Member Avatar for caal

I am using windows xp operating system on tecra 8100 laptop. All of a sudden it stopped working. There is no sound of any fan, but lights come one such as power battery and the last light to the right. And nothing else! Nothing comes on the screen. :mad: Can anyne help me or tell what is going on? What can i do to start this computer?

Any help will be apreciated.

TC :?:

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A short, practical troubleshooting checklist and safe fixes tied to the replies above.

The symptoms posted by (power LEDs on, no fan noise or display) can come from several places. was correct to point out vendor error codes; ’s follow‑up that the problem can be memory‑related is a common, real cause. Use the steps below in order — each step rules out or confirms a specific subsystem.

  • Power/reset first: unplug AC, remove the battery, then press-and-hold the power button for 20–30 seconds. Reconnect AC only (no battery) and try to power on.
  • Check the adapter and DC jack: verify the adapter’s LED (if present) and, if comfortable, confirm the DC output with a multimeter against the voltage printed on the adapter label. Inspect the DC jack for looseness or broken solder joints.
  • Isolate the display: connect an external monitor via VGA/CRT port to see if the system is posting but the internal LCD is dead.
  • Minimal boot for POST clues: remove HDD, optical drive and any PC Card/ExpressCard; try to boot. Listen for beeps or any drive/fan spin. If the system emits beeps, look up Toshiba POST/beep codes for that model.
  • Memory checks (expanded from ): discharge static, remove both SODIMMs and clean contacts with a soft brush/compressed air. Reinsert one module at a time and try each slot separately. Damaged retention clips or poor contact will often produce exactly the “lights on, no POST” behaviour.
  • Safety and parts: avoid wedging conductive objects under modules. If retention clips are broken, obtain proper replacement clips or a service bracket rather than metal shims.

If none of the above shows progress, the issue is likely a board-level failure (power subsystem or chipset). Given the Tecra 8100’s age, weigh repair cost vs. salvaging parts or replacing the machine; professional diagnosis will be required for motherboard faults.

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Member Avatar for alc6379

Have you called Toshiba Tech support? That sounds like the LEDs might be giving you some kind of error code. Without knowing their LED coding scheme, nobody here could tell you anything...

Member Avatar for Eagle70ss

Hello all,

Although you've probably already junked this laptop, I had the exact same problem. I also have a Toshiba Tecra 8100 and my laptop was acting like it wanted to start and lights would come on and stay on but nothing would come on the screen. I finally found out that it was actually the memory modules. The ram sticks are held in by these cheap plastic clips that hold the memory down in place. These clips had worn out and were not holding the memory down far enough for the laptop to go through is POST startup. I wedged something between memory and laptop case to force ram down in place and now it works.
I hope this helps anyone who may pass here.

Ron

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