I have a Satellite 1905-S303. I ordered the recommended Kingston 512MB memory, and followed the instructions here (and in the Toshiba User Guide. Note that the Guide tells you to use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the screws, but that’s too big, and could cross-thread the screws. You need a Phillips #0 screwdriver.)

I found a memory chip already in the slot on the bottom of the computer, that is supposed to be empty. So, following the instructions here, I removed the keyboard. (Don’t forget to remove the battery first.) Low and behold, the supposedly “unremovable” memory chip there IS removable. I realized that Toshiba initially loaded 256Mb memory chips in EACH of the two slots, to get its advertised 512Mb, along with a so-called upgradable memory slot. So I now have 768 Mb, and will have to purchase ANOTHER 512MB memory chip to get up to 1Gb. Thanks for ripping me off, Toshiba!

Recently, for about the last six months my 1905-303s shuts down. As I have read heat appears to be a strong cause of the problem. I regularly dust the underside exterior fan screen but I’m coming to the conclusion that other permanent solutions will be reqiured.

Questions:

If upgrading to 1G of RAM will this cause it to run cooler or warmer?

Would setting up a small independent fan pointing to the laptop fan be of any benefit?

Is there a mini-vac that can extract any internal dust present beyond the external fan screen? I’m familar with canned-air but curious if a product vacs as opposed to blows?

This is my angural debut to this specific problem and any feedback would be much obliged.

hub

Sorry for my late response, I was out and came back very late last night.

Thank you very much for the tips you gave, the diagrams will help a lot, but you are right – remove screws and follow steps it will come apart. I was just lazy and dreamed to get it done a easy way. I will try to fix it this weekend. If I encounter problems, I will ask again.

You have a great weekend.

Eva

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/06/dc-power-jack-repair-guide/

I would say that if you remove the screws much of the steps are fairly obvious. If you run into problems someone can usually help you out. If you are not comfortavle than again Iwould suggest your local repair shop.

Thank you so much for your reply! I was out and just saw it.

I believe my laptop’s problem is due to dirty heat sink, cause the battery is almost dead. But I still have problems with disassembly. Do I work at the right place? I couldn’t find any instructions, nor diagrams. Since you mentioned plastic strip ( the one around the power button snaps), I guess I am working at the wrong place. Could you please give me some detailed instructions/diagrams or links for instructions/diagrams? Like Sue said, the only info I could find is for replacing memory modules. I found some diagrams on how to clean hear sinks of other laptops, but seems not that useful.

Eva

Thanks a bunch!

SueN

There seems to be several problems that can cause problems with the 1905. One you have read about is the heat sink. It may just need cleaning. You need to continue your disassembly to get to CPU. The instructions on the web site are there, but you have to read several of the e-mails. Once you get the plastic strip off ( the one around the power button snaps out) it is fairly straight forward. There are also two covered screws I had difficulty locating one next to phone jack and one next to s-video port. They allow you to separate the screen from the rest of the unit if you want to work on the motherboard.

I have recently had overheating problems, but I think mine is related to the power jack (big problems on these units). You notice it less if your battery is still working. Have you had overheating if you just use the battery? The power jack is not soldered well and breaks loose from the motherboard. This causes the power to short at times and shut your unit down. You dont’ notice it if your battery is good. I resoldered my power jack, but I think that after the unit heats up it can cause it to short out again.

Resoldering the power jack is not that difficult. I was a total newbie, but I bought a cheap iron and did it ( Although It maybe still loose as I was reluctant to get too much solder on the connection). You probably could take it into a shop and have it redone. Mine is working OK, So I am just going to relace the battery and not run the power except to charge the battery. You can check the connection by moving it up and down and see if it changes the battery setting (i.e does it not detect AC power).

Thanks very much for your help and look forward to your replies.