Laptop help please.
 

When I try to use my laptop sometimes the hard drive light momentarily flickers and thats it, just get a white screen and no more. Other times the laptop boots but after a short while everything freezes even if started in safe mode. Managed to run a chkdsk/f one of the times it booted and nothing showed up. What is happening? Is my hard drive as good as dead? It's out of warrenty but am still paying for it on the ''never never.'' :mad: Help!!

I had a problem with my 4 yr old "Dell" recently, not the same problem as you seem to be having, (my keyboard went dead), but this "might" help? Sounds daft I know but this came from the "Dell" helpline.. directly under the L/R buttons there's a screw holding a cover to some type of compartment..I was told to undo the screw too loosen this compartment..then they told me to put it back, tighten up & restart the computer..that was it..some sort of reset activation!
Al.

Sounds unwell, I recently had my Sony Viao repaired by backstreet schiesters. Laptop repairs can be reasonable but if I had my time again I would have used PC World or larger company who have standards.

The Sony Laptop failed twice within weeks of the schiesters 'repair' and they did not recognize their warranty or guarantee of moneyback if they could not fix the problem.

Laptop motherboard repair should cost approx £150.

My laptop froze - I was advised trying taking out the battery and then putting it back in. I don't know why, but it worked.

Thanks to all, tried the battery tip and it worked! :)

PS: you have got EVERYTHING backed up haven't you? Anomalous behaviour can be a sign of an HD on the blink. Mac OS locks you out at that stage so you can do no more damage before backing-up

Laptop batteries have chips in them that when getting old, can act strange. Any time with a problem, you may want to remove the battery and test if laptop works without it, a sign of need to change the battery. Some laptops have a built in software to re calibrated the battery that is needed once in a while and is usually achieved from BIOS.
Another common problem with laptop is the build in internal heat due to failing fan on cpu or occlusion of the heat outlet. So in your lap, make sure you are not closing the heat out lets.
Good to know you have had a happy ending.

Yes Chris everything is backed up, the photos on two external hard drives. I have learned that one the hard way!!
Thanks for the info Sassan, did not know that about battery but will bear it in mind in the future. As always this forum is so helpful so thanks again all.