I Think I broke my laptop. asus K55A-BBL4

[alohascott]

I Think I broke my laptop. asus K55A-BBL4

I picked up this notebook with a cracked screen (for less than the CPU alone has sold recently on eBay) and was attempting to replace the screen when it died on me.

To give you an idea of what I know about computers.

I build desktop systems and buy and sell computers and computer parts, so I have a bit of tech knowledge.
However I have recently started trying to work on some broken laptops and am not having much luck at all with repairing those broken laptops.


Here is a bit more info on the laptop and what happened.

I had been using this computer for a while with the screen removed and plugged into an external monitor.

When the screen came in, I tried to hook it up but was only able to get the backlight to work but was unable to get anything to display on the laptop screen.

After unhooking the screen and attempting to blow out the cable that connects to the screen with compressed air, then connecting it back up again and turning it on, the computer stopped responding to the power button.

I think what possibly happened was a short circuit caused by moisture from the compressed air or a short caused by an improperly aligned connection.

if you have another theory please share it.

my two questions are

Is there any way I can reset this computer and get it to turn on again?

If I am correct and the damage was caused by a short in the cable, what part was most likely damaged.

I would really love to get this thing working again, it’s a powerful little computer and Its got the i5-3210M CPU
here is a site with specs.

http/laptoping.com/asus-k55a-bbl4.html

Asus K55A-BBL4 Specifications

Display: 15.6-inch 1366 x 768, LED backlight, glossy
Processor: 3rd Generation Intel Core i5-3210M dual core, 2.5-3.1GHz clock speed, 3MB L3 cache
Graphics: Intel HD 4000 integrated
Memory: 4GB DDR3 1,600MHz, expandable to 8GB thanks to 2 slots
Storage: 500GB 5,400rpm HDD
Optical Drive: DVD burner
Webcam: 0.3MP, with microphone
Audio: Stereo speakers by Altec Lansing
Network: Wireless N, Gigabit LAN, no Bluetooth
Input: Chiclet keyboard with numeric pad, multi-touch one-piece trackpad
Ports and Slots: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA, multi-in-one media card reader
Battery: 6-cell 4700mAh 50Whr
Dimensions: 1.3″ (1.00-1.25″ more precisely) x 14.9″ x 9.9″
Weight: 5.6 pounds
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
Warranty: 1-year

The only thing about those specs that is wrong (that I know of) is the max memory is 16gb not 8gb, it can run, and was running fine at full speed, 2 *
8gb sticks of ddr3 1600 memory for 16gb of total system memory.

 

[mpoirier]

I always look forward to the responses I get here on tomshardware.com
Some are great and others seem really negative and are not much help.
...
But thanks anyway, I am sure your did best to help me with your helpful suggestions and constructive ideas.

Unfortunately no help from me either but I stumbled on your message researching an unrelated problem on my laptop and although I do not come on Tom's Hardware often, I always relied on knowledgeable people's advice here.

Like you, I find it only adds to the frustration when you're trying to find a solution and some "laptop expert" having nothing to offer just goes on a random rant! Does not say much about the displayed "rating" user's get here...

I can only admire the restraint used in your response specially your last sentence.

Anyways, good luck with the laptop.

Cheers!