Two separate problems with two laptops

[riggeDDM2011]

Hey guys, I need help with two different problems. The first one involves my dad's old (+7 years) laptop. The screen suddenly had multi-color vertical lines running across, and he can't see anything besides that now. He tried a hard reboot (since he couldn't see the Start Menu, and the Ctrl+Alt+Delete didn't seem to work. When it started booting up again, it looked like the computer was starting out fine, and the OS started to where he could see his desktop, but the vertical lines gradually appeared again and eventually blocked his screen again. He needs to transfer some important files from that laptop to his new one, but can't do anything with the lines. Is it his screen, or video card, or is the laptop crashing? How can we fix it so that we can retrieve those files?

Second problem is with my brother's laptop. His isn't as old (4-5 years). His laptop battery won't recharge anymore, and it has to stay plugged into the outlet. Otherwise, his laptop powers off. He says it just started happening a few months ago. Then, after a few weeks, it started charging normally again. Now, it's back to not charging at all. Is it the battery? Or is it some kind of virus?

[glc]

1. Connect an external monitor to determine if the issue is with the display or the graphics adapter/ram/motherboard. You can pull the hard drive and use a USB adapter to get the files.

IDE/SATA to USB 2.0 Cable Adapter - Turn Your 2.5", 3.5" or 5.25" IDE or SATA Drive Into A USB Drive! 2020

2. Most likely the battery.

[jdeb]

Problem 1: hook an external monitor up to it. If you see the lines on it then you need to replace motherboard. It's old and probably not worth it. If it doesn't, then replace the screen.

Problem2: You need a new battery or the cord or power supply has an issue. How old is the battery? Make and model of laptop please

[riggeDDM2011]

Thanks, you two! I'll see if my Dad can check it on an external monitor. Really hoping it's just the screen.

And my brother's laptop is a Toshiba Satellite A215-S4747.

[RobbieG1977]

Originally Posted by jdeb Problem 1: hook an external monitor up to it. If you see the lines on it then you need to replace motherboard. It's old and probably not worth it. If it doesn't, then replace the screen. Problem2: You need a new battery or the cord or power supply has an issue. How old is the battery? Make and model of laptop please

The only reason for the mobo should be replaced, for this problem, is if it has an inline video source. If it has a seperate video card then why shouldn't that get replaced first.

I am not familiar with repairing laptops, so that is why I am asking this question!

[glc]

Most laptops have integrated video.