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Originally Posted by dhurrell
I bought three of these machines for work in a hurry about two years ago and they were fine for a year or so until two of them stopped booting altogether with the same symptoms you're all talking about. I never bothered trying to get the two machines that wouldn't start working again as I replaced them with thinkpads as soon as their garuantees ran out anyway (oh, the luxury of having a company pay your hardware bill!) but it recently dawned on me that the first ten chapters of a book I was writing are on the HDD of one of the machines so I'm going to tear the good one apart and see if I can brik-a-brak one of the broken ones together.
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I'll start with RudeDoggy's suggestion as I too believe this to be the case. I think the CPU was fried due to overheating as the first time I ever experienced this problem was when I stupidly left one of the machines on, plugged into the mains but trapped inside the carry bag (I'm a professional, I know what I'm doing, ok!). It beeped non-stop for a while but by the time I got to it, powered it down and tried to start it up again it was dead.
Will let you know tomorrow if I manage to pin-point the problem but I suspect RudeDoggy's picture says it all.
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After many frustrating re-formats I have finally fixed the problem wih my Presario 705 CA's freezing.
As far as I can tell, the 'freezing problem' is the result of one of XP's critical updates. i.e. if you do not update, the computer will not freeze. I was advised by the support line NOT TO install a specific update. Trouble was, it was rolled into one of the "packages" so I really didn't have any option short of updating all 47, one at a time (leaving out the offending update as well as the package).
In frustration I reformatted for about the tenth time and installed Windows 2000 Pro. It was a nightmare at first as the 700 series does not support this operating system (goodbye technical support). But using '98 drivers, XP drivers and abandoning the touchpad mouse in favour of a logitech optical . . . my system is running fine for the first time in two years.
The moral of the story as far as I am concerned is that I will never by a Compaq Presario again. Who is responsible for the incompatability issue is up for debate but I can't ever see it being fixed as the series is now obsolete . . . so why would they bother?
Meantime my 2000 powered 705 CA is chugging along quite nicely and will serve my purpose until I can afford and IBM, Toshiba or some other brand.
Hope this helps some of you.
Pete
As far as I can tell, the 'freezing problem' is the result of one of XP's critical updates. i.e. if you do not update, the computer will not freeze. I was advised by the support line NOT TO install a specific update. Trouble was, it was rolled into one of the "packages" so I really didn't have any option short of updating all 47, one at a time (leaving out the offending update as well as the package).
In frustration I reformatted for about the tenth time and installed Windows 2000 Pro. It was a nightmare at first as the 700 series does not support this operating system (goodbye technical support). But using '98 drivers, XP drivers and abandoning the touchpad mouse in favour of a logitech optical . . . my system is running fine for the first time in two years.
The moral of the story as far as I am concerned is that I will never by a Compaq Presario again. Who is responsible for the incompatability issue is up for debate but I can't ever see it being fixed as the series is now obsolete . . . so why would they bother?
Meantime my 2000 powered 705 CA is chugging along quite nicely and will serve my purpose until I can afford and IBM, Toshiba or some other brand.
Hope this helps some of you.
Pete
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Compaq 700z/701z AMD Athlon 1500+ / 1.3 128mb of built in Memory.
Same problem. Light would turn green but no boot. Not even into bios.
Well, I finally got it working. Here is what I did to get it to work. May or may not work for ya.
First I downloaded the service manual. The one I found was for a Compaq EVO but it’s more or less the same idea.
You need Adobe Acrobat Reader. The file is 4.21MB
http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/5e3ce3a4/bc/My+Documents/service+manual+Compaq+Evo+Note.pdf?bfcMoTAB7E89hWOV
Opened up the lappy. Top right, under the keyboard I took the Small battery out checked the voltage. It was ok so I put it back resetting the cmos. My HD was formatted from before so I put the XP home cd in & it went into the bios & then booted from the CD. I installed XP & as soon as it was done I had downloaded the Presario 700 Series and Evo N115 System ROM Update from Compaq & had it ready on a floppy so I installed it. Then I was on my way put Norton & Office 2003. Did all the major security patches then I only installed Media Player 9 & directX. That’s it. Try not to install everything on Microsoft website that you don't really need. Last time I did this the Presario failed when I installed the Presario 700 Series and Evo N115 Battery Controller/KBC Firmware Update. Do not install this.
Hope this helps.
I am definitely staying away from Compaq proprietary systems.
Same problem. Light would turn green but no boot. Not even into bios.
Well, I finally got it working. Here is what I did to get it to work. May or may not work for ya.
First I downloaded the service manual. The one I found was for a Compaq EVO but it’s more or less the same idea.
You need Adobe Acrobat Reader. The file is 4.21MB
http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/5e3ce3a4/bc/My+Documents/service+manual+Compaq+Evo+Note.pdf?bfcMoTAB7E89hWOV
Opened up the lappy. Top right, under the keyboard I took the Small battery out checked the voltage. It was ok so I put it back resetting the cmos. My HD was formatted from before so I put the XP home cd in & it went into the bios & then booted from the CD. I installed XP & as soon as it was done I had downloaded the Presario 700 Series and Evo N115 System ROM Update from Compaq & had it ready on a floppy so I installed it. Then I was on my way put Norton & Office 2003. Did all the major security patches then I only installed Media Player 9 & directX. That’s it. Try not to install everything on Microsoft website that you don't really need. Last time I did this the Presario failed when I installed the Presario 700 Series and Evo N115 Battery Controller/KBC Firmware Update. Do not install this.
Hope this helps.
I am definitely staying away from Compaq proprietary systems.
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Good Idea about e-bay,I'll check it out.
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My fears have been realized. The CPU was not the only problem in the laptop not POSTing. Yes, the previous CPU was damaged, but I got a hold of a replacement and it still will not POST. This is troublesome. I couldn't figure out how to take out the CMOS battery. It seemed to be in pretty snug with some white plastic bracket-type things. Anyone know how to get the battery out? And any other suggestions as to what the problem is? I'm this close to just parting out the system. Thanks.
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Originally Posted by RudeDoggy
My fears have been realized. The CPU was not the only problem in the laptop not POSTing. Yes, the previous CPU was damaged, but I got a hold of a replacement and it still will not POST. This is troublesome. I couldn't figure out how to take out the CMOS battery. It seemed to be in pretty snug with some white plastic bracket-type things. Anyone know how to get the battery out? And any other suggestions as to what the problem is? I'm this close to just parting out the system. Thanks.
well you could try this link to see if it helps you any http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/compaq/mb/compmb.htm
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Actually What I have just found with mine is ... turn it over... and drop from about 2-3 inches.. wallah.. works just fine.. so obviously just something loose.
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Just for interest sake:
The Presario 700 has several harware issues that some posters have touched on already. The machine has some harware incompatabilities with later updates of WinXP. Although these do not generally result in zero response they can lead to loss of data, unexpected shutdows and BSDs. Best advice is to run with an original installation where possible.
More serious is the fact that the CPU zif socket on many models is less than ideal. The CPU generates a great deal of heat and the cooling system is frankly inadequate. The result is that the seating system becomes "warped" and the CPU can easily loose full contact with the socket. Revision A00 to A04 boards were particulally vulnerable to this. On many systems, allowing the machine to cool will fix this (for a while) but this is a recurring problem. Shaking or knocking the machine after it has cooled will often reseat the CPU.
Because there is no audio code (the daft beeps) on startup to indicate a CPU seating problem (just the power light) most users simply have no idea this is the problem. Sending the machine for service is generally a waste of time as it takes a few hours for the problem to become apparant and the testing doesn`t last that long as a rule
Inserting a heat pad between the CPU and heatsink can add a little extra compression and provide a cure (sort of) for the problem but this also increases the chance of damage to the CPU - chips are delicate. Good quality thermal paste is essential (as with all Athlons) to dissipate the heat more efficiently. For those with a real wish to risk the future of thier machine you can try the fix below:
Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the CPU and twice as thick: Have some super glue or ready mixed epoxy resin to hand: Dissasemble the machine as much as possible while still allowing it to be functional: Start the machine up to make sure it is currently working fine: Shut down: Remove the CPU and carefully lift the edges of the zif socket and then apply a little super glue or epoxy resin JUST to the very edges: Place the cardboard over the zif socket and fix the heatsink in place (in order to compress the socket) and allow to set thoroughly: Replace the CPU and reboot: If all has gone well the zif socket will now be firmly fixed to the board and will not lift as the machine gets hot.
This fix has worked several times with these machines BUT it has also resulted in one or two "broken for spares" sales so be warned. Some customers have confirmed that a laptop cooler has made the machine more reliable.
Best advice: When the machine is running well - sell it on and buy a good laptop. A cruel but effective cure for your frustrations.
I hope this has been of some help.
The Presario 700 has several harware issues that some posters have touched on already. The machine has some harware incompatabilities with later updates of WinXP. Although these do not generally result in zero response they can lead to loss of data, unexpected shutdows and BSDs. Best advice is to run with an original installation where possible.
More serious is the fact that the CPU zif socket on many models is less than ideal. The CPU generates a great deal of heat and the cooling system is frankly inadequate. The result is that the seating system becomes "warped" and the CPU can easily loose full contact with the socket. Revision A00 to A04 boards were particulally vulnerable to this. On many systems, allowing the machine to cool will fix this (for a while) but this is a recurring problem. Shaking or knocking the machine after it has cooled will often reseat the CPU.
Because there is no audio code (the daft beeps) on startup to indicate a CPU seating problem (just the power light) most users simply have no idea this is the problem. Sending the machine for service is generally a waste of time as it takes a few hours for the problem to become apparant and the testing doesn`t last that long as a rule
Inserting a heat pad between the CPU and heatsink can add a little extra compression and provide a cure (sort of) for the problem but this also increases the chance of damage to the CPU - chips are delicate. Good quality thermal paste is essential (as with all Athlons) to dissipate the heat more efficiently. For those with a real wish to risk the future of thier machine you can try the fix below:
Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the CPU and twice as thick: Have some super glue or ready mixed epoxy resin to hand: Dissasemble the machine as much as possible while still allowing it to be functional: Start the machine up to make sure it is currently working fine: Shut down: Remove the CPU and carefully lift the edges of the zif socket and then apply a little super glue or epoxy resin JUST to the very edges: Place the cardboard over the zif socket and fix the heatsink in place (in order to compress the socket) and allow to set thoroughly: Replace the CPU and reboot: If all has gone well the zif socket will now be firmly fixed to the board and will not lift as the machine gets hot.
This fix has worked several times with these machines BUT it has also resulted in one or two "broken for spares" sales so be warned. Some customers have confirmed that a laptop cooler has made the machine more reliable.
Best advice: When the machine is running well - sell it on and buy a good laptop. A cruel but effective cure for your frustrations.
I hope this has been of some help.
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Thanks aaalaptop! That makes perfect sense with what I've experienced with my 701.
I've always been able to get it to start working again by tapping on it and turning it upside down after it's been shutdown for a while.
I suspected that it might have something to do with it overheating.
Mystery solved!
I've always been able to get it to start working again by tapping on it and turning it upside down after it's been shutdown for a while.
I suspected that it might have something to do with it overheating.
Mystery solved!
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Originally Posted by aaalaptop
Inserting a heat pad between the CPU and heatsink can add a little extra compression and provide a cure (sort of) for the problem but this also increases the chance of damage to the CPU - chips are delicate. Good quality thermal paste is essential (as with all Athlons) to dissipate the heat more efficiently. For those with a real wish to risk the future of thier machine you can try the fix below:
Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the CPU and twice as thick: Have some super glue or ready mixed epoxy resin to hand: Dissasemble the machine as much as possible while still allowing it to be functional: Start the machine up to make sure it is currently working fine: Shut down: Remove the CPU and carefully lift the edges of the zif socket and then apply a little super glue or epoxy resin JUST to the very edges: Place the cardboard over the zif socket and fix the heatsink in place (in order to compress the socket) and allow to set thoroughly: Replace the CPU and reboot: If all has gone well the zif socket will now be firmly fixed to the board and will not lift as the machine gets hot.
This doesn't sound like a very good idea to me. I would not want to run any Athlon-based CPU (or any CPU > Pentium 1) without a minimum of a heatsink at any time. Your instructions imply to boot the system the heat pipe/heatsink off the CPU.
As well, I may not be understanding your instructions but your instructions to cut out a piece of cardboard and place it on top of the CPU also seems like a sketchy idea. There would be no contact between the core of the CPU and the heatsink. Unless you meant to say to cut out the middle of the cardboard so that the core would be exposed, but even then, would there be solid contact between the core and the heatsink? This sounds almost like a poor man's shim except that its purpose is a bit different. (Instead of having the core level with the rest of the CPU and risk breaking the chip because of a high compression heatsink/fan, this appears to make it so that the cardboard makes the CPU fatter, such that the core is recessed.)
Almost sounds like an April Fools joke. I can't see how super gluing cardboard on top of the ZIF socket allows you to even seat the CPU in the socket.
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