[ale] laptop diagnostics

[lists at serioustechnology.com (Geoffrey Myers)]

Paul Cartwright wrote:
> never having worked on a laptop before, I'm lost. I was just sent a
> laptop that is .. flakey to say the least. I actually saw it boot up to
> the WIndows screen, but most of the time it either does nothing, or some
> lights come on, then go out.
> Dell Latitude D600. I can't even find where the hard drive is. there are
> 2 screws that open on the bottom, one is the memory, not sure what the
> other is.
> 

Had a similar issue with a Dell D820.  The fan had failed, thus the 
thing would eventually overheat.  Pretty sure the reason the fan failed 
was because the vent was clogged with about 1/2" of crud.

-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

"I predict future happiness for America if they can prevent
the government from wasting the labors of the people under
the pretense of taking care of them."
- Thomas Jefferson