I just received this email.

I’m having increasing difficulties with this laptop—-Adobe doesn’t work, slow responses on Word, freezes if I try to download software updates, etc. I want a new lap top NOW!

Of course this is the first I heard of any of this clients problems. About a million things went through my mind, first was to tell him to go jump in a lake, second was explaining that caps lock is rude and unnecessary, and the third was to just delete the email and forget about it.

However, none of those responses solve the problem, and isn’t that what the service industry is about? My sole goal at work is to solve problems. Whether the network is down, Microsoft Word doesn’t work, or Adobe Acrobat is horrible software, my goal is still to solve problems.

What is your first reaction when someone yells at you about something that isn’t your fault?

In the last couple weeks I’ve seen about 5 MacBooks all from clients reporting that their speakers are not working, but when they plug in external speakers, or headphones the volume starts working.

The fix that I’ve found is to take a paperclip and poke around inside the headphone jack until it starts working again.

Keep in mind that any damage you do to your computer this way won’t be covered under your warranty. I won’t be held responsible for any damage you do.

It’s official, I despise Sanyo projectors, and will NEVER buy another Sanyo product, Projector, TV, nothing.  I’m sticking with Epson projectors.

Different model numbers are all called “Pro Xtrax”!  There are at least 5 different models all called Pro Xtra x.  I’ve seen various PLC XU43, XU73, XU35,  XU32, and XU105.  I’m sure there are more, but those are the model numbers I’ve seen.  Now, try to find a owner’s or user’s manual for these things and it will drive you crazy!

Secondly, the menu system is ridiculous.  The horizontal then vertical menu’s are confusing and look like they were programmed by someone who was dyslexic.

Ok, here are some problems and solutions I’ve run into.

Sanyo Pro Xtrax Shuts down after 30 seconds

If your Sanyo Pro Xtra X projector turns on, looks great and then shuts down after 30 seconds or less (I’ve seen them stay on for 20 seconds and even one only stayed on about 5-10 seconds), try these two solutions and hopefully it will fix it.

1. Replace the mainboard.  Two projectors overheated blowing a capacitor. That is what the repair guy told me. I don’t know what or how it actually happened, but I think it was related to the filters getting plugged with dust and dirt and not being replaced and cleaned regularly.

2. Replace the bulb. One projector also had the yellow “Lamp Replace” (or “Replace Bulb”, I don’t remember which) light on. I tried a second bulb and that actually fixed it. With this one I think the bulb was overheating, and the projector was fine. In a related incident, I had the exact same symptoms, shutting down almost instantly, and no yellow (or amber colored) light was on. I replaced the bulb and it worked.

Sanyo Pro XtraX won’t turn on, Red Light flashes

This problem also has two solutions from what I’ve noticed and is related to overheating.

1. Unplug power, clean filters. If you’re comfortable, take out the bulb and take off the cover. When you have it apart, blow some canned air inside and blow as much dust out of it as you can. The more dust and dirt that gets in there, the less air flows through the unit. After about 5 minutes, plug the power cord back in. FYI, turning the unit off will not reset it, you actually have to unplug the power cord.

2. Replace main board. Unfortunately the other solution is to replace the mainboard (motherboard). For us, this solution isn’t a solution because the repair cost is almost as much as a new projector so we end up throwing out the old projector and buying a new one.

Update: I ran into a different Sanyo Pro Xtra X with a flashing red light, and then a flashing orange or amber colored light. The only solution I found was replacing the motherboard on that one as well.