System Component Troubleshooting

System Component Troubleshooting
AC power adapter problems
Battery charges only when laptop turned off

Problem description:
The battery charges only when the laptop turned off. The battery charge LED lights up as
normal and the battery gets charged to 100% while the laptop is off. When the laptop is
turned on, the battery charge LED goes off even if the adapter is still plugged in.
Possible cause:
1. AC power adapter failure.
2. Battery failure.
3. Broken/loose power jack.
4. Motherboard failure.
Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:
1. This problem could be related to a faulty AC power adapter. It’s possible that the AC
adapter doesn’t provide enough power when plugged into the laptop. To find out if this is
your problem, you’ll have to test the laptop with another working adapter .Replace the
adapter if needed.
2. There is a slight chance that you have bad battery. Test the laptop with a know good
battery and replace the faulty one if needed.
3. The battery charge problem could be related to the power jack. Maybe the jack is
broken or not making good contact with the motherboard. It is necessary to remove the
motherboard and take a closer look at the power jack. Resolder or replace the jack if
needed.
4. If the power jack is in a good working shape and new power adapter with battery do
not fix the problem, most likely you have a faulty motherboard. Replace the motherboard
if needed.
1
Laptop power light doesn’t come on when AC adapter
plugged
The laptop power light doesn’t come on when AC adapter plugged into the laptop. The
power light used to light up as soon as you plug the power adapter but no there is no
light.
Possible cause:
1. AC adapter failure.
2. Power socket failure.
1. Test the AC adapter with a voltmeter. Make sure the AC adapter outputs correct
voltage. Alternatively, you can test the laptop with another known good adapter and see if
it fixes the problem. Replace AC adapter if needed.
2. If the power socket inside the laptop was getting loose before the power light failure,
it’s possible that you have a broken power socket. It is necessary to open up the laptop an
take a closer look at the power socket a.k.a. DC power jack. Replace the power socket if
needed.
3. This problem could be related to the motherboard failure. If the power socket and
power adapter are in good working condition, but you still have no power light, most
likely you have a failed motherboard.
Laptop adapter makes buzzing noise

The laptop AC adapter makes buzzing noise and gets very hot.
Possible cause:
AC adapter is failing.
All laptop adapters make some buzzing noise and generate some heat. If you can hear the
buzzing noise only when you listen very closely, that’s normal. If you can keep the
adapter in your hands and it’s comfortably warm, it’s normal too.
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On the other hand, if you can hear the buzzing noise from a few feet away, and the
adapter is so hot that you can barely keep it in your hands, most likely the adapter is
failing and will have to be replaced soon.
The AC adapter is a sealed unit and cannot be repaired. When adapter fails, you just
replace it with a new one.
Laptop switches from AC power to battery power when

adapter still plugged
The laptop switches from AC power to battery power even when the AC adapter is still
plugged into the laptop. The AC power light goes off but the laptop keeps running from
the battery. If you adjust the position of the power plug inside the socket, the power
switches back to AC. The problem is intermittent. Intervals between the power failure
may vary.
Possible cause:
2. DC power jack failure.
First of all, test the AC power adapter. It’s possible that the power cord on the AC
adapter is damaged. When the cord is moved, power stops coming from the adapter to the
laptop and it starts running from the battery. In most cases the damage occurs in the area
where the cord is connected to the power plug.
You have a couple of options here:

1. Test your AC adapter with a voltmeter. Make sure the power is not cutting off when
you move the power cord.
2. Test your laptop with another known good AC adapter.
If you still experiencing the same problem with a new AC power adapter, most likely
your problem is related to the power jack inside the laptop. The power jack is a socket
where you plug the adapter.
It’s necessary to remove the motherboard and take a closer look at the power jack. 1.
Resolder the power jack if it’s not making good contact with the motherboard.
2. Replace the power jack if it’s broken.
3
Laptop turns on for a moment and shuts down right
away
The laptop turns on when you press on the power button but shuts down right away.
There is no image on the screen. You tried using the laptop just from AC power with the
battery removed, but it doesn’t help.
Possible cause: 1. AC adapter is dead.

First of all, test your AC power adapter. It’s possible that the adapter is dead and the
battery doesn’t have enough charge to start the laptop. You can test the adapter with a
voltmeter. Find out if the adapter outputs correct voltage. If there is no voltage coming
out, replace the adapter with a new one.
Alternatively, you can test the laptop with another known good AC adapter.
If you still experiencing the same problem even with a new AC adpater, most likely you
have the motherboard failure. Replace the motherboard.
Backlight lamp
Laptop screen turns on, flickers and goes black

The laptop screen turns on properly then flickers and goes black. If you restart the laptop
the failure sequence repeats.
4
Possible cause:
1. LCD screen inverter failure.
2. LCD screen backlight lamp failure.
When the laptop LCD screen flickers and goes black, most likely the problem is related
either to the screen inverter or backlight lamp inside the screen.
You cannot tell which one is failing without testing the laptop with another working
inverter or backlight lamp. Both parts have very similar failure symptoms.
If you have to guess, replace the inverter board first. If it doesn’t help to fix the problem,
replace the LCD screen. It’s possible to replace just the backlight lamp inside the screen
but it’s not easy and should be done by an experienced technician.
Laptop starts with blank screen

The laptop starts with a blank screen. The laptop stays on but no image appears on the
screen even after a few minutes.
Possible cause:
1. Backlight failure.
2. Memory failure.
First of all, take a closer look at the screen and make sure that the screen is really blank.
Look under a bright light. If you can see a very faint image, most likely it’s either bad
inverter or faulty backlight lamp. Try replacing the inverter board first and if it doesn’t
help, replace the LCD screen.
In a case of the backlight failure, you still should be able to use the laptop with an
external monitor attached to the VGA port.
If the screen is completely blank and has no image at all, check the memory modules. It’s
possible that one of the modules has failed. Try reconnecting memory modules. If you
have two modules installed, try removing them one by one. Test the laptop with each
modules separately. Try replacing memory with another known good stick.
If manipulations with laptop memory do not help, it’s likely that your problem is related
to the motherboard.
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Laptop screen goes black for no reason
The laptop screen goes black for no reason. The laptop starts properly and the screen
works properly for some time, but later it just goes black. After you restart the laptop, the
screen goes black after some time again.
Possible cause:
1. Screen inverter failure.
2. Screen backlight failure.
Most likely this problem is related to the screen inverter failure. The inverter board works
as a power supply for the backligh lamp. When inverter fails, the screen goes dark. You
still can see a very faint image on the screen but it’s very dark. Try replacing the inverter
board first. It’s located inside the display panel below the LCD screen.
If a new inverter doesn’t fix the problem and the screen still goes dark after some time,
most likely you have a faulty backlight lamp inside the LCD screen. If that’s the case,
you’ll have to replace the screen. It’s possible to replace just the backlight lamp but it’s
not easy and should be doen only by an experienced technician.
When inverter or backligth lamp fails, you still should be able to use the laptop with
video on the external monitor.
The screen gets dimmer when AC adapter is plugged

into laptop
The screen gets dimmer when AC adapter is plugged into the laptop. The screen is bright
when laptop runs on the battery power.
Possible cause:
LCD brightness settings in the power management software or BIOS setup menu.
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Most likely this problem is related to the LCD brightness settings in the power
management software or BIOS setup menu.
1. Connect your laptop to the AC adapter. Try increasing LCD screen brightness through
a shortcut on the keyboard. For Toshiba laptops hold down the Fn key and press on F6/F7
keys to increase/decrease the brightness. For Dell laptops hold down the Fn key and use
Up/Down arrow keys. For IBM laptops hold down the Fn key and use Home/End keys.
For HP laptop hold down the Fn key and use F7/F8 keys.
Some other brands may have different keyboard shortcuts for increasing/decreasing LCD
screen brightness.
2. In some brands you can adjust screen brightness in the BIOS setup menu. Enter the
BIOS and make sure the brightness is set to 100% for AC mode. Correct settings if
needed.
3. Check setting in the power management software installed on your laptop. Make sure
the screen brightness is set to 100% for AC mode. Correct settings if needed.
Laptop starts with pinkish screen. After a while the

screen goes completely dark
The laptop stars with a pinkish screen. All white colors have a light pink tint to it. After a
while the screen goes completely dark. If you restart the laptop it starts with a pinkish
screen again but after some time it goes dark again. Time intervals between screen
failures may vary after each restart. If you reduce the screen brightness, the screen stays
on for a longer time.
Possible cause:
Backlight lamp failure.
Most likely this problem is related to the backlight lamp failure. The backlight lamp starts
failing because it’s getting old. You can replace the backlight lamp inside the LCD screen
which should be done only by an experienced technician. Alternatively, you can replace
the entire LCD screen. This repair is less time consuming and could be done at home by
yourself.
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One side of the laptop screen is more dim that the other
side
One side of the laptop screen is more dim than the other side. Adjusting the screen
brightness doesn’t help.
Possible cause:
Backlight lamp failure.
Most likely this problem is related to the backlight lamp inside the LCD screen.
Apparently, the backlight lamp is getting old and stars failing. If that’s the case, you’ll
have to replace the backlight lamp with a new one which is not easy and should be done
only by an experienced technician. If you’ve never done it before, you’d better to replace
the whole LCD screen.
Laptop stars but the screen remains very dark

The laptop starts but the screen remains very dark. You can hear normal startup sound
even though the screen is almost black. If you look on the screen very closely under the
bright light you can see outlines of normal desktop image.
Possible cause:
1. Inverter board failure.
1. Most likely this problem is related to the inverter board failure. The inverter board
works as a power supply for the backlight lamp inside the LCD screen. When inverter
fails, the laptop start normal but without backlight on the screen. As a result, the image
on the screen is so dark that you can barely see the desktop image. You have a good
chance to fix the problem by replacing the inverter board.
2. If a new inverter board didn’t fix it, most likely you have a faulty backlight lamp inside
the screen. You can try replacing the backlight lamp but it’s not easy and should be done
only by an experienced technician. Otherwise, replace the whole LCD screen.
Laptop screen flickers and after a while goes dark
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The laptop screen works fine on startup but after a while the screen starts to flicker and
goes dark. If you restart the laptop, the screen turns on as normal but later it starts
flickering and goes dark again. Time intervals between screen failure may vary.
Possible cause:
1. Backlight lamp failure.
1. If the screen flickers before it goes dark, most likely the problem is related to the
backlight lamp which is mounted inside the LCD screen. You’ll have to replace the
backlight lamp inside the screen (for advanced technicians only) or replace the whole
screen.
2. Replace the inverter board.
If the screen just go dark without flickering, try replacing the inverter board first and after
that replace the LCD screen (or backlight lamp).
Overheating system
Laptop turns off while playing games

The laptop turns off while playing games. It works fine with all other programs, but after
running a video game for a while the laptop just turns off by itself without any warning.
Possible cause:
Laptop turns off because of overheating. Possible troubleshooting steps and repair
solution:
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Most likely the laptop turns off while playing games because the heat sink is clogged
with dust and the laptop overheats. Video games require a lot of computing resources and
push the CPU and video card to limits. Because of that the laptop runs hotter while
playing games. Apparently the CPU is getting so hot that the laptop turns off by itself to
prevent the damage.
You can fix the problem by cleaning the heat sink. There are two ways: 1. Blow off dust
without opening the laptop. Find an air compressor or buy a can of compressed air and
spray it into the fan grill on the bottom of the laptop. This will remove most dust from the
fan and heat sink and should fix the problem at least for a while.
2. Disassemble the laptop, access the heat sink and clean it. This is the proper way of
cleaning but requires some technical skills.
Laptop fan makes rattling noise

The laptop cooling fan makes rattling noise. The noise comes and goes.
Possible cause:
1. Something stuck inside the fan.
2. Fan failure.
First of all, make sure it’s not the hard drive noise. In some cases a faulty hard drive can
makes noises very similar to a faulty cooling fan.
Take a look inside the cooling fan under a bright light. It’s possible that something got
stuck inside the fan and prevents it from spinning freely. You can remove a stuck object
with needle nose pliers.
Try cleaning the fan with compressed air.
If there is no stuck object inside the fan, most likely the fan has a failed bearing and has
to be replaced. Replace the cooling fan if needed.
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Laptop gets very hot
The laptop gets very hot. The bottom part of the laptop, keyboard and palm rest feel
uncomfortably hot.
Possible cause:
1. Heat sink clogged with dust and laptop overheats.
2. Cooling fan failure.
Most likely your laptop gets very hot because the heat sink is clogged with dust and
because of that the laptop overheats. You can fix the problem by cleaning the heat sink.
Buy a can of compressed air or find an air compressor. Spray air inside the fan grill on
the bottom of the laptop until all dust is gone. Test the laptop.
Also, this problem could be related to the fan failure. Turn on the laptop and take a look
inside the fan grill on the bottom. Can you see the fan spinning? Will it start when the
bottom of the laptop feels really hot? If not, probably you have a faulty fan. Try replacing
the fan.
Laptop cooling fan runs all the time

The laptop cooling fan runs all the time. It was turning on and off before but now it runs
constantly.
Possible cause:
The heatsink is clogged with dust. Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:
Most likely the cooling fan runs all the time because the heatsink is clogged with dust and
has to be cleaned.
A dust buildup inside the heat sink stops normal air flow and because of that the CPU
runs hot all the time. The extensive heat triggers thermal sensors and the cooling fan
starts running.
Because of the dust buildup the CPU temperature is always above the norm, and as a
result, the cooling fan runs all the time.
Most likely you can fix the problem by cleaning the heat sink.
11
Laptop makes a lot of noise when you turn in on
The laptop makes a lot of noise when it’s on. The noise was getting worse over time.
Possible cause:
1. The cooling module is clogged with dust.
2. The cooling fan failure.
3. Hard drive failure.
First of all, take a look into the cooling module. It’ possible that the cooling an is clogged
with dust and the laptop makes a lot of noise because of that. Clean the cooling fan and
heat sink and test the laptop again.
If the laptop makes noise only when the cooling fan spins, most likely you have a faulty
fan. Try replacing the cooling fan.
The hard drive also can be a source of loud noise. Remove the hard drive and boot your
laptop from a live Linux CD (you can use Knoppix). Test the laptop for a while. If the
noise is gone when the hard drive is removed, most likely you have a faulty hard drive. If
that’s the case, back up all personal data from the hard drive as soon as possible because
it may fail any time.
Laptop works fine but after a while shuts down on its

own
The laptop works fine for a while but after some time shuts down on its own without any
warning. After you restart the laptop it works fine but lately shuts down again. When you
touch the bottom of the laptop, it feels hot.
Possible cause:
The problem related to overheating.
1. The cooling system is clogged with dust.
If the laptop shuts down on its own without any warning and the bottom of the laptop
feels hot, most likely it happens because of overheating.
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1. Try cleaning the cooling system – heatsink and cooling fan. Take a look inside the heat
sink and if it’s clogged with dust, blow off the heat sink with compressed air.
2. Make sure the cooling fan is spinning. If the fan doesn’t spin when the laptop is hot,
it’s possible the fan has failed and has to be replaced. Replace the fan with a new one.
3. Check thermal grease between the processor and heat sink. If thermal grease dried out,
you have to clean the processor from the old grease and apply a thin layer of new thermal
grease.
Always use your laptop of a flat surface. Make sure there is some space between the
bottom of the laptop and the surface. In most the cooling system air intakes are located on
the bottom. If you close them, the laptop will overheat and shut down.
Display hinges
Laptop screen is very loose and wobbly

The laptop screen is very loose and wobbly. The screen can stay in the upright position
but it doesn’t feel secure.
Possible cause:
1. Screws securing the hinges are loose.
2. One of the screen hinges is broken.
1. Screws securing the screen hinges could be loose. Tightening screws on the hinges can
help to make the screen less wobbly.
Screws securing the screen hinges could be found in the following locations - On the
bottom of the laptop. Search for screws located right under hinges. Usually only one
screw secures each hinge on the bottom. Try tightening these screws.
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Laptop screen will not stay in the upright position
The laptop screen will not stay in the upright position. When you open the display at a 90
degree angle it will not stay in that position. The screen either falls back or forward.
Possible cause:
One or both display hinges are broken.
Most likley one of the hinges, or both hinges are broken. You have to disassemble the
display panel and find out which hinge is broken. When you replace the broken hinge, do
not forget to inspect the second one. If the second hinge feels loose, consider replacing it
too.
If one of the hinges is broken try replacing it as soon as possible. Using the laptop with a
broken hinge may cause the video cable or LCD screen damage.
Hard drive
Laptop hard drive light stays lit constantly

The laptop hard drive light stays lit constantly. After the laptop is turned on, the initial
logo appears on the screen and after that the hard drive light comes on and stays lit
without blinking. The operating system will not load.
Possible cause:
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Most likely this problem is related to the hard drive failure and the hard drive has to be
replaced. If replacing the hard drive doesn’t fix it, apparently this is the motherboard
failure. There is a slight chance that you have a faulty hard drive controller on the
motherboard and the hard drive not working properly because of that.
Here’s one way to test the hard drive. Remove the hard drive and install it into an
external USB enclosure. You can find this enclosure in any local computer store for $15-
20. After the hard drive is installed, plug the enclosure into any other working computer.
If the drive will not appear in My Computer and you cannot access it, you have a bad
hard drive.
Also, you can use this external enclosure to back up personal files in case if you have the
motherboard failure.
Laptop freezes randomly for a few seconds

The laptop freezes randomly for a few seconds. After a while it starts working properly
but eventually freezes up again. Time intervals between these failures may vary.
Possible cause:
1. Software related problem (spyware or virus).
2. Failing hard drive.
First of all, scan your laptop for viruses and spyware. Remove any malware and test the
laptop again.
If the laptop still freezes intermittently, back up all personal data and try reinstalling the
operating system from scratch.
It’s possible that this intermittent freezing is related to the hard drive failure. Listen for
sounds coming from the hard drive when the laptop freeze up. If the hard drive makes
repetitive clicking sounds, most likely it’s failing.
In some cases, reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling software from scratch fixes the
problem. If not, you’ll have to replace the hard drive with a new one.
15
Laptop will not load Windows after it was dropped
The laptop will not load Windows after it was dropped. The laptop turns on as normal,
the logo appears on the screen but Windows will not start loading. The screen shows only
white writing on black background.
Possible cause:
1. Hard got disconnected from motherboard.
First of all, access the hard drive and take a closer look at the connection between the
hard drive and motherboard. It’s possible that the hard drive got disconnected from the
motherboard when you dropped the laptop. Try reconnecting the hard drive, simply
unplug it from the motherboard and plug back in. Test the laptop after that.
Listen for sounds coming from the hard drive. Can you hear the hard drive spinning? If
not, most likely the hard drive has been damaged and has to be replaced.
To confirm the hard drive failure, you can install it into an external USB enclosure (about
$20 in a local computer store) and connect to another working computer. If the drive
doesn’t work even in the external enclosure, you have a damaged drive. On the other
hand, if the drive works in the enclosure but not in the laptop, it’s likely that the
motherboard was damaged when you dropped the laptop.
Non-system disk or disk error on startup

Non-system disk or disk error message appears on the screen when you start the laptop.
Possible cause:
1. The hard drive is blank. There is no OS installed.
2. Bad connection between hard drive and motherboard.
3. Failed hard drive.
4. Failed motherboard.
1. You can get this message after the hard drive replacement. The message appears if the
hard drive is blank and there is no operating system installed on the drive. Install the
operating system and it should fix the problem.
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2. It’s possible that the hard drive got disconnected from the motherboard and the laptop
cannot see the hard drive. Access the hard drive and try reconnecting it to the
motherboard. Test the laptop after that.
3. It’s possible that you have a failed hard drive. Remove the hard drive and test it outside
the laptop. You can install the hard drive into an external USB enclosure and connect to
another working computer. If the hard drive will not spin or appear in My Computer,
most likely you have a bad drive. Replace the hard drive with a new one.
4. If you are getting the same error message even after the hard drive replacement, most
likely it’s the motherboard problem. You’ll have to replace the motherboard.
Laptop hard drive will not spin up

The laptop turns on but the hard drive will not spin up. You cannot hear any normal
working noise coming from the hard dive. The hard drive appears to be dead.
Possible cause:
Most likely this problem is related to the hard drive failure and here’s what you can do to
test the drive. - Remove the hard drive from the laptop and connect it to an external USB
enclosure ($15-20 in any local computer store). - Connect this enclosure to any other
working computer (laptop or desktop). If the hard drive still doesn’t spin, you have a bad
hard drive.
If the hard drive works fine when connected to the external enclosure but doesn’t work
when connected to the laptop, most likely you have a failed hard drive controller on the
motherboard. If that’s the case, the whole motherboard had to be replaced.
In some laptops the hard drive connects to the motherboard via a cable. In models like
that there is a chance that you have a failed cable. Try replacing the cable first.
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Laptop is running slow
The laptop is booting and running very slow. It takes a few minutes to boot to the
desktop. The laptop was way faster when you bought it.
Possible cause:
1. Software related problem.
2. Not enough memory installed.
This could be a software related problem. It’s possible that you have too many programs
loading on startup at the same time. If the laptop was fast before and very slow now, you
can try reinstalling the operating system from scratch. Back up all personal files and run
the recovery disc. Reimage the hard drive back to factory defaults. Most likely reimaging
the laptop will make it faster.
Also, it’s possible that your laptop needs more memory. Take a look at the system
properties and find out how much memory you have installed. For Windows XP I would
recommend at least 1GB. For Windows Vista at least 3GB. Installing more memory will
speed up your laptop.
If you have enough memory installed and reinstalling the operating system doesn’t help,
it’s likely that you have a failing hard drive. Does your hard drive make grinding noise or
clicking sounds? If it does, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.

Possible cause:
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that’s the case, back up all personal data from the hard drive as soon as possible becuase
it may fail any time
Laptop displays S.M.A.R.T. error on startup

The laptop displays S.M.A.R.T. error on startup. You can bypass the error message by
pressing the F1 key and load the operating system, but on the next reboot the S.M.A.R.T.
error appears again.
Possible cause:
Hard drive is failing.
If the laptop started displaying S.M.A.R.T. error on startup, it means the hard drive is
failing. You should back up all important data from the hard drive as soon as possible and
replace the failing hard drive with a new one
Laptop makes grinding noise and freezes

When you turn on the laptop, it starts loading the operating system but then makes
grinding noise and freezes. Sometimes the laptop works fine for a while, but on the next
reboot it makes grinding noise and freezes again.
Possible cause:
Hard drive failure. Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:
Listen for the grinding noise. Most likely it’s coming from the hard drive area and it
means the hard drive is failing. If you still can boot to the desktop, back up all personal
files as soon as possible and do not store anything important on the laptop. The hard drive
may fail completely any moment.
Replace the failing hard drive with a new one and reinstall the operating system from the
recovery disc.
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Laptop makes clicking sounds on startup
The laptop turns and starts making clicking sounds. The laptop will not load the operating
system or it starts loading and freezes at some point. The clicking sounds coming from
the area where the hard drive is located.
Possible cause:
Hard drive failure.
Most likely this problem is related to the hard drive failure. It’s a mechanical failure
inside the hard drive. You’ll have to replace the failed hard drive with a new one and
reinstall the operating system.
Laptop keyboard
Laptop keyboard works in BIOS menu but not in

Windows
The laptop keyboard works in the BIOS menu but not in Windows. You can enter the
BIOS setup menu and navigate through the menu using keyboard keys. As soon as
Windows loaded, the keyboard stops responding.
Possible cause:
Software related problem.
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Most likely this is a software related problem. If the keyboard works on the BIOS level, it
means the keyboard functions properly.
The best and more efficient way to fix this problem is reinstalling the operating system
from scratch. Back up all personal data and run the recovery disc or installation CD.
There is a very good chance that reinstalling the operating system will make your
keyboard functional again.
One key on laptop keyboard not working

One key on the laptop keyboard is not working. All other keys work properly. The faulty
key doesn’t work even if you press on it very hard. Possible cause:
Keyboard failure.
If you are experiencing a problem with only one key and all other keys work normal, you
have a faulty keyboard. You’ll have to replace the keyboard with a new one. The
keyboard is a sealed unit and cannot be repaired.
Liquid was spilled on the keyboard and now some keys

do not work properly
Liquid was spilled on the laptop keyboard and now some keys do not work properly.
Keys either do not type at all or type wrong letters.
Possible cause:
1. Keyboard is damaged.
2. Motherboard is damaged.
If the laptop keyboard stopped working properly after liquid spill, you’ll have to replace
the whole keyboard with a new one. The keyboard is a sealed unit and cannot be
disassembled and repaired.
If a new keyboard doesn’t fix the problem and some keys still do not work properly, most
likely the motherboard was damaged by liquid. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace
the motherboard.
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Keyboard types numbers instead of some letters
The laptop types numbers instead of some letters. For example, when you press on the
following keys J,K,L,U,I,O it types 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Possible cause:
The keyboard has NumLock enabled.
You have NumLock function enabled on your laptop. Disable NumLock and you’ll get
your letters back.
On some laptops simply press on NumLock button located somewhere in the top row. On
other models you can enable or disable NumLock through the Fn (function) key.Press
and hold down the Fn key and at the same time press once on the NumLock key.
Laptop makes repetitive beeping sound on startup

Laptop makes repetitive beeping sound on startup. It starts beeping as soon as you turn it
on and will not load the operating system. If you press on different keyboard keys the
beeping sounds stops.
Possible cause:
Laptop keyboard failure.
If the laptop starts making a repetitive beeping sound on startup, most likely the keyboard
has a stuck key.
In order to confirm that your problem is related to the keyboard, you can disconnect the
keyboard cable from the motherboard and start the laptop while the keyboard is
disconnected. If the sound is gone, you have a defective keyboard and it has to be
replaced.
If you don’t want to replace the laptop keyboard, you still should be able to us the laptop
with an external USB keyboard. Just make sure the laptop keyboard is disconnected from
the motherboard, otherwise it will not load the operating system.
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Laptop keyboard stopped working
Laptop keyboard stopped working. The laptop starts as normal and loads the operating
system, but non of the keys are working. The touch pad works normal.
Possible cause:
1. Software related issue.
2. Bad keyboard.
4. Keyboard is not connected to the motherboard.
1. Test the keyboard on the BIOS level. Restart the laptop and enter the BIOS setup
menu. Can you use the keyboard in there? If yes, most likely you have a software related
problem. Reinstalling the operating system from scratch will fix it.
2. Test the keyboard in Safe Mode. If the keyboard works in Safe Mode but not in normal
mode, again it’s a software related problem. Try reinstalling the operating system.
3. If the keyboard doesn’t work in Safe Mode or BIOS level, most likely you have a bad
keyboard and it has to be replaced.
4. If the problem still exist even after replacing the keyboard, most likely it’s the
If you suspect that someone worked on the laptop before, remove the keyboard and make
sure the keyboard cable is connected to the motherboard.
Some keys on the keyboard do not work

Some keyboard keys do not work. All remaining keys works normal. The laptop works
properly with an external USB keyboard attached. Reinstalling the operating system
doesn’t help.
Possible cause:
1. Bad connection between the keyboard cable and motherboard.
2. The laptop keyboard failure.
3. The motherboard has a failed keyboard controller.
If some of the keys on your laptop keyboard stopped working, most likely you have a
failed keyboard. Before you replaced the keyboard with a new one try reconnecting the
keyboard cable on the motherboard. Reconnecting the cable might help.
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If reconnecting the cable didn’t help, replace the keyboard with a new one. Most likely
replacing the keyboard will fix your problem.
If not, most likely you have a faulty keyboard controller on the motherboard. This type of
failure is not very common but it happens. In this case you ‘ll have to replace the whole
motherboard.
Keyboard types two letters instead of one letter

When you press on a keyboard key, it types two letters instead of one letter. For example,
when you pressed on the letter “A” it types “AS”. It happens only with some keys. All
remaining keys work properly. You reinstalled the operating system but it didn’t fix the
problem.
Possible cause:
1. Bad connection between the keyboard cable and motherboard.
2. Failed keyboard.
3. Failed keyboard controller on the motherboard.
When your keyboard starts typing two letters instead of one most likely you have a failed
keyboard. Before you replace the keyboard with a new one, try reconnecting the
keyboard cable. It’s possible that contacts inside the connector got oxidized and the cable
doesn’t make good connecting with the motherboard.
If reconnecting the cable doesn’t help, replace the keyboard with a new one.
If you still experiencing the same problem even after replacing the keyboard, most likely
you have a problem with the keyboard controller on the motherboard. If that’s the case,
you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard.
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Laptop makes noise
Laptop makes weird rotating noise

The laptop makes weird rotating noise. The noise either starts as soon as the laptop turned
on or it start intermittently.
Possible cause:
1. DVD drive failure.
There are only three parts inside the laptop able to make weird rotating noise.
1. If the noise starts when you are playing a CD or DVD disc, most likely it’s related to
the optical drive failure. Test the optical drive with different CD and DVD discs. If the
laptop make noise with all discs, replace the optical drive.
2. Take a look inside the fan grill on the bottom. If the noise appears when the fan starts
spinning, most likely you have a faulty cooling fan. Replace the fan.
3. The last part able to create weird rotating noise is the hard drive. If the laptop freezes
while making noise, it’s possible that you have a failing hard drive. In this case back up
all personal data ASAP because the hard drive can fail any moment. Do not store any
important data on a noisy hard drive.
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Laptop fan makes rattling noise
The laptop cooling fan makes rattling noise. The noise comes and goes. Possible cause:
1. Something stuck inside the fan.
2. Fan failure.
First of all, make sure it’s not the hard drive noise. In some cases a faulty hard drive can
makes noises very similar to a faulty cooling fan.
Take a look inside the cooling fan under a bright light. It’s possible that something got
stuck inside the fan and prevents it from spinning freely. You can remove a stuck object
with needle nose pliers.
Try cleaning the fan with compressed air.
If there is no stuck object inside the fan, most likely the fan has a failed bearing and has
to be replaced. Replace the cooling fan if needed.
Laptop freezes randomly for a few seconds

The laptop freezes randomly for a few seconds. After a while it starts working properly
but eventually freezes up again. Time intervals between these failures may vary.
Possible cause:
1. Software related problem (spy ware or virus).
First of all, scan your laptop for viruses and spyware. Remove any malware and test the
laptop again.
If the laptop still freezes intermittently, back up all personal data and try reinstalling the
operating system from scratch.
It’s possible that this intermittent freezing is related to the hard drive failure. Listen for
sounds coming from the hard drive when the laptop freeze up. If the hard drive makes
repetitive clicking sounds, most likely it’s failing.
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In some cases, reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling software from scratch fixes the
problem. If not, you’ll have to replace the hard drive with a new one.
Laptop optical drive makes loud noise playing CD or

DVD disc
The laptop optical drive makes a very louse noise playing a CD or DVD disc.
Possible cause:
1. Bad CD or DVD disc.
2. Optical drive failure.
1. Make sure the noise is coming from the optical drive and it’s not the hard drive or
cooling fan noise.
2. Test your laptop with different CD and DVD discs. If the drive makes noise with one
particular disc, most likely the disc is bad and there is nothing wrong with the optical
drive. Apparently the disc is defective and out of balance.
3. If the optical drive makes loud noise with all CDs and DVDs, you have a faulty drive.
In this case the optical drive has to be replaced.
As an alternative, you can purchase an external USB optical drive and use it instead of
the internal optical drive.

Possible cause:
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that’s the case, back up all personal data from the hard drive as soon as possible because
it may fail any time.
Laptop makes high pitched noise

The laptop makes high pitched noise.
Possible cause:
1. Try reducing the screen brightness. If there is no noise when the screen brightness is
reduced, most likely you have a faulty screen inverter board. In most laptops the inverter
board is located inside the display panel below the LCD screen. Try replacing the inverter
board.
2. Test your laptop with an external monitor. Set the laptop to output video only on the
external monitor. If the high pitched noise is gone when there is no video on the laptop
screen, again, most likely it’s related to the screen inverter.
3. If the laptop makes high pitched noise even when there is no video on the screen, most
likely you have a faulty component somewhere on the motherboard. You’ll have to
replace the motherboard or use it as is.
4. A failing hard drive also can be the source of the very annoying high pitched noise.
You can remove the hard drive and boot your laptop from a live Linux CD (Knoppix for
example). If the noise is gone when the hard dive is removed, most likely that’s your
problem. If the noise is still there, it’s not related to the hard drive.
5. Could be a faulty cooling fan. If the noise appear only when the cooling fan is
spinning, most likely you have a bad fan. Replace the fan.
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Laptop makes grinding noise and freezes
When you turn on the laptop, it starts loading the operating system but then makes
grinding noise and freezes. Sometimes the laptop works fine for a while, but on the next
reboot it makes grinding noise and freezes again.
Possible cause:
Hard drive failure.
Listen for the grinding noise. Most likely it’s coming from the hard drive area and it
means the hard drive is failing. If you still can boot to the desktop, back up all personal
files as soon as possible and do not store anything important on the laptop. The hard drive
may fail completely any moment.
Replace the failing hard drive with a new one and reinstall the operating system from the
recovery disc.
Laptop makes clicking sounds on startup

The laptop turns and starts making clicking sounds. The laptop will not load the operating
system or it starts loading and freezes at some point. The clicking sounds coming from
the area where the hard drive is located.
Possible cause:
Hard drive failure.
Most likely this problem is related to the hard drive failure. It’s a mechanical failure
inside the hard drive. You’ll have to replace the failed hard drive with a new one and
reinstall the operating system from the recovery disc.
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Laptop LCD screen Problem
Lines running through the logo on laptop screen
When you start the laptop, there are lines running though the manufacturer’s logo.
Windows will not load. Same lines running through the logo appear on the external
monitor.
Possible cause:
Video card failure.
When you have lines running through the laptop logo on both internal and external
screens, most likely the laptop has a failed video card. If the video card is a discrete
module, you can try reseating the card. Unplug it from the motherboard and plug back in.
It’s possible this failure occurs because of bad connection between the video card and
motherboard. If reconnecting the card doesn’t help, you’ll have to replace the video card.
In most laptops the video card is integrated into the motherboard and cannot be removed
and replaced separately. If the video card fails, you’ll have to replace the whole
motherboard.
Laptop has transparent vertical stripe on screen
The laptop has a transparent vertical stripe on the screen running from top to bottom. You
still can see the image behind the stripe, but it’s not as bright as image on the rest of the
screen.
Possible cause:
LCD screen failure.
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This is the LCD screen related failure. This problem cannot be repaired at home. If you
have a transparent vertical stripe on the screen, you’ll have to replace it with a new LCD
screen or use as is.
Alternatively, you can use your laptop with an external monitor. The external picture will
not have this stripe.
Laptop screen has horizontal white stripe
The laptop screen has horizontal white stripe. The stripe appears as soon as the laptop is
turned on and runs even on the initial screen with manufacturer’s logo. When the laptop
is booted to the desktop, the image behind the stripe is not visible. The rest of the screen
works fine.
In some cases the stripe can be transparent.
Possible cause:
LCD screen failure.
Most likely this problem is related to the laptop LCD screen failure. The screen cannot be
repaired and has to be replaced. You can confirm the LCD screen failure by testing the
laptop with an external monitor. The external picture should look normal, without any
stripe.
Some regions on the laptop screen are little pinkish
Some regions on the laptop screen are little pinkish. Same pinkish effect appear on the
external monitor connected to the laptop.
Possible cause:
Video card failure.
When the same video defect appears on both the internal LCD screen and external
monitor, most likely this is related to the video card failure.
In most laptops the video card is integrated into the motherboard. If the video card fails,
it’s necessary to replace the whole motherboard.
If the video card is a discrete module, you can replace just the video card without
replacing the motherboard.
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Possible cause:
Possible cause:
2. Memory failure.
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to the motherboard.
One vertical line runs through image on laptop screen
There is one vertical line running through image on laptop screen. The line running
through the entire screen from top to bottom. The line might change colors. Reinstalling
software doesn’t fix the problem.
Possible cause:
LCD screen failure.
A very think line running through the entire screen from top to bottom is a very typical
LCD screen failure. It’s a hardware related failure. Reinstalling the operating system or
video drivers will not help.
In order to fix it, you’ll have to replace the LCD screen. Or use the laptop as is.
These lines tend to multiply. If you get one line, most likely you’ll get more lines in the
future.
Laptop was dropped and screen is white now
The laptop was dropped and the screen is white now. Video on the external monitor
works fine but the laptop screen shows only white color, nothing else.
Possible cause:
1. Video cable disconnected from the LCD screen.
2. Damaged LCD screen.
1. Check connection between the video cable and LCD screen. It’s possible that the video
cable got disconnected when the laptop was dropped. Try reconnecting the video cable
first. Make sure the video cable seated all the way down into the connector on the back of
the LCD screen.
2. If reconnecting the cable doesn’t help, most likely you damaged the LCD screen. The
screen has to be replaced.
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Laptop has garbled picture on internal screen and external monitor
The laptop has garbled image on internal screen and external monitor. In some cases the
garbled image appears as soon as the laptop is turned on. In other cases the video works
fine in safe mode but not in normal mode. But the image always fails on both the internal
screen and external monitor. Reinstalling the video driver doesn’t fix the problem.
Possible cause:
1. Shared memory failure.
2. Video card failure.
1. If the laptop uses shared video memory (part of the main memory is used for the video
purposes), it’s possible that you have a faulty RAM stick. - Test your laptop memory
with Memtest86+ and if the test fails, replace the RAM module. - Test your laptop with a
known good RAM stick and find out if it fixes the problem.
2. In new memory doesn’t fix your problem, most likely you have a faulty video card. In
most laptops the video card is integrated into the motherboard. When the video card fails,
it’s necessary to replace the whole motherboard. In some laptops, the video card is a
discrete module and could be replaced separately from the motherboard.
Laptop screen is very loose and wobbly
The laptop screen is very loose and wobbly. The screen can stay in the upright position
but it doesn’t feel secure.
Possible cause:
1. Screws securing the hinges are loose.
2. One of the screen hinges is broken.
1. Screws securing the screen hinges could be loose. Tightening screws on the hinges can
help to make the screen less wobbly.
Screws securing the screen hinges could be found in the following locations - On the
bottom of the laptop. Search for screws located right under hinges. Usually only one
screw secures each hinge on the bottom. Try tightening these screws.
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Liquid damage
Laptop is completely dead after liquid was spilled on it

The laptop is completely dead after liquid was spilled on it. There are no LED lights
when you plug the power adapter. Nothing happens when you press on the power button.
You let it dry for a few days but the laptop is still dead.
Possible cause:
The motherboard was damaged.
Most likely the laptop doesn’t start because the liquid went down to the motherboard and
damaged it. It’s very likely that some other internal parts were damaged too. It’s
necessary to disassemble the laptop and take a closer look at the motherboard and other
parts.
Liquid was spilled on the keyboard and now some keys

do not work properly
Liquid was spilled on the laptop keyboard and now some keys do not work properly.
Keys either do not type at all or type wrong letters.
Possible cause:
1. Keyboard is damaged.
2. Motherboard is damaged.
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If the laptop keyboard stopped working properly after liquid spill, you’ll have to replace
the whole keyboard with a new one. The keyboard is a sealed unit and cannot be
disassembled and repaired.
If a new keyboard doesn’t fix the problem and some keys still do not work properly, most
likely the motherboard was damaged by liquid. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace
the motherboard.
Laptop Battery Problems
Laptop batteries can be one of the most frustrating parts of an older laptop. They only last
15 minutes, or maybe only 2 seconds, perhaps explode, etc. I created this site to try to
document and analyze these problems. How notebook batteries work
The battery consists of a plastic outer case, metal electrical contacts, an inner metal case
filled with a chemical and special electrical contacts called electrodes, and lastly, perhaps
some control circuitry.
Note that the actual charging circuit is usually part of the laptop mainboard. Battery
chemistry
• Lithium Ion (LIon)

• Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
• Others...
Control circuitry
Different batteries may have none, some, or all of these circuits.
Overheat protection: A themal sensor and circuit cuts off charging and/or usage if the
battery gets too hot.
Over-current / short-circuit protection: Like a circuit breaker, if the current is too high
this will cut off the electricity coming from the battery to prevent explosion or fire.
Over-discharge protection: Certain battery chemistries, such as Lithium Ion, will break
down if the battery gets discharged below a certain point. This circuit cuts off usage just
before this point is reached.
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Status meter / battery tester: Many modern battery have a button you can push, and a
meter of LEDs will show you how charged the battery is.
Reconditioning
Sometimes, battery performance can be improved through a process called

reconditioning. This is usually a special pattern of charges and discharges designed to get
the chemicals back to their original state. I suppose shaking might also be involved, as
certain substances may build up near the electrodes inside.
Laptop turns off when unplugged

The laptop turns off when unplugged even though the battery is plugged in.
Possible cause:
1. Bad battery.
2. Faulty motherboard.
First of all, take a look at the battery icon in the lower right corner of the desktop. If there
is a red cross on the battery icon, the laptop doesn’t see the battery and because of that it
shuts down when you unplug the power adapter. Try reconnecting the battery, maybe it’s
not making good contact with the motherboard. Reconnecting the battery might help.
If reseating the battery doesn’t help, most likely you have a bad battery and it has to be
replaced.
Also, this problem could be related to the motherboard failure, but you cannot tell which
one is causing the problem the battery or motherboard until you test the laptop with
another good battery. If replacing the battery doesn’t help, you have the motherboard
problem. Replace the motherboard or use the laptop as is, just on AC power.
Battery charges only when laptop turned off

The battery charges only when the laptop turned off. The battery charge LED lights up as
normal and the battery gets charged to 100% while the laptop is off. When the laptop is
turned on, the battery charge LED goes off even if the adapter is still plugged in.
Possible cause:
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2. Battery failure.
3. Broken/loose power jack.
1. This problem could be related to a faulty AC power adapter. It’s possible that the AC
adapter doesn’t provide enough power when plugged into the laptop. To find out if this is
your problem, you’ll have to test the laptop with another working adapter. Replace the
adapter if needed.
2. There is a slight chance that you have bad battery. Test the laptop with a know good
battery and replace the faulty one if needed.
3. The battery charge problem could be related to the power jack. Maybe the jack is
broken or not making good contact with the motherboard. It is necessary to remove the
motherboard and take a closer look at the power jack. Resolder or replace the jack if
needed.
4. If the power jack is in a good working shape and new power adapter with battery do
not fix the problem, most likely you have a faulty motherboard. Replace the motherboard
if needed.
Laptop battery discharges quickly

The laptop battery discharges very quickly. The laptop battery charge goes from 100% to
0% in a few minutes. The laptop works normal with AC adapter plugged.
Possible cause:
Battery failure.
If the battery in your laptop discharges very quickly, most likely the battery is getting old
and has to be replaced.
Laptop shuts down when AC adapter unplugged

The laptop shuts down when the AC adapter unplugged even with the battery still
installed into the laptop. The laptop detects the battery and says it’s charged 100% but
will not on the battery power at all. The laptop operates properly from AC power with the
battery removed.
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Possible cause:
1. Battery failure.
Most likely this problem occurs because of the battery failure. Even though the laptop
detects the battery and says it’s 100% charge, it doesn’t mean that the battery is in good
working condition.
If you have a problem like that, try replacing the battery first.
If replacing the battery doesn’t help, most likely you have the motherboard failure. You’ll
have to replace the motherboard or use the laptop as is.
Laptop battery discharges very quickly after reaching

some charge level
The laptop battery discharges very quickly after reaching some charge level. For
example, it takes normal time for the battery to discharge from 100% to 75%, but after
reaching 75% level it discharges to 0% very quickly. The same failure occurs after
recharging the battery again.
Possible cause:
Main battery failure.

This problem is related to the battery failure. Apparently, the battery is getting old and
has to be replaced.
Laptop stopped charging battery

The laptop stopped charging the battery. The laptop shuts down as soon as you unplug
the AC adapter. The laptop works fine from AC power even when the battery is removed.
Possible cause:
1. Bad battery.
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Most likely this problem is related to the battery failure. The battery is dead and has to be
replaced.
If you replaced the battery but it didn’t fix the problem, you have a faulty motherboard.
Apparently, the battery charging circuit on the motherboard is not functions properly.
You’ll have to replace the motherboard or use the laptop as is.
You cannot tell if you have a faulty battery or motherboard without testing the laptop
with another known good battery
Laptop Memory
Laptop starts loading Windows and freezes

The laptop turns on, starts loading Windows and freezes at the loading page. The only
way to turn the laptop off is hard power down.
Possible cause:
1. Memory failure.
2. Corrupted software.
This problem could be related to the memory failure. Here are some things you can try: -
Download and run Memtest86+ memory test. If you are getting errors, the laptop has bad
memory. - If you have only one memory module installed, try moving it into the empty
slot and test the laptop. If the laptop still fails, try replacing the memory module. - If you
have two memory modules installed, remove them one by one and run Memtest86+
(Google it) with each module installed separately. Find the faulty module and replace it.
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If reconnecting and replacing memory doesn’t help, this could be software related
problem. Back up all personal files using an external USB enclosure and reinstall
Windows from scratch.
There is a chance that you have faulty hard drive. Turn on the laptop and listen for sounds
coming from the hard drive. If the hard drive makes repetitive clicking sounds before the
laptop freezes, most likely you have a faulty hard drive. Replace the hard drive with a
new one.
You can test the hard drive with utilities found on Ultimate Boot CD (Google it). Burn
this utility on a CD, boot the laptop from the CD and run hard drive diagnostic utility.
Laptop turns on for a moment and restarts on its own

The laptop turns on for a moment and restarts on its own. The cycle repeats over and over
until you remove the battery. The power light turns on, stays on for a moment, goes off
and turns on again. There is no video when the laptop is on. The problem happens when
the laptop runs on AC or battery power.
Possible cause:
1. Memory failure.
1. Try reseating the memory module, maybe it’s not making good contact with the
motherboard. Try replacing memory with another known good module and test again.
If you have two memory modules installed in the laptop, try removing them one by one
and test the laptop with each module separately. If one of the memory modules is faulty,
replace it with a good one.
2. If reseating/replacing memory modules do not help, most likely this is the motherboard
problem. Replace the motherboard.
Laptop fell down on the floor and will not start now
The laptop fell down on the floor and will not start now. The laptop turns on, the power
LED comes on but nothing appears on the screen. Possible cause:
Memory module disconnected from motherboard.
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First of all, check the memory modules. It’s possible that the memory module poped out
from the slot and the laptop will not start because it cannot detect any memory installed.
Try reconnecting the memory module. Simply remove it from the slot and install back.
Test the laptop and find out if the problem is fixed.
Laptop is running slow

The laptop is booting and running very slow. It takes a few minutes to boot to the
desktop. The laptop was way faster when you bought it.
Possible cause:
2. Not enough memory installed.
This could be a software related problem. It’s possible that you have too many programs
loading on startup at the same time. If the laptop was fast before and very slow now, you
can try reinstalling the operating system from scratch. Back up all personal files and run
the recovery disc. Reimage the hard drive back to factory defaults. Most likely reimaging
the laptop will make it faster.
Also, it’s possible that your laptop needs more memory. Take a look at the system
properties and find out how much memory you have installed. For Windows XP I would
recommend at least 1GB. For Windows Vista at least 3GB. Installing more memory will
speed up your laptop.
If you have enough memory installed and reinstalling the operating system doesn’t help,
it’s likely that you have a failing hard drive. Does your hard drive make grinding noise or
clicking sounds? If it does, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.
The laptop turns on and the power LED lights up but

nothing appears on the screen.
The laptop turns on and the power LED lights up but nothing appears on the screen. The
external monitor also shown no video. Unplugging the laptop from AC power and
removing the battery for a minute doesn’t help.
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Possible cause:
1. Memory failure.
3. Processor failure.
1. Try reconnecting memory modules.
Try removing memory modules one by one and test the laptop with each memory module
separately. This way you can find the faulty memory module.
Try installing memory modules into different slots on the motherboard. If the laptop
works with both modules in one slot, but not in the other slot, the second slot is bad.
If you have only one memory module installed, try replacing it with a known good
module.
2. If reconnecting and replacing memory modules doesn’t help, most likely there is a
problem with the motherboard.
3. Could be bad processor, but processor failures are very rare. The processor would be
the last thing to blame.
Network port
Orange light on network port stopped flashing

Orange light on the laptop network port stopped flashing. The laptop will not connect to
the local network and Internet.
Possible cause:
1. Local Area Connection is disabled.
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2. Defective network cable.
3. Bad network port.
It’s possible the orange link light stopped flashing because the Local Area Connection in
the laptop has been disabled. Check the network connection properties and make sure the
Local Area Connection is enabled.
Windows XP:
Click on Start button >> Right click on My Network Places >> Click on Properties Right
click on Local Area Connections icon and Enable if the connection is disabled.
Windows Vista:
Click on Start button >> Right click on Network >> Click on Properties >> Click on
Manage network connection (in left pane) Right click on Local Area Connections icon
and Enable if the connection is disabled.
If enabling the connection doesn’t help, it’s possible that you have either bad network
cable or broken network port.
Laptop network port is loose

The laptop network port is loose. In order to connect to the Internet you have to wiggle
the cable inside the network port. The light on the network port starts blinking only if you
find the right position for the cable.
Possible cause:
1. Bad network cable.
2. Damaged network port.
First of all, test connection with another network cable. It’s very likely that you have a
damaged network cable. Replace the cable if needed.
Take a look inside the network port. Make sure there are no damaged pins inside the
network port. It’s possible that one of the pins is bent and connection to the network fails
because of that. In some cases you can straighten the bent pin with a thin rigid object.
It’s possible that the network port is broken and it loses contact with the motherboard
when moved. In this case it is necessary to replace the broken port with a new one.
Unfortunately, this is not an easy repair. In most laptops the network port is soldered
directly to the motherboard.
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You can work around this problem without replacing the damaged port. Simply buy a
PCMCIA Network card. Plug this card into the available PC slot in your laptop and get a
network port instead.
Optical drive
Laptop DVD drive not opening

The laptop DVD drive tray will not open. When you press on the eject button, the light
keeps blinking but the DVD drive tray remains closed.
Possible cause:
DVD drive failure.
Most likely this problem is related to DVD drive failure. When the drive light blinks, it
means the drive is getting power from the motherboard. It’s a mechanical problem inside
the drive. In this case the DVD drive has to be replaced with a new one.
If you have a CD or DVD disc stuck inside the drive, you can remove it using a paper
clicp. Straighten the paper clip and insert it into the hole in the drive door. Push the paper
clip into the drive until the door opens up. Remove the disc and close the drive.
You can remove the DVD drive from the laptop and take a closer look inside the tray. It’s
possible that you have a foreign object stuck inside the drive preventing it from opening.
Laptop optical drive light flashing constantly

The laptop optical drive (CD/DVD drive) light flashing constantly. The optical drive will
not read CD or DVD discs. In some cases you cannot even open the drive.
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Possible cause:
1. Bad connection between optical dive and motherboard.
1. Try reconnecting the optical drive. Remove it from the laptop and plug it back in. It’s
possible that the optical drive doesn’t make good connection with the motheboard and
reconnecting the drive will fix the problem.
2. If reconnecting the drive doesn’t fix the problem, most likely this it the drive failure.
Replace the optical drive with a new one.
3. It’s not likely but there is a chance that you have a problem with the motherboard. The
optical drive controller could be bad. If that’s the case, the whole motherboard has to be
replaced.
Alternatively, you can use an external USB optical drive.
Laptop optical drive disappeared from My Computer

The laptop optical drive has disappeared from My Computer. You can see that the hard
drive is still in there but not the optical drive. When you insert a CD or DVD disc into the
optical drive, nothing happens.
Possible cause:
2. Failed optical drive.
3. Problem with motherboard.
First of all, test if the optical drive works on the BIOS level. You can test the drive with
any bootable CD or DVD, for example Windows installation CD, laptop recovery disc,
live Linux CD, etc… Try booting the laptop from the bootable CD or DVD disc. If the
laptop boots from the disc, it means the optical drive functioning properly and your
problem is software related. Try reinstalling the operating system from scratch.
If the optical drive doesn’t work on the BIOS level, most likely the drive is bad and has
to be replaced. Before you replace the optical drive, try reconnecting it to the
motherboard. Just in case, to make sure it’s not a connection related problem.
If reinstalling the operating system and replacing the optical drive still doesn’t fix the
problem, you have a faulty motherboard. Apparently the drive controller is bad and the
motherboard has to be replaced.
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Alternatively, you can buy an external USB optical drive and use it instead of the internal
drive.
Laptop optical drive makes loud noise playing CD or

DVD disc
The laptop optical drive makes a very louse noise playing a CD or DVD disc.
Possible cause:
1. Bad CD or DVD disc.
1. Make sure the noise is coming from the optical drive and it’s not the hard drive or
cooling fan noise.
2. Test your laptop with different CD and DVD discs. If the drive makes noise with one
particular disc, most likely the disc is bad and there is nothing wrong with the optical
drive. Apparently the disc is defective and out of balance.
3. If the optical drive makes loud noise with all CDs and DVDs, you have a faulty drive.
In this case the optical drive has to be replaced.
As an alternative, you can purchase an external USB optical drive and use it instead of
the internal optical drive.
Laptop cannot read CD or DVD disc

The laptop cannot read CD or DVD disc. It can see files on a CD disc but not DVD disc
or vice versa. You tried a few different CDs or DVDs but same problem occurs.
Possible cause:
CD/DVD drive failure.
If the laptop stopped reading CD discs or DVD discs, most likely you have a faulty
optical drive.
If the laptop stopped reading both CDs and DVDs, it’s possible that you have software
related problem. Try reinstalling the operating system.
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But if all CD discs work just fine but not DVD discs or vice versa, most likely it’s the
optical drive failure. You’ll have to replace the optical drive.
Alternatively, you can use an external USB optical drive. You plug the drive into the
USB port in your laptop and use it same way as the internal drive.
Power jack
Laptop switches from AC power to battery power when

adapter still plugged
The laptop switches from AC power to battery power even when the AC adapter is still
plugged into the laptop. The AC power light goes off but the laptop keeps running from
the battery. If you adjust the position of the power plug inside the socket, the power
switches back to AC. The problem is intermittent. Intervals between the power failure
may vary.
Possible cause:
2. DC power jack failure.
First of all, test the AC power adapter. It’s possible that the power cord on the AC
adapter is damaged. When the cord is moved, power stops coming from the adapter to the
laptop and it starts running from the battery. In most cases the damage occurs in the area
where the cord is connected to the power plug.
You have a couple of options here:
1. Test your AC adapter with a voltmeter. Make sure the power is not cutting off when
you move the power cord.
2. Test your laptop with another known good AC adapter.
If you still experiencing the same problem with a new AC power adapter, most likely
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your problem is related to the power jack inside the laptop. The power jack is a socket
where you plug the adapter.
It’s necessary to remove the motherboard and take a closer look at the power jack. 1.
Resolder the power jack if it’s not making good contact with the motherboard.
2. Replace the power jack if it’s broken.
Laptop is completely dead

The laptop is completely dead. When you plug the AC adapter and press on the power
button, nothing happens. The laptop has no signs of life at all. None of the LED lights is
working.
Possible cause:
2. Power jack failure.
1. Test the AC adapter with a multimeter. It’s possible that you have a failed AC adapter.
If you don’t have a multimeter, test your laptop with another known good AC adapter.
2. It’s possible that power jack (socket where you plug the AC adapter) is broken.
Remove the motherboard and take a closer look at the power jack. In some cases you can
fix the jack by resoldering it on the motherboard. In other cases you have to replace the
jack with a new one. Using a multimeter, test if the power goes to the motherboard
through the jack.
3. If replacing the AC power adapter and jack on the motherboard doesn’t help, most
likely you have a bad motherboard. Replace the motherboard.
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CPU/Processor
Laptop turns on, power LED lights up but nothing on

the screen
The laptop turns on and the power LED lights up but nothing appears on the screen. The
external monitor also shown no video. Unplugging the laptop from AC power and
removing the battery for a minute doesn’t help.
Possible cause:
1. Memory failure.
3. Processor failure.
1. Try reconnecting memory modules.
Try removing memory modules one by one and test the laptop with each memory module
separately. This way you can find the faulty memory module.
Try installing memory modules into different slots on the motherboard. If the laptop
works with both modules in one slot, but not in the other slot, the second slot is bad.
If you have only one memory module installed, try replacing it with a known good
module.
2. If reconnecting and replacing memory modules doesn’t help, most likely there is a
problem with the motherboard.
3. Could be bad processor, but processor failures are very rare. The processor would be
the last thing to blame.
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Screen inverter

Possible cause:

Possible cause:
2. Memory failure.
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to the motherboard.
Laptop screen goes black for no reason

The laptop screen goes black for no reason. The laptop starts properly and the screen
works properly for some time, but later it just goes black. After you restart the laptop, the
screen goes black after some time again.
Possible cause:
Most likely this problem is related to the screen inverter failure. The inverter board works
as a power supply for the backlight lamp. When inverter fails, the screen goes dark. You
still can see a very faint image on the screen but it’s very dark. Try replacing the inverter
board first. It’s located inside the display panel below the LCD screen.
If a new inverter doesn’t fix the problem and the screen still goes dark after some time,
most likely you have a faulty backlight lamp inside the LCD screen. If that’s the case,
you’ll have to replace the screen. It’s possible to replace just the backlight lamp but it’s
not easy and should be done only by an experienced technician.
When inverter or backlight lamp fails, you still should be able to use the laptop with
video on the external monitor.
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Laptop makes high pitched noise
The laptop makes high pitched noise.
Possible cause:
1. Try reducing the screen brightness. If there is no noise when the screen brightness is
reduced, most likely you have a faulty screen inverter board. In most laptops the inverter
board is located inside the display panel below the LCD screen. Try replacing the inverter
board.
2. Test your laptop with an external monitor. Set the laptop to output video only on the
external monitor. If the high pitched noise is gone when there is no video on the laptop
screen, again, most likely it’s related to the screen inverter.
3. If the laptop makes high pitched noise even when there is no video on the screen, most
likely you have a faulty component somewhere on the motherboard. You’ll have to
replace the motherboard or use it as is.
4. A failing hard drive also can be the source of the very annoying high pitched noise.
You can remove the hard drive and boot your laptop from a live Linux CD (Knoppix for
example). If the noise is gone when the hard dive is removed, most likely that’s your
problem. If the noise is still there, it’s not related to the hard drive.
5. Could be a faulty cooling fan. If the noise appear only when the cooling fan is
spinning, most likely you have a bad fan. Replace the fan.
Laptop stars but the screen remains very dark

The laptop starts but the screen remains very dark. You can hear normal startup sound
even though the screen is almost black. If you look on the screen very closely under the
bright light you can see outlines of normal desktop image.
Possible cause:
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1. Most likely this problem is related to the inverter board failure. The inverter board
works as a power supply for the backlight lamp inside the LCD screen. When inverter
fails, the laptop start normal but without backlight on the screen. As a result, the image
on the screen is so dark that you can barely see the desktop image. You have a good
chance to fix the problem by replacing the inverter board.
2. If a new inverter board didn’t fix it, most likely you have a faulty backlight lamp inside
the screen. You can try replacing the backlight lamp but it’s not easy and should be done
only by an experienced technician. Otherwise, replace the whole LCD screen.
Laptop screen flickers and after a while goes dark

The laptop screen works fine on startup but after a while the screen starts to flicker and
goes dark. If you restart the laptop, the screen turns on as normal but later it starts
flickering and goes dark again. Time intervals between screen failure may vary.
Possible cause:
1. Backlight lamp failure.
1. If the screen flickers before it goes dark, most likely the problem is related to the
backlight lamp which is mounted inside the LCD screen. You’ll have to replace the
backlight lamp inside the screen (for advanced technicians only) or replace the whole
screen.
2. Replace the inverter board.
If the screen just go dark without flickering, try replacing the inverter board first and after
that replace the LCD screen (or backlight lamp).
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Startup problems
Laptop starts loading Windows and freezes

The laptop turns on, starts loading Windows and freezes at the loading page. The only
way to turn the laptop off is hard power down.
Possible cause:
1. Memory failure.
2. Corrupted software.
This problem could be related to the memory failure. Here are some things you can try: -
Download and run Memtest86+ memory test. If you are getting errors, the laptop has bad
memory. - If you have only one memory module installed, try moving it into the empty
slot and test the laptop. If the laptop still fails, try replacing the memory module. - If you
have two memory modules installed, remove them one by one and run Memtest86+
(Google it) with each module installed separately. Find the faulty module and replace it.
If reconnecting and replacing memory doesn’t help, this could be software related
problem. Back up all personal files using an external USB enclosure and reinstall
Windows from scratch.
There is a chance that you have faulty hard drive. Turn on the laptop and listen for sounds
coming from the hard drive. If the hard drive makes repetitive clicking sounds before the
laptop freezes, most likely you have a faulty hard drive. Replace the hard drive with a
new one.
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You can test the hard drive with utilities found on Ultimate Boot CD (Google it). Burn
this utility on a CD, boot the laptop from the CD and run hard drive diagnostic utility.

monitor.
Possible cause:
Video card failure.
screens, most likely the laptop has a failed video card.
If the video card is a discrete module, you can try reseating the card. Unplug it from the
motherboard and plug back in. It’s possible this failure occurs because of bad connection
between the video card and motherboard. If reconnecting the card doesn’t help, you’ll
have to replace the video card.
motherboard.
Laptop powers on to blank black screen

The laptop powers on to a blank black screen. The screen has no image and will not light
up. The hard drive light will not blink. The laptop turns on but nothing happens.
Possible cause:
1. Memory failure.
3. CPU failure.
Test the laptop with an external monitor and confirm that there is no video on the external
screen.
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If the laptop powers on to a blank black screen, check the laptop memory first. It’s very
likely that you have memory related failure.
Try reconnecting the memory module, maybe it’s not making good contact with the slot.
Try moving the memory module into another slot, maybe the first slot failed.
If you have two memory modules installed in your laptop, remove them one by one. One
of the memory modules could be bad (it’s very unlikely that both modules failed at the
same time). Test the laptop with each module separately, try different slots.
If you have only one memory module installed, try replacing it with a new memory.
If reconnecting, replacing memory modules doesn’t help, most likely this is motherboard
failure. Replace the motherboard.
CPU failures are very rare but it happens once in a while. From my experience, you can
get one or two failed CPUs on a hundred failed motherboards.
Laptop starts with PXE-E61 Media test failure error

The laptop starts with a PXE-E61 media test failure error on a black screen. The
operating system will not load.
Possible cause:
1. Hard drive is blank.
2. Poor connection between hard drive and motherboard.
4. Failed hard drive controller on motherboard.
The problem is related to the hard drive. The laptop displays this error because it cannot
see the hard drive or data on the hard drive.
1. If you get this error message after the hard drive replacement, simply reinstall the
operating system and it should be fixed. Most likely the new hard drive is blank and the
laptop cannot boot from it.
2. Enter the BIOS setup menu and find out if the hard drive is listed in there. If the hard
drive is not listed, try reconnecting the drive, maybe it’s not making good contact with
the motherboard. Unplug the hard drive from the motherboard and plug it back in.
3. If the hard drive is listed (or not listed) in the BIOS, remove it from the laptop and test
in an external USB enclosure. Connect the enclosure to another working computer. Find
out if the hard drive spins or detected by the OS when connected to another computer. If
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the drive doesn’t spin and not detected by the OS, you have a bad hard drive.
4. If the hard drive works fine while connected to another computer, but doesn’t work
when installed into the laptop, most likely there is a problem with the controller on the
motherboard. The motherboard has to be replaced.
Laptop hard drive light stays lit constantly

The laptop hard drive light stays lit constantly. After the laptop is turned on, the initial
logo appears on the screen and after that the hard drive light comes on and stays lit
without blinking. The operating system will not load.
Possible cause:
Most likely this problem is related to the hard drive failure and the hard drive has to be
replaced. If replacing the hard drive doesn’t fix it, apparently this is the motherboard
failure. There is a slight chance that you have a faulty hard drive controller on the
motherboard and the hard drive not working properly because of that.
Here’s one way to test the hard drive. Remove the hard drive and install it into an
external USB enclosure. You can find this enclosure in any local computer store for $15-
20. After the hard drive is installed, plug the enclosure into any other working computer.
If the drive will not appear in My Computer and you cannot access it, you have a bad
hard drive.
Also, you can use this external enclosure to back up personal files in case if you have the
Laptop turns on for a moment and restarts on its own

The laptop turns on for a moment and restarts on its own. The cycle repeats over and over
until you remove the battery. The power light turns on, stays on for a moment, goes off
and turns on again. There is no video when the laptop is on. The problem happens when
the laptop runs on AC or battery power.
Possible cause:
1. Memory failure.
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1. Try reseating the memory module, maybe it’s not making good contact with the
motherboard. Try replacing memory with another known good module and test again.
If you have two memory modules installed in the laptop, try removing them one by one
and test the laptop with each module separately. If one of the memory modules is faulty,
replace it with a good one.
2. If reseating/replacing memory modules do not help, most likely this is the motherboard
problem. Replace the motherboard.
Laptop will not load Windows after it was dropped

The laptop will not load Windows after it was dropped. The laptop turns on as normal,
the logo appears on the screen but Windows will not start loading. The screen shows only
white writing on black background.
Possible cause:
1. Hard got disconnected from motherboard.
First of all, access the hard drive and take a closer look at the connection between the
hard drive and motherboard. It’s possible that the hard drive got disconnected from the
motherboard when you dropped the laptop. Try reconnecting the hard drive, simply
unplug it from the motherboard and plug back in. Test the laptop after that.
Listen for sounds coming from the hard drive. Can you hear the hard drive spinning? If
not, most likely the hard drive has been damaged and has to be replaced.
To confirm the hard drive failure, you can install it into an external USB enclosure (about
$20 in a local computer store) and connect to another working computer. If the drive
doesn’t work even in the external enclosure, you have a damaged drive. On the other
hand, if the drive works in the enclosure but not in the laptop, it’s likely that the
motherboard was damaged when you dropped the laptop.
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Non-system disk or disk error on startup
Non-system disk or disk error message appears on the screen when you start the laptop.
Possible cause:
1. The hard drive is blank. There is no OS installed.
2. Bad connection between hard drive and motherboard.
1. You can get this message after the hard drive replacement. The message appears if the
hard drive is blank and there is no operating system installed on the drive. Install the
operating system and it should fix the problem.
2. It’s possible that the hard drive got disconnected from the motherboard and the laptop
cannot see the hard drive. Access the hard drive and try reconnecting it to the
motherboard. Test the laptop after that.
3. It’s possible that you have a failed hard drive. Remove the hard drive and test it outside
the laptop. You can install the hard drive into an external USB enclosure and connect to
another working computer. If the hard drive will not spin or appear in My Computer,
most likely you have a bad drive. Replace the hard drive with a new one.
4. If you you are getting the same error message even after the hard drive replacement,
most likley it’s the motherboard problem. You’ll have to replace the motherboard.
Laptop fell down on the floor and will not start now
The laptop fell down on the floor and will not start now. The laptop turns on, the power
LED comes on but nothing appears on the screen.
Possible cause:
Memory module disconnected from motherboard.
First of all, check the memory modules. It’s possible that the memory module popped out
from the slot and the laptop will not start because it cannot detect any memory installed.
Try reconnecting the memory module. Simply remove it from the slot and install back.
Test the laptop and find out if the problem is fixed.
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Laptop power light doesn’t come on when AC adapter
plugged
The laptop power light doesn’t come on when AC adapter plugged into the laptop. The
power light used to light up as soon as you plug the power adapter but no there is no
light.
Possible cause:
2. Power socket failure.
1. Test the AC adapter with a voltmeter. Make sure the AC adapter outputs correct
voltage. Alternatively, you can test the laptop with another known good adapter and see if
it fixes the problem. Replace AC adapter if needed.
2. If the power socket inside the laptop was getting loose before the power light failure,
it’s possible that you have a broken power socket. It is necessary to open up the laptop an
take a closer look at the power socket a.k.a. DC power jack. Replace the power socket if
needed.
3. This problem could be related to the motherboard failure. If the power socket and
power adapter are in good working condition, but you still have no power light, most
likely you have a failed motherboard.
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USB ports
Laptop USB port is loose and stopped working

One USB port in the laptop is loose and stopped working. When you plug a USB device
into this port nothing happens, it’s not detected by the laptop. The same USB device
works fine in all other USB ports in the laptop.
Possible cause:
1. Bad connection between the USB port and motherboard.
2. USB port broken.
1. In most laptops USB ports are soldered directly to the motherboard or USB board. If
you use USB ports a lot, overtime the solder joints between the port and motherboard can
get cracked and the port loses contact with the motherboard. That’s why it feels loose and
the USB device plugged into this port is not recognized. Resoldering the USB port might
fix the problem.
2. The USB port could be broken. You’ll have to replace the broken port or use only
remaining working ports.
If all USB ports are broken and you don’t want to spend money fixing them, you can buy
a PCMCIA USB card. You plug this card into the available PC slot in your laptop and get
2 or 4 USB ports.
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Laptop detects USB device only if you wiggle it inside
the USB port
One of the USB ports in the laptop does not work properly. The laptop detects a USB
device only if you wiggle it inside the USB port. You have to adjust the position of the
USB device in order to make it work. All other USB ports in the laptop work normal.
Possible cause:
USB port failure. The port itself is broken or connection between the USB port and
motherboard is broken.
If a USB device has to be wiggled inside the USB port in order to be detected, most
likely the USB port is broken and has to be resoldered or replaced.
It happens when the USB port itself is damaged or connection between the USB port and
motherboard is broken.
1. Remove the motherboard and resoldered the problematic USB port.

2. Unsolder the broken USB port from the motherboard and replace it with a new one.
All laptop USB ports stopped working

All laptop USB ports stopped working. You tested them with a few different USB
devices but none of them is detected. When you plug a USB device into either USB port,
the laptop doesn’t react at all.
Possible cause:
2. Motherboard problem.
It’s likely that all USB ports stopped working because of software related problem.
1. Enter the device manager and uninstall all USB related entries found in Universal
Serial Bus controllers. Restart the laptop and let it redetect USB ports and reinstall
drivers.
2. If manipulations with the device manager do not help, try reinstalling the operating
system. It’s possible that reinstalling the operating system will fix your USB ports.
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If reinstalling the operating system doesn’t help, most likely it’s a hardware related
problem. You’ll have to replace the motherboard because all USB ports are controlled by
a circuit integrated into the motherboard.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to replace the motherboard, you can use a PCMCIA USB
card.
You plug this PCMCIA USB card into the available PC slot in your laptop and get 2 or 4
USB ports instead.
Video Card

monitor.
Possible cause:
Video card failure.
screens, most likely the laptop has a failed video card.
If the video card is a discrete module, you can try reseating the card. Unplug it from the
motherboard and plug back in. It’s possible this failure occurs because of bad connection
between the video card and motherboard. If reconnecting the card doesn’t help, you’ll
have to replace the video card.
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motherboard.
Some regions on the laptop screen are little pinkish

Some regions on the laptop screen are little pinkish. Same pinkish effect appear on the
external monitor connected to the laptop. Possible cause:
Video card failure.
When the same video defect appears on both the internal LCD screen and external
monitor, most likely this is related to the video card failure.
In most laptops the video card is integrated into the motherboard. If the video card fails,
it’s necessary to replace the whole motherboard.
If the video card is a discrete module, you can replace just the video card without
replacing the motherboard.
Laptop has garbled picture on internal screen and

external monitor
The laptop has garbled image on internal screen and external monitor. In some cases the
garbled image appears as soon as the laptop is turned on. In other cases the video works
fine in safe mode but not in normal mode. But the image always fails on both the internal
screen and external monitor. Reinstalling the video driver doesn’t fix the problem.
Possible cause:
1. Shared memory failure.
1. If the laptop uses shared video memory (part of the main memory is used for the video
purposes), it’s possible that you have a faulty RAM stick. - Test your laptop memory
with Memtest86+ and if the test fails, replace the RAM module. - Test your laptop with a
known good RAM stick and find out if it fixes the problem.
2. In new memory doesn’t fix your problem, most likely you have a faulty video card. In
most laptops the video card is integrated into the motherboard. When the video card fails,
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it’s necessary to replace the whole motherboard. In some laptops, the video card is a
discrete module and could be replaced separately from the motherboard.
Laptop starts with random characters on the screen

Laptop displays some random characters on the screen with initial manufacturer’s logo.
Random characters are scattered all over the screen and appear as soon as you start the
laptop. You can distinguish vertical rows or random characters.
Possible cause:
1. Shared video memory failure.
3. LCD screen failure.
1. If your laptop has shared video memory (part of the main memory is used for video
purposes), try replacing the memory module with a known good one and test the laptop.
If you have two memory modules installed, try removing them one by one and test the
laptop with each memory module separately. This way you can isolate the faulty memory
module.
2. Test your laptop with an external monitor. If random characters appear on both internal
and external screen, most likely your problem is related to the video card. In laptops with
discrete video card you can replace just the video card. In laptops with integrated video
card (it’s built into the motherboard) you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard.
3. If random characters appear only on the laptop LCD scree but external video works
normal, most likely it’s related to the LCD screen. You’ll have to replace the screen.
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Video cable
Laptop was dropped and screen is white now

The laptop was dropped and the screen is white now. Video on the external monitor
works fine but the laptop screen shows only white color, nothing else.
Possible cause:
1. Video cable disconnected from the LCD screen.
2. Damaged LCD screen.
1. Check connection between the video cable and LCD screen. It’s possible that the video
cable got disconnected when the laptop was dropped. Try reconnecting the video cable
first. Make sure the video cable seated all the way down into the connector on the back of
the LCD screen.
2. If reconnecting the cable doesn’t help, most likely you damaged the LCD screen. The
screen has to be replaced.
Lower part of the screen display horizontal lines and

flickers
The lower part of the laptop screen displays horizontal lines running from left to right and
flickers. Moving the screen makes the image better or worse. The top part of the screen
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displays image properly. You’ve tested the laptop with an external monitor and the
external video appears to be normal.
Possible cause:
1. Bad connection between the video cable and motherboard/LCD screen.
2. Bad video cable.
3. Bad LCD screen.
1. Try reconnecting the video cable connection on the motheboard.

2. Try reconnecting the video cable connection on the back of the LCD screen.
3. Try replacing the video cable with a new one.
4. Try replacing the LCD screen with a new one.
One of few colors are missing on the laptop screen

The laptop screen works normal but one or few colors are missing. All colors are
displayed properly on an external monitor connected to the laptop. The colors are missing
only on the laptop screen.
Possible cause:
1. Poor connection between the video cable and LCD screen or motherboard/video card.
2. Defective video cable.
1. Try reseating connection between the video cable and LCD screen. Unplug the video
cable from the LCD screen and plug it back in. Make sure the video cable connector
plugged all the way into the connector on the screen. Check connection between the
video cable and motherboard/video card.
2. If reconnecting the cable doesn’t help, try replacing the video cable with a new one.
Apparently, the video cable is defective and has to be replaced.
Image on the laptop screen has slight ghosting

Image on the laptop screen has slight ghosting behind letters and icons. If you adjust the
display and find the right position the ghosting disappears but it comes back if you move
the display again. The laptop doesn’t have any ghosting on the external monitor. The
ghosting appears only on the laptop screen.
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Possible cause:
1. Video cable failure.
2. Bad connection between the video cable and LCD screen.
2. LCD screen failure.
Most likely this problem is related to the video cable failure. The video cable transfers
data signal from the motherboard to LCD screen and apparently there is a short inside the
cable. When you adjust the display, you actually flexing the cable. When you find the
right position, there is no short inside the cable and the video goes back to normal. If
that’s the case, you’ll have to replace the video cable.
Before replacing the video cable try reconnecting it on the back of the LCD screen, just
to make sure it’s not a connection related problem. Reconnect the video cable and test the
laptop.
If replacing the cable doesn’t help, most likely it’s the LCD screen failure. You’ll have to
replace the LCD screen.
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Wireless connection
Laptop connects to wireless router but not Internet

The laptop connects to the wireless router but not Internet. You open the web browser but
cannot access any website. Another computer works fine with the same router.
Possible cause:
1. Wrong settings.
1. Go to the browser internet options and reset settings back to defaults. Restart the laptop
and try connecting to the Internet.
2. Check connection setting in the wireless router. They must match settings entered in
the laptop.
3. If all connection setting entered correctly but you still cannot access the Internet, try
downloading and reinstalling the wireless card driver.
4. Back up all personal data and reinstall Windows from scratch. Install wireless card
driver. Test connection to the Internet again.
Laptop cannot detect wireless card

The laptop cannot detect the internal wireless card. The wireless card used to work fine
but now it disappeared from the device manager. It looks like there is no wireless card
installed even though the card is installed.
Possible cause:
1. Poor connection between the wireless card and slot.
2. Software problem.
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3. Wireless card failure.
4. Wireless slot failure.
Here are some troubleshooting steps in case if your laptop stopped detecting the wireless
card:
1. Try reconnecting the wireless card. It’s possible that connectors on the wireless card or
inside the slot got oxidized and the card doesn’t make good contact with the slot
anymore. Reconnecting the wireless card might fix the problem.
2. Try reinstalling the operating system from scratch. It could be software related
problem.
3. If reconnecting the card and reinstalling the operating system doesn’t help, most likely
you have a faulty wireless card. Try replacing it with a new one.
4. If replacing the wireless card doesn’t help, most likely it’s faulty slot on the
motherboard. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace the motherboard.
Alternatively, you can use an external PCMCIA wireless card instead of internal card.
You plug this card into the available PC slot in your laptop, install the driver and use it
same way you used the internal wireless card.
Laptop stopped connecting to wireless network

The laptop stopped connecting to the wireless network. The wireless connection used to
work fine but now it’s not working. You tested your laptop with a few wireless routers
without any luck.
Possible cause:
1. Wrong settings for the wireless card.
2. Bad or corrupted software.
3. Wireless card or router failure.
1. Make sure the laptop can see the wireless router. If the laptop doesn’t see the wireless
router, make sure the wireless switch in your laptop is turned on.
2. Check network properties and make sure the wireless adapter is enabled.
3. Make sure the wireless router is turned on. Test your laptop with another wireless
router if you can.
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4. If the laptop can connect to the wireless router but cannot access the Internet, make
sure that your wireless card settings match the wireless router settings. Make sure the
security key in your laptop matches the securing key entered in the wireless router.
5. Access the device manager and try uninstalling the wireless adapter. Restart the laptop
and let it redetect the adapter and reinstall the device driver.
6. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the wireless card driver. Try
reinstalling the driver.
7. Back up all personal data and try reinstalling the operating system from scratch.
8. If all software tricks do not work and all setting are correct, but you still cannot access
the wireless network, try replacing the wireless card.
72

System Component Troubleshooting

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System Component Troubleshooting

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System Component Troubleshooting

AC power adapter problems

Battery charges only when laptop turned off

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop adapter makes buzzing noise

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop switches from AC power to battery power when

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

You have a couple of options here:

Possible cause: 1. AC adapter is dead.

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop screen turns on, flickers and goes black

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop starts with blank screen

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

The screen gets dimmer when AC adapter is plugged

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop starts with pinkish screen. After a while the

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop stars but the screen remains very dark

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop screen flickers and after a while goes dark

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop turns off while playing games

Laptop fan makes rattling noise

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Try cleaning the fan with compressed air.

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop cooling fan runs all the time

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop works fine but after a while shuts down on its

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop screen is very loose and wobbly

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop hard drive light stays lit constantly

Laptop freezes randomly for a few seconds

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Non-system disk or disk error on startup

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop hard drive will not spin up

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop makes a lot of noise when you turn in on

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop displays S.M.A.R.T. error on startup

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop makes grinding noise and freezes

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop keyboard works in BIOS menu but not in

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

One key on laptop keyboard not working

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Liquid was spilled on the keyboard and now some keys

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Laptop makes repetitive beeping sound on startup

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Possible troubleshooting steps and repair solution:

Some keys on the keyboard do not work