A Reunion with an "Old Friend"

Hi Guys!

I was called by a Law Firm to check on their PC. They told me if that their PC is not working properly and they can't install their newly bought printer. When I went there to check it out, I found out that they are using an old desktop PC, with the logo of BOW Enterprise.

The following are the specification of the PC:

• OS: Windows 98
• Processor: Pentium 133
• Memory: 64 MB of EDO DRAM
• HDD: 8GB IDE
• CDROM Drive
• Floppy Drive
• Motherboard Slots: 3 PCI/ 2 ISA
• 56kbps Modem Card
• USB 1.1 PCI Card

Just want to insert what I thought when I first saw the logo. I just remembered when I was in 2nd year in college when I first have my PC hardware experience and training. I was supposed to apply as a computer laboratory student assistant when the laboratory head asked me if I had knowledge on PC hardware. It was 1997 that time and I have used PCs and Apple II during my high school but just an exposure with WordStar and Turbo Pascal Language. So, when I told the head about my PC exposure, he said that he wants an experience with the hardware and troubleshooting it.

Therefore, he got me referred to a computer store (BOW Enterprise), where I can have my OJT. When I step at the front door of the store, I introduced myself to the owner and he replied asking me if I can start that day. By that time, he was already handling me the Philips screwdriver. I've no choice, I have to say yes, and then I entered the store. He then asked me to disassemble a PC. I've no idea then on what to do. All I know is screwdriver are for screws. I just try to observe the parts and used my tool to do the thing.
I've done my first PC disassembly. Next thing, I find myself on a self study. Reading manuals, books on PC Repair and parts was my hobby since the training at the store is not like in school was a teacher teaches the student. It is more on DIY.
Anyway, I'm grateful that I've know BOW Enterprise with Sir Bong, Oscar and William. I may not repay their kindness but all I know is I can pass this kindness to others.
Going back to the old PC, my "old friend", I tried to change the operating to Windows ME first for it supports USB devices. Then I've also added a USB hub, to have an easy access to the USB port. I downloaded the driver for the printer and there, they have what they needed.

Sharp PC-MC30F Mebius Laptop Power Problem

Hello Guys!

Here’s another problem on PC and Laptop Repair. This time, a cellphone technician was referred to me by a friend check his Sharp PC-MC30F Mebius for a power problem. He is complaining on an unpredictable power failure on his laptop. When I checked and turned on the laptop, It doesn’t turn on with the battery on it. So I tried to plug it in without the battery, and it powered up.

I tried to enter the BIOS setup and see some specification of the laptop. I was also to enter the Windows XP system and run dxdiag and device manager. After a short while the laptop shut down. I also notice that if I put some pressure on the keyboard or the palm rest the same thing happens. The laptop specification is shown below.

DXDIAG Results:
System Model: PC-CL/MC
Processor: Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M 2000+, 1.7 GHz
Memory: 1 GB DDR400 RAM
Video: S3 Graphics Pro Savage DDR, 32MB
Audio: C-Media Wave Device

The symptoms, i guess, maybe a shorted power circuit. So I decided my first action to disassemble the laptop and perform visual inspection inside. I recorded my steps and photographed the FRU’s as I perform the procedure. Just making sure that I will be doing the right thing because I can’t find any manual of the said laptop model.
Right now I’m still continuing my test and diagnostic procedure… and I willjust edit this last line as soon as there is a progress.

Good Luck to ME,
-nak
http://ronaldctantiado.googlepages.com

IBM Thinkpad L40 Display Problem

I was asked by a friend to check on an IBM Thinkpad T40. The laptop is owned by an NBI Agent whos complaining about its display problem. Sometimes, it starts well and then the screen “blackens”. When I checked the laptop and perform several test, I encountered beep codes, one long beep and two short beeps. These beep codes means a display error according to Phoenix BIOS codes.

My action then was to dis assemble the laptop and try tohave a visual inspection inside. Since the problem is more on the hardware component. I tried to press the IC’s inside it for a possible “chip creep”, specifically the one that concerned the display problem. As I assemble it back again, I also make sure that it is properly done (i.e. I took my time).

When I turned on the laptop, it works fine. In order to make sure that the problem was solved, I perform several test. The next day returned the laptop for free of service believing on the concept of reciprocation. Anyway, I have an add on on my experience.

reagards,

-nak
http://ronaldctantiado.googlepages.com