Acer Aspire Laptop

Xerock · Jul 13, 2013

I got this laptop from a friend from work.

When I first got it, it would start up for a second then shut off and the screen wouldn't even receive power. I have taken it appart and put it back together making sure everything is properly plugged in.

Now when I go to turn it on, it will do the same thing but the screen is getting power. Plus all the lights on the laptop will flick on and off a couple times. Any ideas as to what is causing this?

Digerati · Jul 14, 2013

This could be an inverter or CCFL problem. Shine a flashlight into the dark screen - can you see your Windows desktop and icons? If so, the inverter or backlight bulb (CCFL) is bad. If not, try connecting an external monitor to the notebook and see what happens. Note you typically use a Fn + Fkey combination to switch between internal, external, or both monitors.

Xerock · Jul 14, 2013

Would I be able to see it even though it turns off completely? Because that's what it does. Completely shuts off after a few seconds then the lights flash.

Digerati · Jul 14, 2013

What shuts off? The notebook's monitor or the whole computer? If the CCFL (basically a fluorescent black light) burns out, or the inverter that powers it fails, the computer will still work and still send a graphics signal through the notebooks integrated graphics card. But there will be not back lighting to light up the screen.

Did you shine a flashlight into the screen?

Xerock · Jul 14, 2013

The whole notebook itself shuts off. After it shuts off, all the lights, including the screen will flick on and off a couple times. I did shine a flashlight on it and couldn't see anything during the couple seconds that it is actually on. Don't think it even had time to get to the boot screen.

Digerati · Jul 14, 2013

Okay, sorry for the misunderstand - my bad. The flashlight trick only works for monitor backlight issues.

This could be a battery problem, charger problem, or both. You could try running without the battery and see what happens. Does your friend have, or can he get any history on this machine. There's a good chance it was given away because didn't work.

Xerock · Jul 14, 2013

I've tried without the battery and also without the AC adapter separately. Both to no avail. She had only given it to me to fix if I could. All she wants is the data so I will just mount the HDD to my computer and take the data out.

Digerati · Jul 15, 2013

All she wants is the data so I will just mount the HDD to my computer and take the data out.

Well, you could try a universal power supply to see if that gets it going but if recovering the data is the main priority, then connecting the HD to your computer (as a secondary - NOT boot drive) is the way to go. I would, however, advise you to scan the heck out of that drive with your arsenal of security tools BEFORE you attempt to copy any files off - just to be safe.

Fred Garvin · Jul 17, 2013

Try removing then reseating the RAM and see if you get a POST screen or system beeps. If no good, try booting with only one stick of RAM at a time - swap each stick as needed. Use static precautions, remove the battery and power supply then hold the power button in for 10 secs before swapping memory. Only touch the memory by the cardboard edges.

If you still don't get to a POST screen, see if you can pull a memory stick of the same type from another laptop to use as a test.

GZ · Jul 21, 2013

Hello Xerock... It would be most helpful if you could provide us with the full model number of the laptop in question. It is located on a label affixed to the underside of the machine.

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