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I recently received a used Toshiba Tecra 9000 from my brother. It has several problems, but I'm only bothered by one. I"ll list all the problems though.

1(the one that bothers me). I've been using Ubuntu Live to test/operate the computer, but recently (last two days) it has started freezing while loading the OS.
If I pull out the AC power supply, partially remove the battery, or tap on the corner of the laptop over the battery, it will sometimes start loading for a few seconds.
I have taken down, and re-assembled it a few times, and I'm pretty sure I got all the connections nice and tight.

2. The computer will not detect a hardrive in the port. I can run it off of a flashdrive though, so it's not a big problem

3. The built-in mouse, and keyboard occasionally do not respond.


I've worked on computers for a few years, so I don't think the problem was caused by mis-handling.

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— intermittent boots, the “tap the battery corner” trigger, a missing HDD and occasional keyboard/touchpad failures point more toward an intermittent hardware/contact problem than an Ubuntu bug. Passing memtest makes persistent RAM failure less likely, but intermittent connector or power-jack issues, loose ribbon cables, or a flaky drive can produce exactly the mix you describe.

Try these checks in order (quick and reversible first):

  1. Boot with battery removed (AC only). Then boot with AC removed (battery only). Different behavior narrows whether the battery/contacts or the DC/adapter is involved.
  2. Swap or test with a known-good AC adapter. Wiggle the DC jack gently while powered to see if the freeze correlates with movement.
  3. Remove battery and drive, inspect and clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol. Reseat both the RAM modules and the keyboard ribbon connector. Try one RAM stick at a time.
  4. Test the hard drive externally (USB adapter/enclosure) or try a different drive to rule out the drive/connector.
  5. If it boots sometimes, capture boot messages immediately after a successful boot to look for hardware errors:
sudo dmesg | tail -n 50
sudo tail -n 200 /var/log/syslog
# on newer systems:
journalctl -b -1 -e
  1. If freezes happen very early in the kernel handoff, try Live-boot kernel options (e.g., add nomodeset or acpi=off temporarily) to see whether it’s a driver/ACPI hang versus pure hardware.

What to watch for next: consistent success on AC-only points at a bad battery or battery connector; success only when the case is tapped suggests a cracked solder joint (power jack or nearby components). If you’re uncomfortable soldering or opening the board, a local repair shop can reflow/replace the DC jack or repair traces. Take ESD/battery safety precautions when working inside the machine.

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Right after I posted this, I decided to try booting the computer again. And... it booted right up!! Three times in a row.
I'd still appreciate any ideas you might have as to why it was doing what it was doing, as it might do it again.

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The fourth time I booted it, the computer froze. But, after letting it sit for an hour and a half, it booted up ubuntu without a hitch... again!!
I"m beginning to suspect maybe some connection is worn. Would that be a valid suspicion?

BTW: The computer has 255MB of Ram, and it passed the memtest 98.

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