IBM A31p-1

This is the first A31p that I received from eBay. System was described as a 'repair or parts' machine. Upon initial power-up, the system issued two short beeps then powered off. Video signal was being generated on the LCD but the backlight was not turning on. External video showed nothing expect a "Fan Error" message right before the laptop turned off. Removing all hardware (modem/wireless, ethernet, Bluetooth, memory, Ultrabay, hard drive and backup battery) yielded the expected beep code for missing memory. Installing a single module, the laptop again beeped twice and turned itself off. Taking the system apart, it was very obvious what the problem was:

At one time somebody used the wrong screw at the back of the keyboard bezel (near the hinge). A 4.8mm screw is what is supposed to be used; it was there when I removed the bezel. However, it looks like someone installed the longer, 19.5mm screw that is towards the front of the keyboard bezel here. If you look closely below the screw mounting bracket on the motherboard, you will see what I'm talking about. If you can't see it, here's some pictures taken through my 20x microscope:

The first picture shows a circular ring where there may or may not have been a component. The second picture shows me poking a toothpick through the screw hole, down on top of the motherboard, where the damage is. And the third picture is a view down the screw hole to the motherboard.