What is your workflow like on a non-POSTing laptop?

[nibblesandbits]

I have an HP dv6000 here and for the life of me, I cannot figure out why it won't POST. I've done everything I know how to do including take the battery out and let the CMOS die. I've yanked the hard drive and memory just to see if I could get anything... NOTHING.

How do you all fix problems like this? I can fix any software problem, but when it comes to not even getting into BIOS, I fall a little short, unfortunately.

 

[NYJimbo]

I have an HP dv6000 here and for the life of me, I cannot figure out why it won't POST. I've done everything I know how to do including take the battery out and let the CMOS die. I've yanked the hard drive and memory just to see if I could get anything... NOTHING.

How do you all fix problems like this? I can fix any software problem, but when it comes to not even getting into BIOS, I fall a little short, unfortunately.

Laptop repair requires alot more skill and experience than regular software fixes. You also need to know something about testing circuits and tricks on how to isolate a problem when the machine pretty much gives nothing to go on.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Laptop repair requires alot more skill and experience than regular software fixes. You also need to know something about testing circuits and tricks on how to isolate a problem when the machine pretty much gives nothing to go on.

So I suppose this is a job where I finally get to say:
"Ma'am, I'm sorry. I believe it's your motherboard, you may want to get a second opinion, however, I have attached a price sheet for the part to help you in determining any further action. There is no charge for this service." and not charge her anything because of my lack of ability.

 

[dhrandy]

See if they are eligible for the free HP repair.

HP has identified a hardware issue with certain HP Pavilion dv2000/dv6000/dv9000 and Compaq Presario V3000/V6000 series notebook PCs, and has also released a new BIOS for these notebook PCs, version F.39 for dv2000/V3000, and version F.3D for dv6000/dv9000/V6000.

NOTE: If you are a customer in Canada with an HP Notebook model DV2412CA or DV2404CA, do not update the notebook to BIOS version F.39.

If you own an HP Pavilion dv2000, HP Pavilion dv6000, HP Pavilion dv9000 or Compaq Presario V3000, Compaq Presario V6000 series computer, are experiencing no symptoms on your computer, and would like to obtain more information about updating your system to the new BIOS release, please go to the "Update the BIOS to the latest version" section on this page. If you are experiencing one or more symptoms listed below, and your computer meets the product criteria listed below, contact HP to determine whether you are eligible for a free repair.

NOTE: This service enhancement program is available in North America for 24 months after the start of your original standard limited warranty for issues listed below; otherwise your current standard limited warranty applies. Customers who already have a 24 month or longer warranty period will be covered under their existing standard HP Limited Warranty.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01087277&lc=en&cc=us

 

[nibblesandbits]

See if they are eligible for the free HP repair.



http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01087277&lc=en&cc=us

Thanks for the tip. Checking into it now!

 

[usacvlr]

That series is notorious for failures. They ALL die eventually, most sooner than normal. The 9000s are junk too. I had 6 in one month.

 

[forge]

In less than two months

I have had 6 HP laptops with the exact same problems. Two of them were DV 6000.
Two of my clients told me HP said it was a dead motherboard and to replace they would charge them $300.
Even though HP knows of the issue the reps still say it is a MOBO issue. From what I can read on their website the issue is covered twenty-four months after the original warranty. Just Google HP DV 6000.
All of the models I have worked on had the same symptoms.
Powered on, lights came on, disk drive spins up, all seems to be working except the LCD screen.
On all of them the power management chip needed to be replaced and they worked. Only on one has it continued to have issues.

It is not the board I can tell you that.

 

[ell]

I have an HP dv6000 here and for the life of me, I cannot figure out why it won't POST. I've done everything I know how to do including take the battery out and let the CMOS die. I've yanked the hard drive and memory just to see if I could get anything... NOTHING.

How do you all fix problems like this? I can fix any software problem, but when it comes to not even getting into BIOS, I fall a little short, unfortunately.

If I find one that is totally dead, no lights at all or sound, after I've done what you did. I first ask them if its under any kind of warranty- some forget they bought a extended until I bring it up, or if its more than 3 yrs old I tell them its probably a expensive repair and offer my data recovery/purchase assistance, they often go for that and I still make $.

 

[Reviver]

If I find one that is totally dead, no lights at all or sound, after I've done what you did. I first ask them if its under any kind of warranty- some forget they bought a extended until I bring it up, or if its more than 3 yrs old I tell them its probably a expensive repair and offer my data recovery/purchase assistance, they often go for that and I still make $.

Interesting, what do you charge for purchase assistance? What does that entail usually?

 

[zchehi]

It sounds like a bad motherboard, you can get new on e-bay and replace it and charge a set fee, but beware never rule out cpu failure.

 

[ell]

Interesting, what do you charge for purchase assistance? What does that entail usually?

It varies, usually just my hourly rates, sometimes all it involves is a few minutes online price checking, other times I guide the customer through the entire ordering process and setup everything too once it arrives, they pay for everything themselves, I provide advisory/data migration,setup. Sometimes I even go to the retailer and help pick it out with them, they really like that, especially those who don't know their memory from a hard drive. With pc's getting cheaper and cheaper all the time, I think this line of work will only get bigger for me. Spending 2-3 hrs fixing a old pc thats worth next to nothing doesn't make me feel like I'm offering a very cost effective service, most would love a new system but are afraid to do it on their own. IBM used to make the majority of their revenue from hardware, not so much anymore, services is their big biz now.