System Will Not Boot - Thermal Grease Added

Question

I changed the the Thermal Grease on my laptop and when I replaced everything it would not boot up, the computer powers fine, the fan spins, the cd will spin, but there is only a black screen. (no beep either) The computer worked fine before this, but was running a litlle hot, so I thought that I'd replace the thermal grease in order to get the temps down a bit.   I followed the instructions, cleaned all the old thermal grease off the cpu and heatsink, and applied a thin coat on the heat sink and a bit thicker coat on the cpu (Because the instructions said to spread it with something plastic - credit card is what I used) I wiped most of the grease off the heatsink so that the coat was thin.   When I originally pulled the heat sink off the cpu was stuck to it and I had to gently pry the cpu from the heat sink.....no damage was done, the pins look good on the bottom of the cpu. I cleaned both up and reset the cpu....the cpu just seems to sit in the slot? it doesn't clip or snap in at all.   When I put it all back together, power but no boot...I'm running on battery power when I boot, I guess that's okay? (ofcourse all power sources were disconnect when working on the computer)   Any Ideas??? sugesstions?? I've taken it apart and put it back together several times, but nothing?   Thanks   Brian   Inspiron 5150 Pentium 4 - 3.06 ghz HT Bios A35 Ram 1.25 GB 30 GB Hard Drive 5200 Ge Force FX Nvidia

ejn63 · Answer

There is a lock screw alongside the CPU socket. If it is broken or not engaged, the system will not power up.

CBChapman · Answer

The computer Powers Up, not does not boot up...are you talking about booting up or powering up?   As is, it is set to LOCK Message Edited by CBChapman on 09-29-2007 02:53 PM

ejn63 · Answer

The system won't even power on if the lock screw isn't making contact. Did you loosen it before you removed the CPU the first time?

CBChapman · Answer

I just checked, it was set to lock, I did not unlock it when I took it off, I did not intend to take it off...it just came off with the Thermal Assemply (it was stuck)........I unlocked it now and the cpu fell more snug into the slot....I thought in the begining that it was not setting correctly....okay so now setting better, shoulf I Lock it back? it feels like it is awful tight when I Get close to the locking point

ejn63 · Answer

Try it - but if you pried the CPU out of the socket without unlocking the cam, I think there's a high probability you broke the socket in the process. If locking it down doesn't get the power to come back on, that's likely the case.

Further unfortunately, the board is about a $400 replacement part if you've broken the CPU socket.

CBChapman · Answer

Wow!!! that did it... I really appreciate your time and your knowledge....I put the CPU back in and moved it back over to the lock position and even though it was a bit tight to get it turn to lock, it went pretty smoothly and now,  instead of writing you on my girlfriends laptop I'm writing you on mine!! Everything worked well and my idle temperature has already dropped about 3-4 degress Celcius....   Now if I can get this random shutdown problem fixed, i think I'll finally have a stable computer for awhile!!   Again Thanks so Much!!   Brian

pcgeek11 · Answer

If you ever want to do this again.   Turnon the computer for 5 minutes or so, this will get the CPU warm and melt the thermal pad a little. Then it will come off without ripping the CPU out of the socket. If you cannot do that. Unlock the CPU and take the CPU and Thermal heat sink out in one piece, Apply a hot clothes iron to the heat sink for a minute or two until the CPU comes off easy.   I have seen some people rip the pins off the CPU the way you did it. Ugly sight.   pcgeek11

CBChapman · Answer

Great info, thanks I will remember that and do that....I think that I was very fortunate this time, it's the next day and everything's still working well.   Brian

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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