Laptop repair...

Hello! I have a three year old Vaio with a couple of hardware issues. It would cost more to have it repaired than it's worth, but the system still runs amazingly well so I'd like to extend it's life with some DIY repair.

1) The main problem is the optical drive. It no longer reads CD media, but it does read DVD.

2) My next problem is the memory stick reader. It just stopped working. The light turns on, but Windows does not see the card 99% of the time.

3) Finally, the USB ports are all supremely flaky and are very sensitive to movement.

I think the optical drive needs replacement, and I see the part on eBay for fairly little, but I am not sure about the other problems. It seems as if they might be related, but I don't know what would cause that? I have also never repaired a laptop before - tho' I have experience with older desktop components.

I appreciate any advice or thoughts.

 

It doesn't sound good for your card reader or USB ports. Their connections to the laptop's motherboard all sound flaky and there isn't really a solution to that unless you are handy with a soldering iron. There isn't any easy fix to the drive problem either, other than replacement.

 

This doesn't sound good. Your ports dying like that might indicate your motherboard is next. Have you looked into USB external devices to replace your internal ones, like a USB CD burner, USB card reader etc?

 

The optical drive would be the easiest to replace. The others seem to have worn out connections with the mobo, not an easy fix.

 

Open the laptop and check the soldered connectors. Maybe you just have a cold solder joint.

 

the optical drive sounds fixable.
Open the optical drive, and get a hold of some rubbing alcohol and a few q-tips.
Put a little rubbing alcohol on the q-tip and gently swirl the q-tip on the small lens inside the optical drive. Continue to gently swirl until the lens is clean.
Any dirt on the lens will cause the laser to defract differently, usually causing the drive not to be able to read the discs.
If cleaning the lens does not work, you can always buy another optical drive.

What Sony model are you having problems with?

The usb problem may be fixable.
If the ports are a little loose, you can always take your laptop apart and resolder the usb ports onto the motherboard. That will reconnect the port, making it stiff again, so that it works.

The memory stick reader may have dirt and grime in it, and the only way to fix is with a blast of compressed air

K-TRON

 

Thanks for all of the helpful responses!!!

The model# is FJ170B. It's still a really great system aside from these little hw problems. It runs really well so I am hoping it might last me until Windows 7 systems start shipping in a year or so.

The USB slots are temperamental in the sense that some devices dis-and-reconnect themselves when the wire inevitably jiggles a little bit--but they always work.

The memory stick reader problem is brand new. I tried like 20 times with an original memory stick from my old camera and my PSP's duo. It saw the old stick once, never the duo.

I really hope it is a connection/wear and tear issue--I do use them all a lot--and not the motherboard. Is there any way to diagnose the status/health of the mobo?

 

I have an update. I went on a trip today, with the laptop in my backpack. I am and always have been very careful. It was well protected but simply being in transit has seen a new problem emerge - the WiFi is out!

What I noticed is that if I put pressure to 'bend' the computer, or push down in a certain area, the WiFi light turns back on.

Are these symptoms of a dying computer or is it possibly some kind of lose connection/repairable issue? I really hope it's reperable as it's not the best time for me to buy a replacement. However it's less worth a costly repair on an old system. :\

Thanks, comments are most appreciated.

 

your laptop is dying. get a new one

 

That's kind of a bad sign. I've had similar things happen with my REALLY old Everex.

But, it is possible that you can take it apart and make sure the wireless card is properly seated, and tighten/solder connections as needed. You pushing on the case may just be pushing into full contact. And the USB as mentioned above.