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.
| Help and support for Toshiba laptops. Disassembly instructions, tips and tricks. |
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
May 9th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Thanks to the person that took these photos and provided the instructions for disassembly. I was not looking forward to taking this A85 apart, but when I followed the steps shown, it was a snap. Just be careful. I made a chart of the bottom screws before taking any out and actually placed them on the chart as they were removed.
My problem was the laptop was overheating and shutting down inadvertantly. I could see that the fan was never operating, so I suspected dust or a faulty fan. After openin it, I could see that the connector for the fan to the motherboard was not seated properly and that there was significant amount of dust on/around the fan assembly. I removed the fan and cleaned it and all around and reseated the connector and reinstalled the fan. I then reversed the disassembly process and now the laptop seems to be back in operational condition. The fan is working again and is cooling properly.
Thanks again.
January 1st, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Nellie,
The instructions show hot to strip the laptop down to the motherboard. I don’t know how badly your laptop jack is damaged and if it would be necessary to remove the motherboard. After you remove the top cover you can see and get some limited access to the power jack (top left corner on the step 15). I don’t know if it would be enough for you.
December 27th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
It appears my son has damaged the internal power cord receptacle on an a85..Would your instructions for getting to the memory give me access to check this out ?? I haven’t ever taken apart a laptop before is the power receptacle something that can be repaired…
July 9th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Mrhooie,
How many memory sticks installed in your laptop? Provide some more information. What is the original memory size? Did the laptop recognized the original memory properly?
July 8th, 2006 at 11:51 am
Well, i installed 1gb modules of Kingston Ram - the m100 only now sees 1gb or ram still.
any ideas?
June 28th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Balazs,
You’ll find a link to disassembly guide in the post. It’s a step-by-step guide, nothing complicated.
June 27th, 2006 at 12:17 am
Eric, did you succeed removing the keyboard? If yes, how?
I also want to do it, to install additional memory.
April 4th, 2006 at 7:18 am
I am attempting this tonight. I have to admit, I was rather annoyed because all my other laptops had easily acessable memory and when i was purchasing it, i thought it was accessable. Espacially now with DDR2, I would hope that manufactureres start making it easy to get to the RAM. I will try to take some pics and post how it goes tonight.
March 26th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Hey Regis,
First of all I would like to say that broken plastic parts are not covered under warranty. Just in case.
To remove the keyboard strip from most Toshiba laptops you do not need any special tools. I usually use a small flathead screwdriver or an awl. Carefully lift up one side of the keyboard strip with a sharp object and continue releasing the latches with your fingers. Thats all. On some Toshiba models the keyboard strip is secured by a few screws on the bottom of the laptop. On some models the strip securing screws are located under the battery. I have never worked on this model yet, so it is just a guess. As a precaution, I would remove two screws on the left and right side from the battery (I saw them on the picture) and also I would remove any screws under the battery.
March 24th, 2006 at 7:22 pm
Quick reply!
I’ll look under the keyboard, what tool would you use to remove the keyboard strip? Take a look, it is a pretty new model. It actually looks like the A85. Thanks for your help.
March 24th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Hi Regis,
I have not seen this laptop yet. I just checked the Toshiba tech website and they even do not list parts for this model yet. I guess it is a pretty new model.
I found a detailed specification for M100-ST5111. The detailed specification says that the laptop has 256MB installed in service accessible memory slot and the laptop will accept up to 4096MB of memory. From my experience, if you can find only one memory slot on the bottom, the second slot is located under the keyboard or the system board has onboard memory. Toshiba Satellite M100 must have 2 memory slots, so look under the keyboard.
March 24th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
Hi, do you have any idea where the second memory module is on the Toshiba Satellite M100-JG2? I can only access one of the modules, so much for upgrading the dual-channel RAM. Thanks for your already very helpful site!
Regis