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I have had this problem several times with other Toshiba notebooks to the extent I almost cringe when anouther person tells me they are once again having the same problem. Hopefully, the following steps I give you will correct your problem... if not, your mobo may be damaged.
There are 2 levels of checking I want you to go through in order to try and fix this. The first is a minimally invasive procedure which wont require significant intrusion into the chassis. The latter will require a more involved dismantle of the laptop for troubleshooting . . . but first:
Rule out the obvious and maybe make it all better in a couple of easy key strokes >>>>
Please don't be offended or insulted by this first, very rudimentary check. I am sure you have already checked this,but just in case, this very simple next check could mean the difference between enduring 30 seconds of embarrasment and 300.00 for a new laptop because something got hosed when you cracked open the chassis unnecessarily trying to fix a sneaky,common issue. Try starting the computer and as it turns on, simultaneously press the ?Fn? key and whichever numeric key also shows a monitor image and the text: LCD/CRT. This is a key combo switch that tells your computer to route the display output to an external monitor instead of the laptop panel. There are 3 possibilities ? LCD (laptop screen) Only --- LCD and CRT (external monitor) Simultaneously ? and CRT -(external monitor) Only. Try pressing the FN and numeric key combo a couple of times in succession immediately when the Toshiba Splash Screen appears ? this is generated by the system BIOS and just because you see the splash screen only means that the laptop may be still set to output to an external display device only and just has not executed that instruction yet. I would also attach an external monitor to the laptop and try to boot.... if the display appears on the external, or if hitting the key combo causes the laptop LCD to come back on, then stop, grab yourself an ice cold Rolling Rock Beer (or Coke if you are not 21) and celebrate a simple easy conclusion to another laptop Maalox while pondering the exact phrases of praise and admiration you will be sending to Fix-Ya about me later from your restored lap-top. :-) If still no display.... take a deep breath and lets try the following procedures in the following post (too much text for a single post sorry)
Comments:
Jul 25, 2009
- NOTE - Troubleshooting a blank screen boot failure with limited information can be a challenge. I have compiled an extensive set of steps we can try to get you back up and running. I have tried to make it simple and intimidation free, but doing so has made this a very lengthy post. You will find my first round of instructions sent to you in several series of posts. Hang in there bud, I am here to help Fix-Ya! ---- ColtJul 25, 2009
- NOTE - Troubleshooting a blank screen boot failure with limited information can be a challenge. I have compiled an extensive set of steps we can try to get you back up and running. I have tried to make it simple and intimidation free, but doing so has made this a very lengthy post. You will find my first round of instructions sent to you in several series of posts. Hang in there bud, I am here to help Fix-Ya! ---- ColtJul 25, 2009
- OKAY – IF THE Fn – CRT/LCD KEY TOGGLE DIDNT HELP, RELAX, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, GATHER A PHILIPS SCREWDRIVER, A MAGNIFYING GLASS, A SMALL NOTEPAD, PEN OR PENCIL AND A HEALTHY DOSE OF 50% DETERMINATION and 50% CURIOSITY AND LETS MOVE TO THE NEXT TROUBLESHOOTING LEVEL OF INVESTIGATION...
Level I -part 1
Preliminary Power Check:
If the AC power light is blinking, try the following steps: 1 Cut off power to the computer by disconnecting the AC adaptor and removing the battery. The error condition will be interrupted, and the AC power light will stop flashing.
2 Put the battery back into the computer. Do not connect the AC adaptor. Try turning the computer on again.
If the computer starts normally, the AC adaptor may be defective and will need to be replaced (see the Toshiba Web site at accessories.toshiba.com).
If the AC power light starts flashing, remove the battery, and continue with the steps below.
3 Connect the AC adaptor to the computer. Leave the battery out of the computer. Try turning the computer on again.
If the computer starts normally, the battery may need charging, may be depleted, or may be defective. Turn the computer on, insert the battery, and then leave the computer running for several hours, which will deliver a slow, steady “tricklecharge” to the battery. Once the battery has been tricklecharged, it may begin working correctly again.
If the trickle-charging does not prove effective, visit the Toshiba Web site at pcsupport.toshiba.com and see the Support Bulletin Step-Charging the computer’s battery (click the Ask Iris® link and search for the support bulletin by name).
4 Connect the AC adaptor to a different power outlet, preferably in a different room. If the computer starts normally, there may be a problem with the AC outlet itself, or the voltage level available from it.,
(If this works, it definitely suggest using a surge protector from now on between your laptop AC Adapter and your home AC outlet.)
Still not starting up? - Proceed to the next round of preliminary (intermediate level) troubleshooting.Jul 26, 2009
- Level 1 Part 2
1) completely power off the computer and unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet and remove the power plug from the laptops a/c jack.
2) remove the LION battery from the laptop and set aside.
3) VERY IMPORTANT -- press the power on switch as you would if the laptop were plugged in and hold for about 10 seconds. The laptop board has circuitry which can retain electrical current for a considerable time span even after the power source is removed. Depressing the power switch when the machine is devoid of all power sources should help fully dispell any remaining charge.
4) Double check the LED power indicator lights -- there should be no lights illuminated on the board. If it seems safely discharged, close the laptop screen and gently set the computer upside-down on a smooth dry surface such as a table or bench. Try to avoid metal or glass tables as they can hold and transfer static which can harm components. I usually prefer to work on a surface with either a smooth rubber mat or other non-conductive surface.
5)locate the memory upgrade panel and with a small phillips head screwdriver, gently remove the panel. be very careful to keep the tiny securing screw/s with the panel (should easily snap off once screw is removed) and set them aside.
Jul 26, 2009
- >>>NOTE>>> laptop screws are small, blend into dark surfaces and are notorious for being able to seemingly vanish into a void. Laptops are carefully designed to be light and compact. Replacing the wrong screw in the wrong place can have critical and even terminal result if the grounding is compromised or components are shorted by screws inserted in the wrong manner, sequence or location. Therefore, an empty egg carton, weekly medication sorter, small tacklebox or sewing kit are excellent tools to keep track of your screws. I STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST relying on your own ability to be meticulous and organized. While we are not talking about a huge volume of screws, no matter how neatly and careful you are, inevitibley either the dog, your neighbor, brother, sister, telephone cord, natural disaster, or mischevious poltergeist will have your screws scattered across your work area or embedded in your carpet. In some cases, even 1 missing screw can make all the difference in the lifespan of your computer. I do advise you download and print, if you can find one, either the service manual or user manual for your make and model of laptop. Service manual is preferred because it will show you the proper sequence in detail of how to dismantle and replace your computer components as well as provide you with a complete coded picture reference, detailed description, exact measurements, quantity, and location map and Identity Code for each and every screw and fastener on your laptop. If you cannot locate a service manual, search YouTube, Google, Tech Forums and other resources to see if anyone else has detailed instructions to help identify the different sets and ID number for the screws you remove. It is also smart to have a small notepad handy in order to take notes and sketch diagrams to remind you how many screws you removed with each step and where they came from. Even large peices of either scotch packing tape or duct tape, sticky-side up can make good tools to keep "like" screws grouped and identified so that unfortunate reassembly issues do not wreck your investments of time, patience and expert tekkie manuevers.
Jul 26, 2009
- Look carefully at your memory modules, before touching any of the components, find release any static build-up you might be carrying by touching your bare hand to a metal or otherwise conductive surface. Even a little but of electro-static discharge can wreak havoc on a memory module. Next release the memory modules from their slots (gently pressing outward on the securing pins on both sides of the chip should cause the chip to spring up at an angle from the slot allowing you to remove it by gently pulling straight outward. Do this for each module installed. Set the modules aside on a clean non static surface.
Examine the copper pin contacts of the memory slots and the memory modules themselves. Use a magnifying glass if you have to. If there is any damage to the contacts on the card or the slots, it should be visible as either a discolored darkened, possibly charred, mark on any copper contact point can indicate an electrical arc. If you spot this kind of damage, I recommend you allow a trained Toshiba tech take it from there. Also look for any of the cooper contacts points that appear more shiny or any other kind of irregularity in their appearance or uniformity. This can mean a jar or bump dislodged or shifted one of the modules. Also inspect the circuit board part of the memory modules. You are looking for any discoloration, cracks or surface damage. Each chip embedded on the module should be securely fastened to the memory card and absent of any scratches, chips, cracks, discoloration or other visible defect. DO NOT REMOVE ANY OF THE STICKERS OR LABLES ADHERED TO THE MEMORY MODULES. If you find something suspicious, you can have the module tested. If its been hosed, chances are the computer and the slot are still good and its very cheap and easy to replace a memory module, Even if only one (if you have 2 installed) shows any damage or tests faulty, since memory is very cheap, I recommend replacing both memory modules. These are sensitive little hunks of silicon and when one goes bad or is damaged, its better to be safe than sorry and assume its counterpart suffered possible damage as well. Use an air can or a soft small artist brush – (air can is preferred, brushes can create static) and blow away any dirt or dust (if any) that has collected on the memory modules and the memory slots.
Reseat the inspected and/or new memory modules back into their slots carefully one at a time. Match the notch in the module with the corresponding notch in the slot and gently but firmly seat the memory at about a 25 degree angle into its slot.
Jul 26, 2009
- It should fit snugly and slide in easily. DO NOT FORCE IT. The copper contacts on the module will likely be just shy of disappearing completely into the slot. When the memory module is flush in the slot, gently press it flat into its seat. The 2 release pins should automatically snap into place and secure the module. If you have done this correctly, the module should be evenly and neatly flush in its slot perpindicular to the mother board and both securing pins should be snapped securely holding the memory in place. If the memory is not evenly seated after inserting it according to the instructions, there are 2 ways to correct this. The first is to use a tool to set along the edge of the memory module on the outside edge of where it is not flush inside the slot and gently apply lateral pressure until the module is adjusted congruently nested inside the slot. If the module refuses to seat properly and evenly, you can completely remove it and try resetting it one again. If after several attempts you cannot get the module to rest properly in its slot, make sure you are using the correct memory module. Most modules which are not supported by your system will be notched in such a way that they cannot be seated in the slot so as to not cause permanent damage to your system. If you have verified you are using the correct memory module as indicated by your manufacturer, and that you are indeed lining the notches of the slot and the module correctly but still cannot get the memory to rest firmly or evenly in its slot, it is likely there is damage to the DIMM slot you did not notice during your inspection. You should take your laptop to an authorized repair dealer right away for repair. YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO USE ANY LEVEL OF FORCE BEYOND A REASONABLE STANDARD PUSH TO SEAT THE MEMORY. IT SHOULD BE RIGHT AROUND THE SAME DEGREE OF FORCE USED WHEN CLOSING A LARGE SNAP BUTTON LIKE THOSE FOUND ON A DENIM JACKET OR A PAIR OF JEANS.
Jul 26, 2009
- As you did with the memory modules, locate the securing screw/s which hold closed the bay where your Hard Disk Drive is located. After the cover plate is removed, you may gently slide the drive out of the bay. If your computer supports a IDE style drive, the interface of your HDD will display two rows of small copper pins -or- an adapter seated over the rows of pins allowing the HDD to connect properly to the system board. The pins should be even and congruently spaced across the entire interface plane with 1 exception... the bottom row of pins will have a noticeable gap positioned directly in its midpoint. If your drive configuration has an adapter seated across the pins which joins it to the main board, make sure the pins are straight, and that the adapter is correctly positioned evenly and firmly on the HDD interface. F your system uses an SATA drive configuration, there will be a smaller black slotted interface instead of the pin rows indicative of an IDE drive. Either way, the drive must be firmly secured in which ever interface it requires Since it is extremely unlikely that any kind of data or HDD surface error would produce the problem mobo. you are having, our only purpose here is to make sure the HDD is properly and securely mounted on its interface. Carefully reinsert the HDD back into the bay until you feel it snap in place. If the drive juts out preventing the cover plate from fitting back in place, the drive is not seated correctly. Gently pull the drive back out and slowly and gently reconnect it again. All pins and mounting points secure and correctly fastened flush within their mounting socket.
Replace the cover plates, including the securing screws and return the laptop to its upright and normal position.
Reconnect the battery and the AC Power adapter.
Jul 26, 2009
- Take a deep breath, cross your fingers and power back on the system. Hopefully the system will boot and you are on your way back to your personal computing happy place. If not, please do the following.... notify me back here at Fix-Ya and give me the following information:
a) does the system make any beeps when it starts up? If so, how many?
b) do you hear any noise from the hard drive such a whine or any chattering sounds indicating it has at least started?
1.c) do you get a blank screen after the Toshiba Splash Screen or are there any system messages which come up which may give additional clues to whats going on.
Have you made any recent hardware adjustments or changes immediately prior to the malfunction (other than the ones we just completed).
Please try starting the system three different times using the following procedures:
1.Attempt 1: attempt to reboot the system from an off-powered state with the battery removed, but AC power still connected. Just before the splash screen appears hold down the ESC key and press it rapidly several times in succession.... what happens?
Attempt 2 – same as step 1, but this time hold down the F2 key or press it repeatedly – anything happen?
Attempt 3 Same again, only this time hold down the F12 key or press it rapidly – if still no change, perform 1 more WARM boot (CTRL-ALT-DEL) and hold down the F12 key before the flash screen appears - what happens.
Unless your system is completely messed up, if the previous procedures didnt help you, the details you provide me from this experience will help me make sure we have better luck with the next set of procedures I will guide you through.
Hang in there bud... numerous things could be peventing the computer from starting properly, but I doubt its a paperweight yet. Toshibas are finicky fussy and sometimes exasperating systems that almost seem to have their own spiteful personality at times that seems to defy all rational explanation. Its just a machine with a glitch. Together we'll gitter'dun and get you back ASAP.
Thanks for your support request!
Colt the Laptop Rodeo Wrangler
