Screen in dv6700t doesn't work - tried ext monitor

I was watching a DVD while the laptop was connected to an ext. monitor and all of a sudden there was some color static on the ext. monitor (color horizontal stripes) and a sound and I panicked so I shut it off with the power button. Now the screen doesn't work even though all the ligthts are on and the hard drive is moving.

I know this could be a motherboard issue but I want to consider all my options. Please, do read. This is what I've done so far:

• I connected an external monitor to see if that works
• Removed the battery and disconnected AC adapter, pressed the power button for up to 60 seconds (the static thingie)
• Cleaned the fan
• I tried pressing F8, F1, F12, F10... I tried doing that while pressing the POWER button (the computer shuts off)
• Left it to cool down and waited
• Reset the RAM (removed the memory sticks and put them back again)

Nothing worked. I can't open the computer because I wouldn't know what to do and I was told that I can be charged $ 150 to have somebody open it for me, even though it won't necessary work.

I did troubleshooting with HP. I'm desperate I lost a lot of work. I'm going to Best Buy to get something that can let me use my hard drive with another computer, but I don't know how to do that either. Please, help. Any help

 

Your motherboard needs a date with a hot oven.

So yes, it's the GPU gone bad issue with your motherboard. So far none of your work has gone missing: it's all there in the hard drive. You can take it out of the laptop and plug it into a desktop for easy data retrieval.

There is a slight possibility to make a temporary fix by overheating the computer but it doesn't last long. Perhaps long enough to take backups, maybe it doesn't work at all.

More permanent fixes are either replacing the motherboard with a new one or doing the oven trick for the current motherboard.

 

Thank you KLF, that's what i thought. I don't know if it's worth it fixing the motherboard.

Another 2 questions:

• Will I be able to access my info on my hard-drive if it's password protected?
• Can I boot my system from a different laptop? (without having to switch the hard-drive)

 

Oh by the way, I'm going to Best Buy tomorrow to buy the adapter (I'm in Chicago), what do I exactly need to get my data? I mean, I know I need the adapter but is there a guide to remove the hard drive from the laptop or could I do it without having to do this?

 

Its integrated graphics judging by his signature. Oven trick wont work.

Do you hear the windows startup sound at all?

Yes you can access your hard drive files from a desktop, except for the My Documents folder. You will need to "take ownership" in windows to access it.

No you cannot boot to your laptop using another laptop using the network if thats what you meant

 

Actually nvidia integrated would be fixable, since GF6150 and GF7600/GF8400 etc are from the same manufacturing process, with same issues.

But I did miss the fact that it was intel-based machine. So the nvidia/amd fixes aren't really useful.

 

probably the only things you can do are:

1) get a sata-usb enclosure, backup the data, get a new computer

2) get the mobo replaced

 

How hard is it to install the hard-drive into the SATA enclosure. I can pay $30 to get it done at Best Buy but if I see a tutorial, and it's not that hard, I could do it myself. Is there anything like that for the DV6700t?

 

I could train a monkey to do it. Takes 4 screws to get the hard drive out and an extra minute to put it in an enclosure.

Spend the $30 on a SATA enclosure instead. You will need another computer to plug this in of course.

 

The only quick option I have right now is Best Buy. The part is link. It's the Rocketfish™ - USB 2.0/eSATA Hard Drive Enclosure Kit for 2.5" SATA Hard Drives.

I lost a lot of time so I don't have much time to shop around. Will that work?

 

Yup it will work.

To remove HD, page 51 and 52 of this guide http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01295877.pdf

One thing that manual doesnt mention is the black connector that sits over the HD's SATA ports that looks like this. You just need to wiggle it out of the HD prior to installing it to the enclosure.

 

Thanks!!!!

 

The HD connector holds the drive in very tight and it can require quite a bit of force to lift it out with the Mylar Tab as indicated in the guide (especially if this is the first time).

If you take a small flat blade screw driver and insert it under the bracket tab where you removed one of the two screws holding the bracket/HD and slightly rock it back and forth while pulling on the mylar tab the drive will release much more easily.

 

So I have everythinh but the enclosure's connector is too close to the base of the circuit board, so I can't fit the hard drive to the connector. Is it safe to remove the metal part of the hard-drive (the one on the other side of the specs)?

 

Are you talking about the metal case the is sitting in after you take it out of the notebook? cause if you are Yes, you remove it via 4 tiny screws.

A bare hard drive should look like this to fit in an enclosure:

 

Thanks flipfire. Any advice on how to remove an incredibly tight screw. I tried an electric screw driver and it's still too tight.

 

Make sure you dont strip the screw cause it can be a nightmare getting it out.

First make sure you use the right size screwdriver.

Affix the drive so it wont move around and you can use both hands.

Apply force pushing the screwdriver down using one hand and use the other hand to turn slowly. This way it wont slip while turning.

 

Thank you again. It turned out that the disk is damaged--it doesn't boot and it overheats but I was able to retrieve my important files. Also, probably the video chip or the screen doesn't work--I will try using an S-video cable tomorrow, just to be sure. I will probably sell it as junk

RIP dv6700t, only 3 years old. Soon, I'll post on the 'What computer should I get' section, but it won't be an HP.