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!
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Thanks a bunch for publishing this article and the link to irisvista. I know I’m going to need this info. sometime in the near future, both to clean the detritus from my keyboard and to upgrade the RAM modules.
March 12th, 2008 at 8:29 am
The maximum memory for my toshiba laptop (A85-S1072) is 1280 MB. In the more easily accessible memory slot, I currently have 256MB and want to upgrade that to a 1GB. The 256MB base memory under the keyboard now only registers as 192MB and I wanted to replace to have at least 256MB again. Because I am going to have to take my computer apart to do this, I was wondering what would happen if I replaced it with more memory, exceeding the maximum memory recommended by Toshiba?
January 13th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
cj2600
Yeah I read the article and I would do that but I want to avoid soldering if posssible. THe line attatched to the jack itself is not long enough to extend to the opening so it would take new wires to be resoldered.
I was thinking maybe a high strength epoxy would work to hold it in place? I see two strips attatched to the laptop base is that where the piece may have broken off?
Thx a lot!
January 13th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Larry,
sounds like plastic parts that keep the power jack attached to the laptop base are broken. In cases like this I usually replace the laptop base, not sure if glue will last for a long time because the power jack is always under stress.
Not sure if you want to try this, but you can extend the power jack cable and relocate the jack outside the case.
January 13th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Neil,
Did you miss link in the first sentence of this post?
January 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Hi !
anyone got a disassembly diagram and/or instructions to take apart (for) a Toshiba A-85 laptop??
thanks in advance
January 13th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Ok opened up the case and I am looking at the DC Jack that I want to repair.
I have a TOshiba Sat A85 S107. It has 2 wires coming from the box which holds the jack. I’m pretty sure the jack is working fine because it did charge when a connection was made. The only problem for me was that the jack box had gotten loose so when I pushed the adapter in the jack moved backwards inside the laptop.
So now should I bother taking off the motherboard and checking the connection or can I just put some adhesive , probably crazy glue or sumtin like that, and stick it to the back of the laptop? I doubt it will be permanent but would that be good enough to last me a few months?
January 12th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
bobandconnie,
Maybe you fan fix the key if you follow this repair guide?
A key fell off the laptop keyboard. Fixing the problem.
By the way, you can find instructions for a Satellite P205 on this site.
January 12th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Hey I was following the guide on how to replace. I got to the keyboard part with the two screws that hold it down but the screws seem to be glued down! I’ve tried everything but I can’t seem to get these screws off. I am using the right size driver and I really don’t think its lack of torque or power. Any advice would be really appreciated. =/
January 12th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I have a Toshiba Satellite P205-S6337 and because the “t” key on the keyboard broke (?) I need to replace the keyboard. Do I just pop the band off the top from around it, or do I need to go in from the back and if so, how do I do that?
December 12th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
i was talking about the m100 btw
December 12th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
can anyone take pica and show me how to accses both ram slots because i ant to upgrade my ram plz
fansk alot
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:47 pm
irfan,
Toshiba Satellite A85 will support PC2700 DDR memory modules, but will not support PC25300 DDR2. You cannot install DDR2 modules into the DDR memory expansion slot. Even though both memory modules look the same, the notch on DDR2 module is located in a different spot then on a DDR module.
In short, DDR2 RAM will not fit into DDR slot.
November 1st, 2007 at 9:32 pm
hi, does anyone know if I can put any kind of 200 pin memory in the A-85 or does it only accepts the PC2100 and PC2700.
I am not sure how to find out what laptop accepts what kind. What would happen to the A-85 if I put in a PC2-5300 667MHz 200-pin SO-DIMM DDR2 Laptop Memory.
Thanks, whoever will answer this question and also a great site
October 24th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Mark,
You got it. That’s exactly what you have to do.
October 24th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Hi:
I just need to replace the keyboard on my A85-S107. Do I have to remove anything underneath or is it just a matter of popping off the strip, taking out the two screws that hold th keyboard and unattaching the cable to the main board?
October 8th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Ken,
All you need to do is remove the optical drive screw (as seen in step 4). The drive will come loose with a few gentle tugs.
The drive will likely have the standard Toshiba mounting L-brace secured by two screws. Remove the brace and attach it to the new drive. Then, slide the new drive in place and re-insert the optical drive screw. The unit should now be ready to roll.
NOTE: Make sure you remove the laptop from any power source, including the AC adapter and the battery before beginning!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:22 am
bad dvd on a85 s107 toshiba laptop how do I remove