Thanks for the tips. Here is an update on this laptop. After taking some rest,
I removed all the screws. It seems stuck in center, needs a special screw
driver that I don't have, this is below the memory module and so seems
stuck. Lots of dust in fan area, this was cleaned as best as possible by gently
sliding the plastic coverup as much as possible. Unable to remove the
memory module, will have to learn from youtube how to do this. (Youtube
is a challenge on older PCs, will have to figure this out.)
Then, I put all screws back, took some rest and tried to boot it. No display
on screen. Display is ok on external monitor tho. It has windows 2000.
DVD drive seems busted and it will not eject. Also, I didn't use it much,
just checked out a few basic things, didn't even start browser.
CPU temp. when I first noticed it was 60C, then it went to 65C, I ensured
that the vents are not being covered but still didn't help.
I just turned it off. For a first try this is ok.
Issues to resolve:
1. Try to open it well
2. Checkout why CPU temp is getting so high.
I might have to remove CPU fan and really clean the area well
or see if a new fan is needed.
3. Try to press eject button on DVD drive and see if it ejects.
4. Try to resolve the LCD display issue.
Possible Outcomes:
1. If above issues can be resolved, then it is ok to use as a laptop.
2. Otherwise, it is bad to even use as a desktop.
3. Can't remove parts safely with cover on, just Ram perhaps.
4. This gives a chance for a lot of creating thinking with this laptop.
Without opening this laptop, I checked again by just powering it up. DVD drive
ejects now, however it will not boot from puppy linux DVD, could here
DVD spin.
The main issue on this laptop is that the fan is not working at all. Since,
a lot of dust was found around this area before, it is believed that
there is more inside the
fan area that is blocking the fan severely. Laptop has to be fully opened
and this area needs to be cleaned very well. If this doesn't help, then a new
CPU fan is needed. Otherwise, the CPU may simply burn out with time.
This laptop below has same steps as mine, need to try them later:
http://danandsherree.com/2005/04/02/...nspiron-11.php
Using the instructions at site above, I was able to remove the fan unit
fully, clean it very carefully with water, then oiled it with some mineral oil.
After a few tries, it works ok now. However, old cement on cpu is fully
dry and new coating is needed. Will wait on this for now. Even after some
use, CPU temp is getting to 70C, but fan worked well and got the temp.
down. Display issue is solved, appears the LCD connection came loose
when it was dropped, plugging this back in carefully resolved this issue.
DVD ROM verified to be working. All in all, this is functional for now, most
observed issues seems to be from when laptop was dropped. It is
quite heavy to carry around tho. Tab key and N keys are missing on he KB.
Also, the KB bends upwards a bit, but this can be dealt with. CPU fan speed
is not detected by resident software, not desirable but can't be resolved.
Now, the real issues are the cement for the CPU and to try to get to boot
it with Linux. Will see how it is set to boot in the setup and then try to set
it to boot from DVD if possible. Also, will be good to try Slitaz Linux
low ram version on this first if puppy is not working. Fan needs to be
observed more to see if there is a loose connection, if not why is it not
working sometimes. Also, need to watch youtube videos on installing
memory modules in this laptop. Lastly, still not sure where exactly the
hard drive is, need to learn this also. All in all, I am really glad that I decided
to get this laptop, it has been worth it so far, just for the learning experience.
Will also be good to learn, how to remove, replace laptop LCD screen
as these get cracked sometimes. However, this can also be reserved for
future.
I saw pictures on net, on how to remove memory module, but it seems
really stuck on this laptop, will not mess with it. Saw pictures on net
also of where laptop harddrives are. LCD screen change learning reserved
for later.
No Linux OS boots from DVD on this laptop. However, puppy quirky 1.4
booted easily from USB key on it. This is another very good progress.
On return from collecting this laptop yesterday, I saw a lot of ads
downtown for older laptops starting from Pentium 4. I checked with a
friend and he said, everything is more expensive these days, not all
parents are rich, laptop is needed for Univ./School these days, hence
the demand for older laptops. This makes sense and I am very glad this
demand exists. Lesser chance for laptops to be thrown in trash.
Back to my used laptop,
, apart from the journey time of 5 hours, I spent another 8 hours on this
laptop. However, it is a rewarding experience. Next time, for similar issues,
I hope to be faster. This is a lesson learned for life. Replace of hard drive,
memory and LCD display on laptop will still be learning experiences for me.
I am a bit tired, and appears I need a break from PCs itself. So, if I am absent
you will know why.
As usual, thanks for reading this thread and keep your comments coming.
All comments are appreciated and present me a learning experience.
Didn't wish to share this here before as it was unsure. But now that this
has happened am ok with sharing this.
I got FIVE VERY OLD LAPTOPS FOR FREE thanks to freecycle.
Also, got a number of drives like Syquest, Jaz etc., and some media.
This person worked in IT and is moving. Hence, the decision to give all this
way. This person is very nice, warm, friendly and helpful. This person in the
past offered a lot of IT stuff to a local company that sells PCs and then
recycles the older ones for free. However, after seeing my freecycle post
this person decided to offer them to me. I have to make one or more trips again to get more stuff.
So basically, use this as an example and try to connect with folks who
work in IT, even used IT stores, IT recyclers, local IT vendors just chat
warmly, make friends with them, see what they do with old unwanted
stuff. Dumpster diving in these stores is also good. If it works, then
why waste it ?
Note: Please don't ask me for free stuff. I will not mail them etc., Look
in your area locally, these tips are more than sufficient. I follow them
and they work well.
Here is info. on one company FREE recycling service for reference:
http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marke...-services.html