dgrubb3

Hey all, I have a Compaq V5000. My computer keeps shutting itself off after running for only about 2 minutes. I ran the Hard Drive test and it came back failed, so I assumed "okay i will replace the hard drive, reinstall windows and i should be good to go". I wish it had been that easy. Now that I have a different Hard Drive in there the computer is turning on, and as its 'Checking Hardware Configurations' and eventually "ready to install windows" the computer just shuts off! Clearly my belief that just relplacing the Hard Drive seems to be inaccurate? Somebody PLEEASE lend some advice or some help, i'm dying without my laptop!

TriggerFinger

First try cleaning the vents/heatsink/fan areas. Use air brush or air compressor or even a can of compressed air. Try to power ON. If it continues to shut OFF, then try replacing the RAM with good working sticks. Try that first and post back how it goes...

dgrubb3

Thank you so much for getting back to me! Sadly, I think I have done more harm than good though. In my attempt to get to the heat sink, I somehow snapped off the bracket holding the RTC Battery to the board. I have attempted placing the bracket back exactly where it belongs and holding it there with electric tape (clearly im very pessimistic that this might actually be a feasable solution).

I finally got to the heat sink and cleaned it out (wasnt too bad, a little dust/lint). I put everything back together and attempted to turn on my computer. The power indicator is lighting up as though the computer is on and running normally, but now the screen is staying black. Could this be due to the RTC Battery issue or did I mess something else up inside? I obviously feel embarassed, and even more angry that these additional problems are ones that I can only blame myself for. Please help and let me know if this is even salvagable or should I think about pricing new laptops?

TriggerFinger

I understand from this that it does not SHUT OFF anymore... is this correct?

I do not think it is the RTC battery. If you have cracked the holder (if you can send up an image of this the better) may be you can glue that part back. When everything is fine, then put back the RTC battery.

About removing the heatsink.. if you mean you have removed the heatsink assembly (which includes the fan) from the CPU, make sure you have applied (reapplied) the thermal compound. This is NEEDED for better heat transfer from CPU to heatsink.

Do the above first. If you still get a blank screen, make sure you have seated ALL CABLES well in their sockets. Do them again if you have any doubts. If symptoms persists hook it up to an external monitor.

dgrubb3

Okay, so I was able to take out the heat sink, blow it all out (though wasnt really too dirty), and put it back on (with compound applied between processor and heat sink). I also was able to get the RTC clip soldered back on and that is back where it was. (I was told this battery only is really necessary for clock/accessory use, is this true?)
Now my computer wont get any power. When i plug it in the "charging light up indicator" flashes color for like .5 second before just going dark as if its not plugged in. It wont turn on or anything. Any ideas on what might be going on here?! I made sure that everything was plugged back in.

TriggerFinger

So after putting everything back together you tried powering ON (using AC adapter I believe) but you did not get any sign of life except for the charging LED that gave off a flash for like half a second. No other LEDs lit up. No activity from the drives. No beeps..

Try removing the battery and run on AC only. If symptoms persist, strip the computer down to keyboard, motherboard and LCD. Make sure RAM is mounted on its sockets properly and securely.