Member Avatar for chinks

My viao laptop went dead suddenly while working. I tried pulling out the batter and putting it back and switching it on.. but still would not start. what could the problem ? can anyone please help ??

it is a dual core laptop with windows MCE

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Following report of a sudden, totally dead Vaio and 's helpful pointer toward power-side faults, here are practical diagnostics and service‑side tips not covered above.

Quick, non‑invasive checks (do these only if the machine is out of warranty or you are comfortable performing them):

  • Verify the AC adapter is actually outputting the voltage printed on its label using a multimeter, or try a known‑good adapter with the correct connector. A charger with no output is a very common silent failure.
  • With battery and adapter removed, press and hold the power button for 20–30 seconds (power‑drain). Reconnect adapter and try powering on.
  • Look/hear closely when you plug in the adapter: any fan spin, HDD activity, or faint LEDs? Wiggle the DC jack gently while observing indicators — intermittent life points to a loose/broken jack.
  • If you can open the service hatch safely (and the unit is out of warranty), reseat RAM and the hard drive — loose memory often prevents boot but will usually show some LEDs/beeps first.

Interpreting outcomes:

  • No adapter voltage → replace/borrow a charger before assuming motherboard failure.
  • Adapter OK but absolutely no signs of life → likely DC‑in circuitry, MOSFET/regulator failure, or a primary motherboard fault.
  • Signs of life (fans/LEDs) but no display → could be GPU/BIOS/RAM; try external monitor or reseating memory.

When dealing with a repair centre:

  • If under warranty, do not open the case — that can void coverage. Ask the service desk to confirm whether they will preserve user data and whether replacements will be for the DC‑in board only or the full mainboard.
  • Request a written diagnostic and parts/cost breakdown before authorising out‑of‑warranty repairs. If the board is replaced, insist that the original hard drive be returned intact unless you request imaging.

These steps help narrow the fault so any repair (or decision to recover data) is informed and cost‑effective.

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Member Avatar for SnowDog

When we get one of these at our call centre, we do two things.

1. Check the fuse - it's surprising how often people think they're running on mains when they're actually on battery and the battery has gone flat. It could even be a loose mains cord into the PSU box (had those before, too).

2. Exactly what you did - remove the mains, remove the battery, try powering from mains only having checked the fuse and connections.

If it won't power then we either refer to Sony in first year, or uplift to the workshop if under extended warranty.

Potential problems can be a loose or broken socket on the laptop itself or a dead charger. If in doubt, we take the charger as suspect with the laptop.

Member Avatar for chinks

Thanks for ur reply.
I am sure it is nothing to do with battery goinng dead, coz i was working with the laptop and suddenly everything went blank !!! no display.. no leds.. nothing.
If it had been a battery going dead condition... then atleast it would have indicated a low battery and then had gone into hibernate.. as it did at many other occassions...
Yes I did remove the batter , and kept the laptop on mains.. -- did not start up !!
Do u suspect internal fuse ? mother board blow up ?

thanks.

When we get one of these at our call centre, we do two things.

1. Check the fuse - it's surprising how often people think they're running on mains when they're actually on battery and the battery has gone flat. It could even be a loose mains cord into the PSU box (had those before, too).

2. Exactly what you did - remove the mains, remove the battery, try powering from mains only having checked the fuse and connections.

If it won't power then we either refer to Sony in first year, or uplift to the workshop if under extended warranty.

Potential problems can be a loose or broken socket on the laptop itself or a dead charger. If in doubt, we take the charger as suspect with the laptop.

Member Avatar for SnowDog

I don't think there is an internal fuse (could be wrong, but out of literally thousands of laptop uplifts for no power, I've never seen one returned with 'replaced fuse' on the workshop docket - it's nearly always the mobo or the power socket).

Just check that power socket. Is it loose at all? Is the centre pin still there? Obvious, I know, but best to be sure.

If you can't see anything you could try and fix yourself (I'm assuming this isn't under Sony warranty any more), it is quite likely the mobo.

Member Avatar for chinks

thanks for all the suggestions..
Couldnt do anything more with that so sent the laptp to vaio repair centre.(covered under warranty :lol: !)

I don't think there is an internal fuse (could be wrong, but out of literally thousands of laptop uplifts for no power, I've never seen one returned with 'replaced fuse' on the workshop docket - it's nearly always the mobo or the power socket).

Just check that power socket. Is it loose at all? Is the centre pin still there? Obvious, I know, but best to be sure.

If you can't see anything you could try and fix yourself (I'm assuming this isn't under Sony warranty any more), it is quite likely the mobo.

Member Avatar for SnowDog

That's good news! Sony usually get it fixed within 5 days (in the UK) so you shouldn't have long to wait.

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