Samsung R60 Plus boot problem.

[W0ZZA]

My Samsung R60 Plus does not boot up. This is an intermittent problem.

It's running Windows Vista

I press the power button, the power light comes on, there is a slight whirring noise, but otherwise, nothing. The screen doesn't come on. I can leave it like this for hours, and nothing will happen, except the cooling fan will kick in. Sometimes when I switch it on, the DVD light will come on and it will make a searching noise.

This is an intermittent problem, 99 times out of 100 it does not boot. When it does start properly the laptop works perfectly. No issues, so I usually leave it switched on permanently to avoid the problem.

What I have tried:

Scanned for viruses and malware using Avast and malwarebytes.

Tried a new power supply

Tried booting with battery/power supply only

Tried disconnecting both and holding the power supply button for 40 seconds, then booting with battery/power supply only.

Tried new memory set.

Tried connecting to remote monitor.

Tried wiggling the screen.

Is there anything else I could try before I take it to a shop?

 

[scottiemedic]

When you connect to a remote monitor, did it work?
When it's on, take a flashlight and put it on/near the screen, can you see anything faintly or is it completely black?
Sounds like A, bad inverter, B, bad GPU or C, bad LCD panel.
The answers to those 2 questions will narrow it down to the likely candidate...

 

[W0ZZA]

Thanks for your reply, when I connected the remote monitor I just got a blank screen, nothing,although the monitor didn't switch off or give me a message to say nothing was connected.

I just tried the torch. I can't see anything, it looks the same as if it was switched off.

 

[scottiemedic]

You have a bad GPU, and since 99% of GPUs are soldered to the motherboard, you in essence have a dead motherboard and it will need to be replaced.
You can have someone "reflow" the GPU (or Google how and try it yourself), but chances are slim to not good that a reflow will fix it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

 

[W0ZZA]

OK, thanks for your help. I'll google "reflow" and give it a go, or I might just try hitting it with a hammer.

Cheers

 

[scottiemedic]

"When all else fails, get a bigger hammer." my dad says...