Failed hardware, new computer

The last entry I posted was about our laptop and how it failed (the 7 beep thing) - and then how I managed to bring it back to life. I knew the technique was only temporary, but I kept it going as long as I could.

The computer failed several more times, and it got baked several more times until it reused to cooperate anymore. We had since been looking out for a new computer but I wasn't really satisfied with the options out there - a price vs performance thing.

So I decided that I knew how to fix the old computer, it just needed a new motherboard. I found some sellers online that sold the board I needed. Unfortunately none were in Germany so I had to order it from the US. In less than a week the 'new' motherboard came.

Excitedly I got to work and disassembled the laptop...

And going from previous experience when I lost track of all the screws, I made a diagram (which made things A LOT easier!)...

Compared the motherboards...

Applied the thermal grease to the processors...

Reattached the fan assembly...

And switched it on...and it friggin worked. So relieved...

With the computer working again, I immediately backed up some stuff and started some heavy duty photo processing. After about 2 hours of use it was shut down while we had dinner. After dinner, went to boot it up...7 fucking beeps!! A short shut down and reboot and it started again. Good that it booted, not good that it beeped. After only a short bit of use it shut down unexpectedly, and after that it wouldn't turn on, beep or anything. Boooooo! 

The 'new' motherboard had the same fault as the old one, except worse. Geez. The next day I stripped the computer apart again, Unbuilding and rebuilding over and over, testing all possible scenarios. Basically though, a connection in the motherboard was loose and unable to be fixed by the home hobbyist.

I eventually reinstalled the old motherboard, baked it to get it working so that we could at least get some critical work and backups done. That too failed after not long.

In the meantime I was refunded for the 'new' motherboard, but that didn't include shipping and import taxes :(

The hunt for a new laptop began, Until we had made a decision it was a couple of week without a laptop, and since the thing had failed the first time, over a month without a proper functioning computer. It was an interesting experience to go through computer withdrawals, feels like you NEEDED a computer, then realise its not SOOO important, and then come to terms with what you really need devices for in this age of the machine. Basically, we still needed one to get our biznatch taken care of.

So after much procrastination and pro and conning, we made a decision and have a new lappie! Its not the greatest, its not the worst, but its good and it works. Its even touchscreen which is an experience. It came with Windows 8 which meant a bit (but not much) of an adjustment. The biggest adjustment is getting used to the German QWERTZ keyboard and other relocated keys.

Just happy to be digitally back once again. Some things really were falling behind without a computer, including this blog!