[strope411]

Hey guys,

My laptop is having problems again, but not for the same reason. In the past, there have been some virus problems (which were solved here, thanks guys!), but now a new problems persists. The laptop is now overheating really quickly, and the bottom of the laptop can get really hot within only 4-5 minutes of use. In addition, after around 5-10 minutes, there is a chance of the screen going white with black lines, much like static except thinner, and obviously not static (this is not a TV). After that, the screen may go back to normal, yet it will be frozen, and then go black. The only way out of that is to shut off the machine manually. We don't know if the problem is due to overheating or if maybe another problem, but we're asking your guy's insight and opinion on this and if we can possibly fix it. In addition, the wireless function of the laptop is not working at all, and we've attempted to connect an Ethernet cable to use a wired connection but the laptop would not be on long enough to successfully know whether it worked or not. We don't know if that is also a problem due to this, but it is not the main problem to be of concern. The laptop itself is a Windows Vista Hp Pavilion Entertainment laptop that we have had since 2006.

If anyone can help, we appreciate taking you own time out of your life to help us. Thank you!

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I can't imagine how much dust will have built up inside the machine in 7 years so I suggest taking it to a qualified repair shop so they can strip it down and clean it Strope.

[Wolfeymole]

I can't imagine how much dust will have built up inside the machine in 7 years so I suggest taking it to a qualified repair shop so they can strip it down and clean it Strope.

[phillpower2]

Hello strope411

Just to add to what the Wolf has suggested, check out the tutorial at the attached link http://h10025.www1.h...product=3927423

It is not the same model of HP as the one that you have but the principal is the same, I would also remove the Ram and blow out the slots before replacing the Ram, to help with this http://www.crucial.c...all/sodimm.aspx

Cautionary note: When using canned compressed air you should not upend the can as it is possible for fluid to be emitted.

[strope411]

Thanks for the replies. At one point I thought I saw a step by step guide on how to disassemble the computer and clean the heat sink. I would love to take it to a service center, but the closest one to my house is over 50+ miles. Hopefully, someone can point me to that information. I've taken apart older laptops before and reassembled them, so I'm relatively comfortable doing the work, I'm just a visual learner so I prefer to have some sort of visual aide. Thanks again.

[strope411]

OK, quick update. Tried turning the laptop on to check which level my Vista was set for (performance, etc) and now nothing is happening. The blue led lights show that the unit is getting power, but nothing from the actual computer. No sounds, display, nada. I am beginning to worry that the vast amount of data is now gone forever. If these postings are in the wrong section, please redirect me to where I need to go. Thanks.

[phillpower2]

You do not need to dismantle the notebook and reapply thermal paste to the HS.

Please clean out the notebook as directed at the link that I provided earlier, this includes removing the Ram and blowing out the slots as dust in the Ram slots can prevent a computer from booting up due to a build up of static in the circuits, press and hold down the power on button while you have the Ram removed and the power/battery disconnected.

Tip; If you have something to add while waiting for a reply use the edit tab – bottom right of the dialogue input box and this will ensure that you nothing gets overlooked.

[strope411]

OK, will do. I'm going to get a new set of screwdrivers that can do the job since mine have "vanished". As always, blame the kids haha.

[phillpower2]

You will only need a small Phillips/star type driver.

Mines left home a long time ago but I`m sure he is still borrowing things and not putting them away after him

[strope411]

Alright, I took out the RAM and cleaned both the inside and the RAM components themselves. What else do you want me to do?

[phillpower2]

If you have also blown out the Ram slots and replaced the Ram securely reassemble the notebook and see how it behaves.

I am going offline now as it is getting late here but will check back in the morning UK time.

[strope411]

Powered back on, still no activity from the actual computer. The lights along the top row, the led icon for power, and the wireless switch in front are lit. No noise or anything. The hard drive icon did flash momentarily (less than a second). Ugh. I'm going to keep in on for awhile unless it gets way too hot. Thanks for the help, I understand the time zone issues since we're in Northern California.

Update: Computer has been on for over 3 hours, still no activity and entire area around the HD underneath is very hot.

Edited by strope411, 11 June 2013 - 06:16 PM.

[phillpower2]

Can you at any time hear the cooling fan activate.

Please remove the HDD and see if the computer puts out an error message.

Next replace the HDD and remove the Ram, turn on the notebook and see if you get any error beeps.

[strope411]

OK, just got up. I'm not lazy, just on vacation. One of the few perks left of working in education. I will give you an update very soon. When I powered on the laptop I heard nothing, just the lights along the front and the light indicating power was on. Also, the cd rom drive is getting power also. Thanks again, I know you are a really busy helper.

Update: got the HDD out and turned on the laptop, nada. No sound, display, etc. How long should I wait before re installing the HDD and trying the RAM option?

Edited by strope411, 12 June 2013 - 02:17 PM.

[Wolfeymole]

If you hear nothing apart from the cdrom trying to access disks which are not there, which is perfectly normal, then I suggest the laptop has crossed the rubicon, it has gone over the edge, it is deceased.

I could spout metaphors all day long but in a nutshell mate the laptop is dead.

[strope411]

If that is the case, is it possible to retrieve the information from the HDD?