Computer Troubleshooting

[Mediachick]

Hi,
I have a Satellite M305-S4910, about 2 years old. When I turn on the computer, I get a black screen. The fan runs, though, and lights come on. But the screen is entirely black. I see that this is a common problem. I took the battery out, used the adapter cord, held the power button down for 60 seconds. Nothing. I have had problems for some time with the lid closing and suspect I may have a bad switch related to the magnet. For example, the computer does not always hibernate when I close the lid even though it should. Can anyone tell me how to get to the switch? I'm assuming it's inside the computer somewhere but don't know how to access it. Or do you have other suggestions for this problem? Really need help - I need my computer to earn a living. Thanks!

[miker643]

Satellite M305-S4910 Specifications

Satellite M305-S4910 Downloads

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Mediachick wrote:....I took the battery out, used the adapter cord, held the power button down for 60 seconds. Nothing....

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It sounds like you were trying to do a system reset. But, you should NOT use the adapter cord.

Try a proper system reset. Power off the laptop, unplug the AC from the unit, remove the battery, press and hold down the power button for 30 seconds, replace the battery and AC, power on, IF see the Toshiba logo, press the 'F2' key to enter the BIOS Setup, in setup press 'F9' to load setup defaults, press 'F10' to save and exit, and then boot into Windows.

If that doesn't work and you're brave enough to try disassembly to access the switch, these links might be helpful:

How to remove LCD screen, etc from a Satellite M305

Removing laptop top cover assembly from a Satellite M305

Please let us know what happens. Good luck.

Mike

[Mediachick]

Mike,
Thanks for your help! I took the battery out, unplugged the cord and held the power button down for 30 secs. When I turn it on, still a black screen. Yesterday, I plugged in to an external monitor and that worked. Also saw faint shadows on my laptop screen. Today, nothing shows up on the external monitor.

Yeah, maybe I shouldn't be taking apart my laptop...

Any other suggestions? Really appreciate any help. Thanks!

[miker643]

If you're not willing to pop the top and check for loose connections, then consider paying for an hour of labor and get a diagnostic and an estimate on getting it fixed.

But, your unit is 4 or 5 years old now.... getting close to door stop  material. It's probably not worh spending a couple of hundred bucks on.

The good news is probably everything on your hard drive is recoverable!

Let us know what you decide/happens. Good luck.

Mike

[glimlet]

I am having the same issue, I have a Satellite L455D, it just start on Friday, I always go into hibernation, shut down, or sleep, I found out yesterday by holding my ear to the buttom of the laptop it is not powering up completely It took me an hour today to get my laptop going and right now the screws are in a cup on my laptop table would the removing the battery pushing the button in help this laptop,.... when it starts there are sounds missing when it restarts any help would be appreciated

[miker643]

Glimlet, you are better off starting your own thread than piggy-backing on to a thread that has a similar sounding problem. Or, in your case, piggy-backing off 2 similar sounding problem threads. Please do not post the same problem on 2 or more different threads.

Also, whenever you post a problem here, we need your full model number, like Satellite L455D-S5976, and your model's part number, like PSL5YU-00Q01T. Look on the Toshiba label on the bottom of your computer. As well, you should always post the Windows version you're using, like Windows 7 32bit edition.

Mike