Ok you nerdy computer geeks....

[relentless]

Is it a Compaq Pesario?

The compaq line have a typical problem. The solidering to the GPU unit (the graphics card area) are really bad during the technology of that time, and what happens is the ever cooling and heating of the cpu and the heatsink connection cracks the solidering that's between them.

In your case Tankzor, it sounds like a fried GPU chip (70% of pesario laptop experiences this, typical lifespan is between 2 - 5 years). If you get lucky, then the GPU is still okay, you just need a professional soldiering redone, which I doubt!

Why do I know all these? No I'm not a geek. It's because my wife has a compaq pesario, and hers just died a few months ago, and I paid out of the wazoo to have it fixed, only to know from the tech later on that all I need is a replacement GPU, and new soldiering done. Ask around the repairmen at your area, those that are familiar with the compaq line. They should have encountered these problems during their profession.


If your laptop is not a compaq pesario, then feel free to think I'm talking out of my arse.

[TheBloodmoon]

Thanks for the ideas guys, I really appreciate it. I'm going to attempt to test it at a comp store today and see if it is indeed the PSU. I've already attempted the "smell" test and can't smell anything funny, but I've a bit of a cold so that may skew my sense. I've also tried removing ram sticks as well, even my vid card, checked everything on my mobo, no "fried" anything that I can physically see. Hopefully a new PSU will do the trick. I'll let you guys know as soon as I know! Thanks again for the help.

PS: No it's not a compaq. It's and HP Pavilion.

[TheBloodmoon]

New PSU did the trick! Reluctantly, I shelled out the extra cash for the "upgrade" at Best Buy. Didn't feel like waiting a week to have one shipped to find out that it doesn't work and have to mess with sending it back. I'd rather pay for convenience. At least I have my system up and running again, weeee.

[Kiowa]

as they say in my line of work...if you wanted cheap go to wal-mart! cause this is convenience!