Chosen Solution
This Compaq Portable II computer is obviously a bit dated so it was not available as a device choice above. The last time I powered it on it worked like a champ. Unfortunately, time got away from me and it had been over a year since I powered it on. When I did turn it on, the two LED lights on the floppy and hard drive just flashed on and off as well as the LED light on the system board inside. The fan does not even run. I have read all I could find on troubleshooting, but I am not an expert in this area. I removed and re-seated all the boards, I did a visual check of the capacitors and I don’t see any that appear to be shot, I replaced the fuse even though it didn’t look blown. That’s about my knowledge limit. I would welcome and appreciate any suggestions that anyone might have. Thank you.
Hi @dalley01 , Try a power refresh and check if this resolves the problem. a). Disconnect the power from the computer. b). Open the computer and disconnect the battery that is connected to the motherboard,(note which way it is inserted before removal). I don’t know the computer but looking at the maintenance and service manual it has a 3.6V lithium battery, presumably to maintain the BIOS settings when the power is turned off from the computer. As it only has a 10 year life span, it may have gone flat and the BIOS may have become corrupted preventing a normal start. If you have a DMM (digital multimeter)when the battery is disconnected measure the battery’s voltage. If it is <2.8V DC, replace it. The battery part number is 104186-001. Search online using the part number only to find suppliers Note: It may be easier to download the manual and view it that way c). Press and hold the computer’s Power On button operated for 30 seconds and then release it, to dissipate any residual charge in the motherboard. This action will reset the BIOS to its default condition. d). Reconnect the battery to the motherboard. Make sure that it is inserted the correct way. e). Reconnect the power to the computer and turn it on and check if it starts OK. If it does there may be a message regarding adjusting the date and time. This is normal as the BIOS has been reset back to its’ default values.
