HELP - Laptop just Died

[stevep-4]

Have been running my Z1-RSP for a few years with no problems.

This evening, it locked up and came back a minute later saying the display driver had caused an error. The XP message said to re-start the computer and upon restart, it would start OK and provide a message to send on to Microsoft (usual error reporting thing).

Tried restarting and there is nothing. No hard drive action and the screen remains blank.

Have connected an external screen to it, and again, no action.

Have put the RECOVERY CD in, and while this initially spins up, it stops after 10 seconds. (whether the computer is on or i do boot-up from cold.

With no screen to look at I cannot say if there is any action I must take next.


Of course, with this computer, the recovery procedure is started from Windows XP.



I am wondering if the Bios has crashed, or maybe the hard drive has become unplugged...

any ideas, or is this laptop headed for the grave??

[stevep-4]

Correction to the above.....The hard drive does spin up and remain spinning...


I have dismantled the laptop and checked all connections, plus unplugged and reconnected the hard drive......still no joy.

[stevep-4]

Strange, back together and up and running.....


Now looking at Vaio-link for updated display drivers.

[Blencogo]

We aren't ignoring you - just haven't a clue what's happened!!

Sounds like a loose connection somewhere - RAM? ATI M6-C16? Screen?

The latest ATI Mobility Radeon M6-C16 driver on Vaio-Link dates from 1/6/2004 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope it holds together!

[rich912]

Hi Steve,

Strange problem but pleased to hear that it fired back up again! Strangely enough yours is one of the very few models that do have a video driver update – I hope that it helps….

[kee-lo_]

Wow that was odd, glad you're back on your feet

[stevep-4]

Cough gasp...dead

Loaded in the new display drivers and re-booted...OK.

moved the screen angle a couple of degrees and bye bye laptop.

The screen function must be inclusive in the boot up routine,since it wont complete a boot up. Not possible to use an external monitor as this is chosen once XP is loaded.


Have stripped laptop and inspected and even continuity checked the screen cables (I wondered if the open close movement had caused a breakage). All seems OK.

Have removed the hard drive and copied all new data over to the desk top.


Now wondering the worth of sending it away for repair....£150 seems to be a typical "look at" charge plus what ever parts are required.

Most likely, I will try to find another on ebay and keep this one for spares (I KNOW the screen itself is sound, as are the hard drive, DVD and keyboard.)

[William]

Sounds like a cable/ribbon cable problem which has fatigued due to opening and closing.

It might be worth a few £'s (or $.s) to try a new connector from HERE. Its in the USA but they ship worldwide and you can't buy parts in the EU.

Just remember your exact model may not be listed as they may only show USA models so you will have to look at the parts diagrams and try to identify your models USA equivelant. Having said that the part you require may be common to all Z1 models.

[kee-lo_]

Yeah I agree William, even if you buy every ribbon cable in your VAIO it's cheaper than the £150 for the "look"

[stevep-4]

I have managed to source another Z1 which is reported to have hard drive failure after being dropped. Hopefully, a little bit of playing around and I will be back in business (with a few spare parts!!). Should arrive Tuesday.

Will keep you all posted.