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Hello,

I was just using my Toshiba Satellite A20 (PSA20C-0231Q) and it was acting strangely in the past 30 minutes. The fan would run at a high rate of speed, despite having little or no obstruction to the vents. Also, one of the machine's hinges are broken and I haven't had time to fix it. Currently, I place the screen in a position which keeps the lcd stable, but occasionally, it may either slam on my fingers, or fall to a position where the screen is open all of the way.

About five minutes ago, my screen fell backwards to the openmost position. At the exact same instant, the fan was running at an all time clip. When this happened, my laptop died. When I push the power button, nothing happens. Looking at the machine, I saw that the only functioning light was the one that looked like a plug. The light would flash on regular intervals of a couple of seconds, regardless of whether or not the laptop is plugged in. I have removed the battery of the laptop and have disconnected the power supply and now and there are no lights.

Its funny that this has happened now, because I just ordered a new tablet pc for school. Unfortunately, I have a large amount of data I wanted to backup for the new machine this weekend. So I have to fix this machine and get my data (preferred), or take the hd out and see what I can do to get the data back (damn).

Since I have never experienced this kind of thing before, any advice would be appreciated.

Best Regards,

Faz

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Dani AI

Generated

Given 's description, the top priorities are preserving the hard drive (data) and then isolating the power issue. The following concise, safe checklist focuses on non-destructive tests and a practical data-recovery route.

  • Quick, safe power checks: confirm the AC adapter actually puts out the voltage printed on its label (use a multimeter or a known-good adapter). With battery removed and AC unplugged, press-and-hold the power button ~20–30 seconds to discharge residual charge, then reconnect AC only and observe any LED or fan activity. Check the DC jack for looseness or visible damage; wiggle tests can reveal a failing jack but avoid forcing it.
  • Basic internal checks (only if confident with small electronics): remove the access panels, reseat memory modules and the hard drive connector, and inspect the motherboard near the hinge and DC jack for burn marks, bulging capacitors, or loose ribbon cables. A damaged hinge can stress display/touch cables or short nearby circuitry; look carefully at the cable routing through the hinge.
  • Data-first recovery: remove the 2.5" laptop drive and check the interface type printed on its label (PATA/IDE or SATA). Use an appropriate 2.5" IDE/SATA-to-USB adapter or external enclosure to attach the drive to a working PC. If the drive spins and is recognized, copy critical files immediately. If it clicks, fails to spin, or is not recognized, stop powering it and consider professional recovery.
  • If the machine shows only LED activity and no POST after the checks above, the fault is likely in the power circuitry or motherboard. Replacing a DC jack, power board, or mainboard is common—but only after data is secured.

Cautions: avoid prolonged power attempts on a failing board or a suspected damaged drive (it can worsen physical hard-disk failures). If unsure about opening the chassis or handling the drive, a local repair shop can typically extract the drive safely for a modest fee.

Member Avatar for TheRealFaz

Quick update:

I have reattached the battery and no lights flash now. When I plug in the machine, the plug light and battery light come on as normal, but the machine is won't do anything at all. I'm scared it is dead. Damn.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Faz

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