IBM Thinkpad L40 Display Problem

I was asked by a friend to check on an IBM Thinkpad T40. The laptop is owned by an NBI Agent whos complaining about its display problem. Sometimes, it starts well and then the screen “blackens”. When I checked the laptop and perform several test, I encountered beep codes, one long beep and two short beeps. These beep codes means a display error according to Phoenix BIOS codes.

My action then was to dis assemble the laptop and try tohave a visual inspection inside. Since the problem is more on the hardware component. I tried to press the IC’s inside it for a possible “chip creep”, specifically the one that concerned the display problem. As I assemble it back again, I also make sure that it is properly done (i.e. I took my time).

When I turned on the laptop, it works fine. In order to make sure that the problem was solved, I perform several test. The next day returned the laptop for free of service believing on the concept of reciprocation. Anyway, I have an add on on my experience.

reagards,

-nak
http://ronaldctantiado.googlepages.com

Sharp PC-MC30F Mebius Laptop Power Problem

Hello Guys!

Here’s another problem on PC and Laptop Repair. This time, a cellphone technician was referred to me by a friend check his Sharp PC-MC30F Mebius for a power problem. He is complaining on an unpredictable power failure on his laptop. When I checked and turned on the laptop, It doesn’t turn on with the battery on it. So I tried to plug it in without the battery, and it powered up.

I tried to enter the BIOS setup and see some specification of the laptop. I was also to enter the Windows XP system and run dxdiag and device manager. After a short while the laptop shut down. I also notice that if I put some pressure on the keyboard or the palm rest the same thing happens. The laptop specification is shown below.

DXDIAG Results:
System Model: PC-CL/MC
Processor: Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M 2000+, 1.7 GHz
Memory: 1 GB DDR400 RAM
Video: S3 Graphics Pro Savage DDR, 32MB
Audio: C-Media Wave Device

The symptoms, i guess, maybe a shorted power circuit. So I decided my first action to disassemble the laptop and perform visual inspection inside. I recorded my steps and photographed the FRU’s as I perform the procedure. Just making sure that I will be doing the right thing because I can’t find any manual of the said laptop model.
Right now I’m still continuing my test and diagnostic procedure… and I willjust edit this last line as soon as there is a progress.

Good Luck to ME,
-nak
http://ronaldctantiado.googlepages.com

A Reunion with an "Old Friend"

Hi Guys!

I was called by a Law Firm to check on their PC. They told me if that their PC is not working properly and they can't install their newly bought printer. When I went there to check it out, I found out that they are using an old desktop PC, with the logo of BOW Enterprise.

The following are the specification of the PC:

• OS: Windows 98
• Processor: Pentium 133
• Memory: 64 MB of EDO DRAM
• HDD: 8GB IDE
• CDROM Drive
• Floppy Drive
• Motherboard Slots: 3 PCI/ 2 ISA
• 56kbps Modem Card
• USB 1.1 PCI Card

Just want to insert what I thought when I first saw the logo. I just remembered when I was in 2nd year in college when I first have my PC hardware experience and training. I was supposed to apply as a computer laboratory student assistant when the laboratory head asked me if I had knowledge on PC hardware. It was 1997 that time and I have used PCs and Apple II during my high school but just an exposure with WordStar and Turbo Pascal Language. So, when I told the head about my PC exposure, he said that he wants an experience with the hardware and troubleshooting it.

Therefore, he got me referred to a computer store (BOW Enterprise), where I can have my OJT. When I step at the front door of the store, I introduced myself to the owner and he replied asking me if I can start that day. By that time, he was already handling me the Philips screwdriver. I've no choice, I have to say yes, and then I entered the store. He then asked me to disassemble a PC. I've no idea then on what to do. All I know is screwdriver are for screws. I just try to observe the parts and used my tool to do the thing.
I've done my first PC disassembly. Next thing, I find myself on a self study. Reading manuals, books on PC Repair and parts was my hobby since the training at the store is not like in school was a teacher teaches the student. It is more on DIY.
Anyway, I'm grateful that I've know BOW Enterprise with Sir Bong, Oscar and William. I may not repay their kindness but all I know is I can pass this kindness to others.
Going back to the old PC, my "old friend", I tried to change the operating to Windows ME first for it supports USB devices. Then I've also added a USB hub, to have an easy access to the USB port. I downloaded the driver for the printer and there, they have what they needed.

Dead Fujitsu-Seimens Laptop- Revived

Hi folks!

Got another job order from a seaman yesterday. He wanted me to check on his laptop with the ff. specification:

• Fujitsu-Seimens Laptop
• AMD Sempron
• 1 GB DDR2 (2 x 512MB)
• 80 GB HDD

My diagnostic on the PC was its motherboard got a problem. The PCs condition when I first turn it on were:

• Power LED turn on
• HDD LED turn on for ahwile then got no response
• No POST Beeps
• No Display on the LCD screen

So, I suggest to the client that I will just bring the unit so that I can open it and visually inspect the components inside.

At home, I open the back cover and I was able to access the areas on the memory card, wireless adapter and the CPU. The first conponent I tried to check was the memory card. I removed the 2 cards then turn-on the PC and I still cant hear any beep codes. I tried to insert another card and nothing happens. When I tried to swap the two cards, I got a positive results. The PC turned on and enter its Windows XP operating system. I had just confirmed the defective memory card so I replaced it with another 512MB to have a better performance.

"Patience is a Virtue"

lucky,

-nak

Students in Action: PC Assembly

Welcome!

During my class in CoE415R-Computer Hardware Troubleshooting, I let my students perform a PC assembly activity. This happens on July 2009.

Their objective is to disaasemble and assemble a PC with the following specification:

1. ATX Full Tower Type System
2. Pentium II 333 MHz
3. 64MB SDRAM
4. 5GB IDE HDD

The activity also aims to identify the different FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) of the system.

After the procedure they have to turn on the PC and boot from the CDROM for OS installation.

The students who performed the activity are the following:

1. Renong, Jenn Mark 50
2. Exmundo, Paolo Noel 59
3. Allada, Lee Franklen 59
4. Beatingo, Jun Bryan
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

"Level Up" guys...

instructor,

-nak

WiFI Connectivity Problem

August 7, 2009

I was in my class at 8:00am when I've to schedule a home service after a call from a client. He told me that her HP Laptop can't connect to their Home WiFi network. I've to go at their house at noon time to check it cause the Laptop works fine at other WiFi hotspot.
When I arrive at their place, I'm thinking of my class at 1:00pm, so I've to hury up.

1. I check the physical connection first. (i.e.) UTP cables, power cables, and other PC connection.
2. I tried to connect directly to their Fixed Wireless Broadband Internet connection (SMART Bro) and the connection is fine.
3. When I tried to open another laptop, WiFi connection is connected.
4. Checking IP address assigned by the Linksys Router is fine.
   Using ipconfig:
   IP address => 192.168.1.100
   Subnet Mask=> 255.255.255.0
   Default Gateway: => 192.168.1.1

After a series of test, I finally decided to try resetting the Linksys Wireless Router... And good thing I can finally go back to school.

another luck,

-nak

ASTONE UMPC Tortured

April last year I bought an Ultra Mobile Laptop. I was thinking that it would be very appropriate for my needs as an instructor. I collect e-book for my class in Computer Engineering and having a portable touch screen computer just fits my needs.
The following is my laptop specification:

• Processor: VIA C7-M, 1.2GHz
• Memory: 1GB
• HDD: 60GB IDE
• Graphics: VIA S3G Unichrome Pro

Samsung Sens R45 Driver Problem

My friend complained about the slowing performance of his Samsung Sens R45 laptop computer so I have to check it out. I used PC wizard to check the system information and I got some details.

I use Windows Mini XP loaded from my 8GB flash drive, to see its performance with a minimal system. The PC works fine with so I decided to reformat and reinstall Windows XP SP3.

After the installation, I noticed that the laptop does not have drivers loaded for its display, network, and audio components. I tried to download it from the net but the drivers did not work. I also tried reinstalling the system using Windows Vista but still the devices are not supported.

With a little bit of patience, finally I found the driver at http://www.samsung.com/ support section. Right now the system works fine with Windows XP SP3 Black Edition.