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Help me identify the failed component

  • 26-08-2010 6:25pm
    #1
    oppenheimer1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭


    Hi everyone. I'm using a Sony VAIO VGN-FW21M. Last night whilst browsing boards.ie (true actually) a small error message came up which said DCOM has unexpectedly quit and that the computer would need to restart. I didn't think much of the error message at the time and let it restart. More browsing the web and I notice certain services were shutting down all I was left with was a single web browser window. I called expplorer.exe in taqsk manager but to no avail. I then restarted the machine. It wwas then that a serious problem was causing this issue. The screen blacked out just before the login screen with only the mouse pointer being able to move. oh no BSOD.Forced to power down and started in safe mode as I was getting very concerned this might be a HDD failure so I took my most important documents off and tried to sort out the problem. no avail, a regular windows stard wouldn't go past this black screen. I left until morning and tried again and it magically worked... for a while. I plugged in my thumb drive which caused a serious system error and forced a shutdown and was yet again left with my black screen and pointer.

    At this point I physically removed the HDD and backed up the data and reseated the ram. Didn't fix it. I then made a ubuntu boot disk and booted from that but large programs like Firefox wouldn't open and caused strange errors like looking for non existant passwords. I am now convinced I have a component failure rather than a software issue, so the question I ask is it MOBO, processor, memory or something else thats borked? I can't afford a new machine at the moment so how much do these things cost to repair?


Comments

  • #2
    chin_grin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,808 ✭✭✭✭chin_grin


    This might give you more information on the BSOD.


  • #3
    Snowbat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,064 ✭✭✭Snowbat


    It could be bad RAM. Does your Ubuntu boot disk have Memtest86+ as a boot option?


  • #4
    bhickey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,340 ✭✭✭bhickey


    oppenheimer1 wrote: »
    ..... so the question I ask is it MOBO, processor, memory or something else thats borked? I can't afford a new machine at the moment so how much do these things cost to repair?

    Unfortunately the cost of repairing laptops can quickly approach the cost of a new one.

    Try the Ultimate Boot CD from http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ as it has all sorts of component-specific tests that might help shed some light.


  • #5
    oppenheimer1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭oppenheimer1


    I removed one of the RAM modules and it seems to have solved the issue. Haven't been able to run memtest as I don't have any spare blank disks but will do tomorrow. Thanks for all your help

    I'll keep ye posted!


  • #6
    oppenheimer1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,084 ✭✭✭oppenheimer1


    I'm after running memtest86+ in all sorts of configurations (ie with both RAM sticks, one ram stick in slot 1, one ram stick in slot two ets) and I have determined the problem was indeed a RAM module which developed a fault. Thanks again for all your help, saved me €100+vat per half hour for diagnostics which the local repair guy quoted me. Currently working off my one good stick and the replacement part is in the post :)

    Boards.ie saves the day!


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