Happily the HD is readable using a USB thingie so all that wonderful Win98 based software is quite safe.
.The remainder of it is now in a lot of pieces in approved PF "One of these days" fashion.
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My ancient Toshiba laptop booted, let me play a game of Freecell, wouldn't read the A: drive, then died completely.
Happily the HD is readable using a USB thingie so all that wonderful Win98 based software is quite safe..
The remainder of it is now in a lot of pieces in approved PF "One of these days" fashion. -
Tip: reviving an (old) dead laptop
Done this successfully with two old laptops, so I could get stuff off before binning the things.
If, every time you power it up, it won't boot and you get a blank screen, try this. (You might also get an indication of a CPU/GPU fault. On Compaq/HP, this is indicated by a continuously blinking CAPS LOCK button.)
Wrap it in a towel, blocking the fan vents, then power it up and leave it until it gets pretty damn hot. Then power it off, and immediately back on again. With a bit of luck, it may boot up.
From what I've read, the problem is caused by solder joints on the chips going bad, and it's quite a common fault as laptops age.
NB. although laptops have a thermal cut-out, it's probably best not to leave them wrapped in a towel unattended!
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