press and hold the button that usually powers on the laptop

4. Put the battery back in again

5. Connect the charger to the laptop and power on at the mains

6. Press the laptop's power button to see if anything happens