cwaddell27 Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 My sister has been having trouble with her laptop. Wrote down all info I could about it that I could find out - not sure how to find out any other info on it. Acer TravelMate 5510 Windows Vista Service Pack 1 AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-52 1.60Ghz 1.00GB Memory Ram System Type: 32 Bit OS It first started when connecting to Wifi in a pub. It shut down (from overheating?) and then when it was restarted, once it got to the desktop after stating - the screen was just blank - Showed the wallpaper ( pale blue colour) but no logos or tool bars etc.. She was told it was a graphics card problem and that it would be £140 to replace but now no longer think that as it starts ok in safe mode and shows logos etc but cant get online when in safe mode. When it does virus scans etc.. it overheats and shuts itself off. We were told on another forum to remove the bottom cover and remove all of the dust but one screw is too tight and wont move so cant do that. Is there any way to get the cover off easily to remove the dust. We were told to deal with the dust/overheating problem first before doing anything else. Also once that is done how could we try to fix things not showing up? We have tried to do system restore but doesn't help. We want to try and reformat it but dont have the vista discs as it was installed on the laptop already when she got it. Our mum has an XP disc and vista upgrade (but is in another country) so would that work? Or is there a way to do it without discs - heard something on another forum about system recovery? Anyway any advice would be very helpful. Quote
BeeCeeBee Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 (edited) Over heating can be the cause of any number of problems. There is no point trying anything until that issue is solved. If a cover is held down by screws there is very little anyone can do but tell you to remove the screw. The mistake people make is that they assume that they need a tiny screwdriver to remove a tiny screw. It is very hard to get any torque out of those little screwdrivers. Assuming it is a phillips head screw as most are, what you need is a large screwdriver that comes to a sharp point. Often a screwdriver with interchangeable bits will be available at an electronics, computer or hardware store, That should give you the added torque or leverage to remove a stubborn screw. Once done use compressed air in short bursts to clean away dust etc. Never use a nylon brush. The cans of air can be purchased at any computer store. While you are there I suggest an anti static bracelet to "ground" or "earth" yourself to avoid static electricity. If that solves the overheating problem then we can see what, if anything, is left to deal with. Edited February 21, 2009 by BeeCeeBee Quote "Familiarity breeds contempt - and children." Mark Twain
cwaddell27 Posted February 21, 2009 Author Posted February 21, 2009 Over heating can be the cause of any number of problems. There is no point trying anything until that issue is solved. If a cover is held down by screws there is very little anyone can do but tell you to remove the screw. The mistake people make is that they assume that they need a tiny screwdriver to remove a tiny screw. It is very hard to get any torque out of those little screwdrivers. Assuming it is a phillips head screw as most are, what you need is a large screwdriver that comes to a sharp point. That should give you the added torque or leverage to remove a stubborn screw. Once done use compressed air in short bursts to clean away dust etc. Never use a nylon brush. The cans of air can be purchased at any computer store. While you are there I suggest an anti static bracelet to "ground" or "earth" yourself to avoid static electricity. If that solves the overheating problem then we can see what, if anything, is left to deal with. Ok thanks. Will try a larger screwdriver but there is one screw that is very tight. Will need to get some compressed air too. Will see if getting the last screw off works and will write on here again in a bit. Quote
BeeCeeBee Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 It will work, but just be careful Laptops are not as simple to deal with as PCs so, if you are intent on getting inside yourself, do not force anything. (Except the screw :) ) Quote "Familiarity breeds contempt - and children." Mark Twain
cwaddell27 Posted February 21, 2009 Author Posted February 21, 2009 Tried with a couple of different screwdrivers but still didn't move. Looked like it was going to be doing more damage to the screw which would make it even harder to remove so stopped. Managed to remove all the others I needed to but couldnt lift up the panel enough to do anything. Would trying to take it to a repair shop be worth doing - not sure how much they are. My sister is getting really annoyed with it and is wondering if it's just easier and cheaper overall to buy a new laptop. Quote
BeeCeeBee Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 (edited) I cant advise you about what a repair shop will charge. However, again, if you are intent on trying it yourself, I would make a call to a few shops and see if they would just help you remove the screw. If you are saying that the screwdriver is damaging the head of the screw then perhaps the bit you are using is too small. These things really have to fit to work. Edited February 21, 2009 by BeeCeeBee Quote "Familiarity breeds contempt - and children." Mark Twain
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