Joe's Hardware Problem...

[JoeActor]

Ok... this is a technical issue, not a personal one!
(so calm down evah-buddy)

This morning I went to turn on my computer, and it didn't. It's a Sony Vaio model VGC-RC310G (liquid cooled).
There's a glowing "VAIO" on the front that lights up just fine, but no fans, no hard drive, no display... nada.

The good news: it's still under warranty (last day in fact).
The bad news: 2 hours wasted on the phone this morning. 48-72 hrs for support to schedule an appointment PLUS 3-5 business days for them to come out and look. Add to that however long it actually takes to fix and it sounds like weeks to me!

I suspect the Power Supply is the issue, but wanted to get some of you techie's takes on this one.



Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi! You're my only hope!
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

p.s. I do have an older computer as a backup, but it's a bit noisy...

[Jon Morss]

Joe,

Sound like an old / new problem. If you have tried to plug the system into another outlet and the fans don't power on when you turn on the system I would lean on the side of a power supply issue or a bad power switch. I bought a VAIO a few years back and there was a recall on the power supply back then. They just replaced the power supply and sent it back to me but it still took at least 3 days on the turn around.

Good luck,

Jon

[chucktaylor]

If the light is lighting up as you say, I'm not sure it's power supply...usually with a bad powersupply you get nothing, no power what so ever. Sounds like you are getting some power. I build my own machines and have gotten pretty good at troubleshooting, tell me step by step everything that happened when you went to boot your machine and I'll do my best to help if you still need it.

ct

[JoeActor]

Thanks guys. Yeah, it's a bit confusing.

I tried unplugging all the peripherals, using another outlet, etc. nada.

Here's the sequence:
I press power
The front panel "VAIO" symbol illuminates (which usually means the system is on).
Then nothing. No fans. No drives. No other lights. Zip.
To turn it off I have to hold the power button for several seconds.
There's also some power going to the network card (led is lit up on it).

Dunno if that gives you any more to work with or not.
I'm betting on a fuse or breaker... maybe power supply in a weird way.

Backup system, Activate!,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[chucktaylor]

Sounds like you're getting low flow power, enough to do the lights, but not enough to power the cpu. How good are you with tech stuff? What's probably going to be the easiest to do is buy a new case (they're usually cheaper than the power supply itself!) and then move mobo and all into the new case. Depending on your level, should take less than 30 mins to move everything. If you're not so tech minded, spend the extra and just replace the power supply (it'll save you a lot of headache, just make sure you replace with an equal wattage or higher!)

[JoeActor]

Thanks Jon and Chuck...

Chuck - I'm ok with the tech stuff. Problem is it's under warranty, and they'll take their sweet time fixing it. Ah, customer service!

Well, at least if it's the power supply my data is probably still ok.

Thanks again guys!

Back to the backups,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[Jon Morss]

Joe,

Sony was pretty good about getting the power supply replaced in my system so hopefully that has not changed. When Sony had the recall on the power supply and after they replaced mine, they extended my warranty by 2 years. Its been running non stop since which has been about 4 years now. I think the repair facility in located in San Diego which is not too far from you.

One option to consider, if its going to take too long to get your system back and your system is at the end of its warranty cycle, you may look into replacing the power supply yourself. I'm not sure what the cost is, but you may weight this against the down time of the system.

Jon

[JoeActor]

Sony was pretty good about getting the power supply replaced in my system so hopefully that has not changed. When Sony had the recall on the power supply and after they replaced mine, they extended my warranty by 2 years. Its been running non stop since which has been about 4 years now. I think the repair facility in located in San Diego which is not too far from you.

Unfortunately, the San Diego facility is closed at present due to the fires. That's part of the delay...

Well, my backup system seems ok. Guess I'll just wait it out for the service techs.

Thanks,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[Colin Campbell]

Joe.... just for giggles... try this. Pull all the power, the AC plug and the battery. Let it sit for a while and put the battery back in, plug it in and try it.

I've seen laptops get in a frozen state and never cure themselves until all power is removed.

Long shot.

[JoeActor]

Colin: sure, why not? It's worth a shot...

Spent about 2 hours on line with support trying to get them to send someone (and I've got On-Site service!) Next week they should be calling me...

Unplugging now,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio