Toshiba Satellite A85. How to remove laptop memory module.
I had to replace a failed memory module in this Toshiba Satellite A85 laptop. The memory failed the Memtest 86+ test and I ordered a replacement from Toshiba. I have never worked before on this laptop model, and I planed to spend not more then 5-10 minutes for such a simple operation as a memory module replacement. Toshiba doesn’t provide a disassembly guide for this laptop model yet and I didn’t know how memory slots are located. I found only one unpopulated memory slot on the bottom of the laptop, so the second memory slot should be somewhere under the keyboard. Under the keyboard one very ugly surprise was waiting for me. The second memory slot was located under the top cover assembly and there were no way to replace the memory without taking the whole thing apart! There was no opening or a hatch for easy memory access! What a nice design. I had to spend an extra 30-40 minutes to take the laptop apart only for replacing the failed memory module.
March 6th, 2010 at 5:43 am
I want to install 1 gb of ram to increase my speed. Can I just replace the one under the back cover or do I need to take it apart and get to the one under the keyboard.
March 4th, 2010 at 9:26 am
thanks so much for the clarification. I will get right on adding the additional memory stick to it. Its good to know that nothing is wrong though. Thanks again for the help!
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:58 pm
MKR,
That’s normal. You see only 192MB reported in the system properties because 64MB is used for video purpose. It’s called shared memory.
You definitely need more memory to improve the laptop performance. You’ll see a huge boost in the performance if you add 1GB.
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:31 pm
does anyone know why the supposed 256mb of installed ram in the A85-s107 would be showing up as 192 mb? Has the memory gone bad? I saw mention of it in an earlier post but no clarification. Any light shed upon this would be greatly appreciated. I would like to upgrade the meory in this comp to improve its performance but am wondering in a bad original model is the real culprit of its reduced capacities. I am also curious if a bad “main” module will affect the second memory stick and its effectiveness it I do install it.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Hi,
I have a toshiba satellite A85-s107 and the dvd/cd drive doesn’t work any more. The laptop nolonger acknowledges the the hardware. What should I do? I’ve looked at replacement parts and the cheepest compatable is $129.00! I don’t want to buy it till I know that it isn’t some button I need to push or some sort of ‘reboot’ that needs to be done to make it acknowledge that it really is still attached to the computer.
Thanks so much for any help you can send my way,
Alexandria
December 21st, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Thanks to the diagram on this site, I was able to replace my fan myself on my Toshiba A85 laptop – thank you!
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Thanks to the diagram on this site, I was able to replace my keyboard myself on my Toshiba A85 laptop – thank you!
Now for the current problem…one of my hinges is broken. If I can find the part, would that be something I could reasonably expect to be able to also do myself as a “computer dummy”? Would it be better to replace the hinge or just try to find an entire replacement “shell” or case?
Thanks for the help and tips! They are all very handy is this economic season of saving money wherever possible!
Rebekah
October 14th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Nilla_Bean,
You cannot replace the fan without disassembling the laptop. The cooling fan is mounted INSIDE the laptop, there is no easy access to it.
October 14th, 2009 at 5:42 am
I need a guide on how to replace my cooling fan. I ordered the part, I just don’t want to take the laptop apart and mess something up. Can anyone help?!?
August 30th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Thank you – I needed to resolve a problem with a loose power supply connector. I knew if I could get inside I could fix the problem. Thank you
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
All you do is open the memory panel and snap it in at step 3. The Toshiba guide comes with instructions. You don’t have to take everything apart. It took about five minutes.
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:47 am
BTW does anyone here know of a good third-party power adapter for these laptops (the A85 series). I’ve had issues with the power adapter that came with these laptops and looking for my second replacement. The first power adapter failed because I had accidentally bent it near where it plugs in; I replaced it with the same model of adapter, which (after a year or so of use) has the tendency to fall apart. (Like many adapters, the adapter comes in two parts: the middle part is where the boxy-thing meets the two-holed cord-thing. These parts loosen up from the slightest pull.) It’s quite annoying because it causes my laptop to frequently lose power during the slightest motion/readjustment of position. Since the battery is completely dead, I lose power (and all work if I haven’t recently saved). This adapter is now also bent near where it plugs into the laptop, just like my previous adapter. I’d like to find a good adapter, probably manufactered by a third party, one that is not so easily prone to bend nor fall apart. Thanks for any information you can provide!