Laptop dropped...now problems.

[touch2much]

I got a new Toshiba Satelite laptop a couple months ago and it promptly got dropped. The screen broke and the system froze. I replaced the screen but the OS would freeze after a minute or so after booting up. I have run multiple tests but cannot determine what the problem is. I know the processor works- laptop boots and runs fine until freeze up. The ram works- ran memtest ISO and found no problems. The hard drive seems to work- once again system boots up and I can access different programs (for a minute). The DVD drive works and I can use Knoppix ISO all day long. I even got a new hard drive and figured I'd just reformat but the installation disc tells me a fatal error has occurred and  will not install. I tried to run a HD eraser ISO (nuke) but that wouldn't go either. I'm out of ideas. Any thoughts? What to try next?

[patio]

One word...

Warranty.

[touch2much]

Well, I suppose I will try to test the warranty but I'm sure they'll realize I dropped it and it won't be covered. Worth a shot though.....I guess. Running Knoppix on it right now. At least it does that.

[Aegis]

So, you can run a Knoppix live CD with no problems?  I wonder if there is damage to the board or another part of the system, such that when it makes calls to the hard drive for information, that's what causes the failures?

[touch2much]

Well, I would tend to think that myself exept for the fact that it will indeed read and write to the HD for a short time.  WHY does it stop?? If in fact the MB is broken, it would NEVER work.

[street1 (RIP)]

How much ram do you have?Did you take it out and reinstall it?

[computeruler]

One word...

Warranty.

+1
I dropped my ps2 and I sent it back to sony and they fixed it and all I had to do was tape something that got in the way of the disk.  Still working fine for guitar hero.  Anways, send it back and get a new one.  I remember dead reakon dropped a psu on his laptop and sent it back and they fixed it too

[patio]

That would have been the "Beware of falling PSU's Topic" if i remember correctly...

[computeruler]

Yup lol

[Quantos]

That would have been the "Beware of falling PSU's Topic" if i remember correctly...

I had to do a double take, at first I thought it said "Beware of falling UPS".

[computeruler]

Are you dyslexic?

[Quantos]

I resent that, I'll have you know that I like women.

[computeruler]

What does that have to do with anything?

[Quantos]

Maybe I should have spelled a word backwards or something.

It really did seem funny yesterday.  Oh well, at least the voices in my head were amused.

[touch2much]

Yeahhhh.....anyways, 2 gigs of ram. Didn't take it out but did wiggle it around to make sure it was seated. Had no effect.

[Quantos]

Try physically removing it, and then reseating it.  There is a difference.

[hejlik]

Maybe I should have spelled a word backwards or something.

It really did seem funny yesterday.  Oh well, at least the voices in my head were amused.

I got a chuckle out of it.

[truenorth]

Re the "warranty" option. Bear in mind the more that you do the more reasons you create for a warranty claim to be denied. That option should be clarified before it's too late if it isn't already. Also on that topic if you purchased this "new" computer using a credit card apart from and in addition to often the credit card warranty will exceed even the manufacturers warranty and many times even extends the warranty period significantly. A consideration one should concider at the time of purchase. I have had great success when i have needed to exercises that option. truenorth

[hejlik]

O lot of companies are actually pretty good about standing behind their products even if it isn't covered by the warranty.

For example.  I own a golf gps that had a 3 year warranty. While getting out of my golf cart after a round of golf, I dropped the gps unit on the concrete, which of course broke it. I am not sure, but I think the 3 years was up, and for sure the warranty wouldn't cover bouncing it off the concrete. I e-mailed the company (with no thoughts of the warranty) told them what I had done, and asked them if I could take it apart and fix/replace something that could get it working again. I was told to send it to them, and much to my surprise, was sent a new one 2 weeks later.

And as truenorth says, if bought with a credit card, your problems may be solved.

[touch2much]

Well, you are probably right. I have located the receipt (not so easy, it turned out) and before I do too much more, I will contact the manufacturer to request either repair or replacement and see what happens because it looks as if I cannot get it running properly myself. But, *censored*, I hate when I can't fix stuff myself.

[touch2much]

OK, update. I was able to return the laptop to toshiba and they fixed it (new hard drive, bios update, etc.) and they returned it to me, all free! Of course, I never said anything about dropping it. So, for the cost of a new screen, that I replaced myself right after dropping it, I again have a new laptop. I once again have faith in customer service.

[Aegis]

Very nice!  Good to see.  I'm often the last to defend "big business" anymore, but they often get it right.

[truenorth]

touch2much, Well done i always try to promote firms that do a good job with their clients and also equally point out ones that don't . It is one of the few powers that consumers have.truenorth