"Power up" problem with VAIO VGN-S1HP

[paulhatton]

My VAIO takes about 10 tries before it powers up.

Maybe something to do with having once gone into "hibernate" mode?

Power and battery leds light up when you push power button, then nothing. After a few goes with the poser button, it suddenly comes to life?!

Have tried some solutions on web site (battery out, XP patch, etc.), but to no avail.

Any ideas?

paul.hatton@hotmail.com

[Twisted-Rizla]

I know one or two machines had a problem restarting from hibernate mode and there was a patch for it. Not sure if it's available for your machine but have a look on the Vaio-Link site, there may be a fix.

btw. you only need to post the question once in the forum or the CV police will come round your house and slap you. Apparently.

[rich912]

Hi Paul,

There is a known problem with S series Vaio’s that use the ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 video chip (yours does).

Typical symptoms of this problem are:

System does not come out of hibernation
System reports an error in the ati driver
System does not boot, screen remains black.
In some cases the Sony logo come up on boot and does not proceed with the boot process.

A repair is possible and is best carried out as soon as any of theses symptoms appear so as to avoid a non repairable condition. If your computer is still under warranty I suggest that you contact Sony support asap.

[paulhatton]

Thank you Richard,

It is indeed getting worse, and it is also out of warranty.

I might just buy a new lap top (not a VAIO, given that this is only just over a year old and suffers a "known problem" that is completely ignored by the VAIO-link website that is meant to help!).

Best wishes. Paul

[rich912]

Hi Paul,

I understand your frustration with the problem; especially given that Sony does know about this inherent default.

If I were you I would fist escalate your case with Sony Support and point out that as this is a known inherent default the machine was not fit for purpose when sold to you.

If this argument falls on deaf ears then you do have the option of legal proceedings, but we all know that this is costly (as do Sony).

Alternatively seek out an independent repairer as, once this fault is repaired, you should have a reliable machine.

[paulhatton]

Thank you Rich,

I might risk the expense of a Sony repair, as their is no guarantee a local independent will know what to do (or will do it properly).

Ta again. Paul

[rafaell]

I had the same problem with my VGN-FS285H. The first problem was the system didn't come out of hibernation, then one day the computer decided to not turn on, as if it was without the memory RAM card.
Once I'm living in Brazil, and there's no VAIO suport here, I removed the RAM card, cleaned it by BLOWING, attached the memory card again and tãrã !!! Now my vaio is working perfectly !!

Well, I don't know, maybe my VAIO was breathless or it has asthma !
:smileygrin:

[kee-lo_]

Some people say that blowing on the RAM is not good as particles of salaiva goes on the RAM, and they're not meant to have liquids on them

[paulhatton]

I take back all moans about SONY.

After short exchange on the on-line VAIO support site, the technician arranged collection of my VAIO from work. It was a motherboard problem, so SONY repaired it free of charge (and replaced the screen!) and it was back on my desk in less than 10 days.

Amazing service, I will now definitely consider buying another VAIO. Advice of all above was really helpful, especially the advice to initiate discussion with tech support on line.

Ta. Paul

[kee-lo_]

Now that's what I like to read, happy customers :smileygrin:

Well done Paul