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R.I.P (maybe...)

These are our faithful "slaves" which (who?? ) had served us well....Mr Compaq (2006-2008 Jan) and Mr Gateway (2004-2008 May 13 i.e today).
Mr Compaq gave up its ghost early in the year. It started overheating and eventually just died. We tried to fix it here but was told that it cannot be helped. Apparently I need a new motherboard. We are bringing it home to Malaysia with us to see if it (or he) can be resurrected. We have quite a few pictures inside that we would like to salvage.
Mr. Gateway is severely injured - I found out this morning :-(

I tried to take a macro pic but I don't think it turned out very well. Our powerjack is kinda warped and we've tried to be careful with it. This morning I found out that whoever used it last yesterday must have unknowingly broke it. Half of the power jack is inside the computer. This computer has minimal battery power, something like 15 minutes or less. I must find someway to unplug the broken part from the computer. Questions for anyone reading this post :

1. How much does a Compaq motherboard costs? The technician here said he tried to replace several parts but it still overheats and will not turn on. He thinks that a new motherboard will fix it. Is that true?
2. Any ideas /suggestions from anyone who has any experience removing a broken jack from a computer? Is this a unique problem or a common one? What are the chances of survival?
3. Can I use another computer power cable for Mr Gateway or do I have to use a new Gateway power cable?

As you can probably tell, I am distressed. Right now I am using a desktop in my office. With the four of us using the computers - the girls often need the computer for homework/assignments and Tony and I work on messages, work, email, blog, etc we need the computers.

Any ideas or suggestions or condolences is greatly appreciated! HELLLLLLLLLLP!

Comments

Yapster said…
First, the Compaq. It is not worth it to replace the motherboard, especially for laptops. Even if you are offered one, beware as it is probably a refurbished one. It may work for a little bit and go south again, just when you begin to trust it again. With that said, there is hope for the photos in the hard drive. The hard drive can be removed (carefully) and a computer technician with the correct cables and set up can fire up the Compaq hard drive and access the files.

Now about the Gateway. If the tip of the powerjack has snapped off and is stuck in the plug-in, then it may be necessary to open up the laptop from the bottom (have to deal with all the different size tiny screws) and see if you can slip the broken off part out gently with a tweezer or small screwdriver. Remember to ground yourself before and during this operation. Otherwise, static electricity may fry some other computer parts. That won't be good.

Power cables from different manufacturers are not interchangeable. The voltages are usually not the same and jack itself is of a different size. Also, even though it looks it fits when you plug it in, it may supply too much power and fry the computer or if it doesn't supply enough power, the computer may not boot up. Furthermore, let's it does boot up with insufficient power, you may lose data after working on your homework and work. After all, it is all a matter of zeros and ones.

Hopefully, this helps. Feel free to email me with questions. I am in the I.T. field.

Thanks for keeping us updated with your blogs. Blessings!

~ Ray Yap
May 15, 2008 at 1:23 AM
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