T43 won't power up

T4x series specific matters only
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911crash
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T43 won't power up

#1 Post by 911crash » Thu Jan 10, 2008 2:46 pm

I have a 2.5yr old, 1.871G, 2G RAM, T43 that is very well taken care of and has never been dropped, or had the power cord stretched. It lives on the Port Replicator nearly 98% of it's life. I always carry it in a bag or sleeve when traveling. I was just about to upgrade to a larger HD when this occured. Now I am wondering if repairing it at all, is worthy of consideration based on the cost of a newer model.
It will not power up. I have removed the battery, and attempted the restart after letting the capacitors bleed off, pushed the start button many times as has been suggested on the forum. I have replaced the p/s with another as I have 3. The green power light is illuminated when attached to power. When on the dock, the lan activity light is active, but no other life form exists.
As far as I can tell, the T43 seems to be the more reliable of the T series, with the intel chip set and a stiffened chassis/frame/case. But all indications suggest a failed system board. PLEASE HELP!!
Can my observations and conclusions be confirmed? If so, I would appreciate any input on getting an OEM motherboard, preferrably NOS, not reconditioned.
If I get another motherboard, what issues will I need to be aware of, ie. bios, jumper settings(if applicable) as I am perfectly happy of doing the actual hardware replacement.

Thank you all for your help. I love the internet!!!
Dane

jdhurst
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#2 Post by jdhurst » Thu Jan 10, 2008 2:53 pm

A system board can fail for other reasons than flex. I take care of my T41 as well (except {/me smirks} for the time it fell on the floor in London, the times when I slipped, etc.) and it had a motherboard replaced one (thankfully under warranty). I think your symptoms point to that.

You can try to start the machine with a boot CD (Knoppix or Bart's PE) and then see if your hard drive is intact. That will further confirm your diagnosis.

Replacement motherboard are more expensive, but easier on your time, than failed hard drives. ... JDH

richk
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#3 Post by richk » Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:49 pm

You say it is 2 1/2 years old. Most T43 machines came with 3 year warranties. Check that first. The best replacement motherboards are the free ones.

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