Inspiron 5100 kaput after cleaning out dust.

Question

I noticed my laptop has been running warmer than normal, so I took off some covers to do the annual cleaning/dusting.  I put it back together and it's not working.  It will power on (the fan runs, but no LCD or processor sounds). Is ther anything special about resetting the processor when you reinstall them?  I unscrewed the 4 spring screws that attach it to the MB so I could clean (just air) the heat sink and put it back on and now the computer fan will power on but nothing from the screen or processor.   I'm not sure how you even troubleshoot to figure out what part might be bad?

octalon7 · Answer

Well I'd have to do some more reading to figure out which screw you are referring to.  The only screws I removed are:   1.  4 keyboard screws 2.  1 EMI shield screw 3.  4 spring loaded screws that stay attached to the cooling assembly.   Now, since the CPU remained attached to the cooling assembly when I removed it, I'm confused of which screw might be the culprit.

octalon7 · Answer

I assume this is what you are referring to?  I'll need to investigate some more, not sure how I was able to remove and install the CPU in the socket without messing with this ZIF-socket screw.   http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins5100/en/sm/cpu.htm#1084976

ejn63 · Answer

I think you answered my question, but you won't like the likely result. Chances are that buy pulling the CPU out without loosening that screw, you've destroyed the socket. Try undoing it and reseating the CPU - if it works, you're all set. If not, you're in for a replacement mainboard.

octalon7 · Answer

Will do, thanks for the input.  I guess I assumed when I was removing the cooling body that the chip would remain in the socket.  Guess I wasn't that lucky.  I'll try tonight.   Suppose I'll need to do some research, but you don't happen to know a rough estimate on the cost of a main board?

ejn63 · Answer

Did you secure the lockdown screw on the CPU socket? If it is not engaged, the system won't power up.

octalon7 · Answer

Edit: When I removed the cooling radiator (4 spring screws) the CPU actually stayed attached to it (bc of the thermal greese I would assume). I should have clarified that. I probably shouldn't have removed it, afterthought.

I would at least think the unit would power on, unless of course the "frying" was immediate upon the first powering up.

Any help, greatly appreciated!

Message Edited by octalon7 on 11-06-2007 08:23 AM

ejn63 · Answer

A board will run about $400.

octalon7 · Answer

Sounds like that means a new computer instead...   We'll see.

octalon7 · Answer

Thanks ejn63. You pointed me in the right direction. Somehow I idiotically was able to remove the chip without unlocking it, but all is back in and seems to be operating as normal. Thanks! Apologies for my stupidity, I know I shouldn't work on computers...

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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