Sony PCG-961A Just Shuts Down 1

[AdamBCohen]

The other day I took a Sony Laptop (PCG961-A) from a client to reformat. After putting on w2k I started to try and download all the sony drivers and utilities. As I was going through the process I noticed or felt that under the laptop it was getting VERY HOT!!!! The area was the rear left corner where the power supply plugs into the machine. Also, at anytime did I hear a fan turn on. Anyway I proceed with what I was doing and then the computer just shut down. When I went to hit the power button nothing happened. I know power is getting from the wall recepticle to the power supply because I tested that. However, the machine would not turn on. So I waited several minutes and it powered back up. During that time the same area got real hot. The sony is 800mhz athalon. Any suggests would be great. Thanks in advance

 

[FredDibnah]

Hi Adam,

If the Sony is getting so hot that it is shutting down then the immediate thing to do would be to check that air is circulating correctly. This is going to involve stripping the unit down and removing any dirt/dust/obstructions that you find inside.

If it isn't a dirt problem then your looking probably looking a some form of circuit board fault. Also confirm the PSU is outputting the correct voltage and ampage.

Failing that it's a Sony laptop, convince the customer that they really need to buy a unit that provides functionality over style. Having for two years worked for a laptop servicing company the make that gave us the most physical problems of the big brand names was Sony, truely horrible machines (IMHO). They are only beginning to improve with more recent models.

Go for Compaqs (real Compaqs not HPs if you know the difference), Toshibas, IBMs and Acers.