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    CF-18 Pains

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by jpanderson0318, Mar 10, 2010.

  1. jpanderson0318

    jpanderson0318 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok, so I've been doing a lot of research about this problem, and I am not liking where this is going, so I'm hoping someone can help me.

    The problem: When I turn my computer on the HDD spins up and the front panel lights, but the screen does not display anything.

    The tests:

    Screen does not display splash screen.

    Connected external screen: external does not display splash.

    Check CMOS battery: VoltMeter reads 3.0 Vdc

    I understand that some toughbooks have fuses on the boards to protect them. Is the CF-18 one of those? If so, where can I find a diagram?

    An interesting precursor to this problem: I used this laptop for a while, and put it away for about a year. Pulled it out, plugged it in and tried to start it: screen didn't work. Left it to charge tried again the next day... screen worked. Used it for a while with no problems and put it in storage again. This time I can't bring the screen back to life.

    Thanks for the help.
    jp :D
     
    jpanderson0318, Mar 10, 2010
    #1
  2. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    Can you get into the BIOS? (By pressing F2 during boot-up)
     
    Toughbook, Mar 10, 2010
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  3. jpanderson0318

    jpanderson0318 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm not entirely sure. If the system it self is running but the video card just isn't working then I can assume that I am in BIOS. The HDD spins up so I am guessing that's the case. I just can't see the screen to know either way.
     
    jpanderson0318, Mar 11, 2010
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  4. TBtech29

    TBtech29 Notebook Evangelist

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    Try to repeatedly hit F2 when you turn it on. If you hear a beeping you are in bios. You can try to take a flashlight and shine it right on the screen to try to see if its a backlight issue.
     
    TBtech29, Mar 11, 2010
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  5. sgttoughbook

    sgttoughbook Notebook Consultant

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    hey this definetly sounds like a bad mo board i have an aliene ware that had the same problem the drive will spin but mobard is shot , i knwo you dont want to hear that but if it's not showing on the external monitor either i would just about guarentee its the mo board, is it a mk1 mk2...


    -john-
     
    sgttoughbook, Mar 11, 2010
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  6. jpanderson0318

    jpanderson0318 Notebook Enthusiast

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    How can I tell if it's a mk1 or mk2?

    I tried the F2 test and I'm not getting any beeps.
     
    jpanderson0318, Mar 11, 2010
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  7. sgttoughbook

    sgttoughbook Notebook Consultant

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    ok it really dosent matter wether its a 1 or 2 but post you full model number and that will tell nus also you moboard is shot it sounds like. if you are looking for another email me [email protected]

    -john-
     
    sgttoughbook, Mar 11, 2010
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  8. jpanderson0318

    jpanderson0318 Notebook Enthusiast

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    You might not believe this but the only model number on the bottom is CF18 it doesn't have a full feature set on there. Struck me as weird too...
     
    jpanderson0318, Mar 11, 2010
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  9. sgttoughbook

    sgttoughbook Notebook Consultant

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    well your kinda up unknow what creek with out a paddle, but is there any sd card slot under the card slots when you open the door.

    -john-
     
    sgttoughbook, Mar 11, 2010
    #9