Epic BIOS Fail. [pt1]

Whoops.

After a botched attempt to update my laptop BIOS, my computer is now a rather expensive doorstop. It does not boot properly, and the screen remains blank when it is turned on.

Now, this renders the rather important files on my computer useless, so I have dusted off my old desktop to do my essays.

But frankly, how hard is it really to repair? Very, appearently.

First, I called the Fujitsu support line. I was directed to a live person quickly; probably a slow day. Explain, explain, etc. He finally runs out of fixes and proposes to send the computer in. Sure, that seems that will work. How much?

“Well, it’s $105 for the diagnostic, then if you decide to repair it, it will cost around $200-$555″

Wut?  A bit too steep for me. But, I didn’t spend $800 on a paperweight, so I ask for details and receive an address to ship to. I write it all down, and then prepare to ship it to Memphis, where their HQ is. Right before actually sticking it in a box, I call a few people, to see if any of my friends/their friends know how to fix it. One comes up with a fix that will remove all BIOS settings by disconnecting the internal battery, or something. Sounds like it will work. I tell him to do it.

I spend a good 30-40 minutes looking at him opening the laptop to reveal a compact maze of chips and circuits,  then he fiddles with something inside, replaces everything, and turns it back on. No dice. But hey, at least I didn’t have to pay. So right now, I have to decide whether to:

1) Send it back and pay a bunch of money. I also checked on Google, and apparently Fujitsu isn’t quick to send it back, and leaves a few things broken while fixing the main problem. It’s also probable they will claim to replace the motherboard and charge me for it while not even touching it. But the article is from 2004. Not sure if they have improved.

2) Send it back to where I bought it. I have a friend there who will make sure it is fixed right and at a good price.

3) This.

Suggestions welcome. Will update when possible.

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