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Question

How to diagnose a PC that will not turn on?

Aug 14, 2011 1:21AM PDT

I have a Toshiba laptop that runs WIN Vista. It was loaned to a family member and now it will not turn on. What are some possible solutions?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
remove the battery
Aug 14, 2011 1:43AM PDT

Try removing the battery and run off AC power only. Can you get into the BIOS or is there no power at all?

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Will Try That
Aug 14, 2011 1:56AM PDT

I'm waiting on the PC from the family member. I will try that option and see if it works. If so then my problem is solved, time to get a new battery. If that doesn't work what is the next option?

Thanks for the feedback - its greatly apprecaited.

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Answer
We cover this in the CNET Laptop Troubleshooting forum.
Aug 14, 2011 1:56AM PDT

At the top of that forum are stickies and an author of a book on laptop repair gave us BONUS material.

But always try the generic reset noted in that forum sticky. Remove AC, battery, press and hold the power button for 60 seconds, release, slip in battery, apply AC and try again.
Bob

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Sticky Notes
Aug 14, 2011 2:10AM PDT

Thanks, but I don't see the stickies - what am I looking for? I see all the forum categories, but nio stickies?

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You found
Aug 14, 2011 2:13AM PDT
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More information
Aug 14, 2011 4:49AM PDT

OK so here is more information - I've been told that there was a power surge that hit the PC - and some local PC shop told them that there was no way to fix - What compents do you need to look for when a power surge hits? Also they broke the original power plug and I believe bought a generic cord - would that also cause this esopecially if it was not properly charging? I know Im asking alot of question w/o having the machine, but want to be able to trioubleshoot accuractly when I get it..Local PC shop said it would cost about $200 - $300 for the part(although I dont know what part it is)...I bought the laptop in 2008, paid $599 so its not real old, in everyone professional opinion what would be the defining "Forget fixing" to replace a part? My thought would be the motherboard, but CPU and fans are not that expensive. HD seems to be good. Thanks for your feedback.....

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That's the problem
Aug 14, 2011 7:07AM PDT

The makers did not make diagnostics to find with any accuracy what parts are fried. This is why, in the shop we'll use a Volt meter to check out the charger unit and see if the power makes it to the main board.

If the motherboard is suspect we'll swap that out as there is no diagnostic available today for these things. This means the folk that want to repair these must invest in spare boards. This puts some repairs out of reach for many.
Bob