Questions tagged [laptop-repair]
Questions about performing repairs on your mobile computer
385
questions
49
votes
8
answers
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How to mitigate any privacy-related risks associated with taking your laptop for repair? [duplicate]
Either my fan or my battery on my refurbished laptop is malfunctioning and it frequently overheats and shuts itself down. I wasn't able to determine the culprit and thought it best to show my laptop ...
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22
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Greasy water in laptop's DIMM slot
I have a laptop that got some soup spilled onto it between the space bar and the touchpad. Almost all of the soup ended up in the upper DIMM slot which sits underneath the keyboard.
I took the laptop ...
- 325
22
votes
4
answers
32k
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Can I safely charge my laptop with a non-standard, third-party charger? [duplicate]
I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop. My charger has stopped working.
I have access to a Lenovo charger. Can I use this charger on my laptop?
- 301
12
votes
2
answers
2k
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My MacBook is a Battery Denier
I have a four year old MacBook rev 1,1 (the original Intel Core Duo). Just recently it has begun denying the existence of its battery while still happily running unplugged. I get the X battery icon ...
- 2,216
11
votes
8
answers
20k
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I just spilt coffee on my laptop, what should I do?
I have just dropped a half full latté on my company laptop and am not sure what to do.
Is there a way I can make sure that my laptop is usable again?
What steps must I go through to improve it's ...
- 784
11
votes
3
answers
7k
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Reviving a dead laptop battery
Is there any way to revive a dead laptop battery?
I have a three year old Dell Latitude laptop that I've been using pretty intensively. After a year or so, the battery dropped dead - if I plug the ...
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6
votes
4
answers
13k
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How to repair a laptop's screen hinges?
I want to repair a laptop which has been heavily damaged by a fall.
The display is kept in place by two metal hinges, one by side, whose attach on the plastic underneath and on the motherboard.
...
- 446
6
votes
3
answers
2k
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Will a laptop run well indefinitely as long as its components are updated when necessary? [closed]
I'd just like to know about what it takes to keep a laptop running and if it will be similar to new so long as it's components are updated.
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6
votes
2
answers
6k
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Laptop wifi card doesn't look like I expect
I've been having intermittent problems with the Internet connection of my HP Envy, which has an Atheros Wifi card. Some googling indicates that this is a fairly common problem with these laptops.
I ...
- 175
6
votes
5
answers
16k
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HP Laptop stuck in reboot cycle (won't clear POST) after BIOS upgrade
I've almost finished rebuilding an HP dv9702ea. The windows/software part went fine.
However after that I thought I would update the BIOS with the latest as found on HP's website. It appeared to ...
- 151
6
votes
2
answers
13k
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will older laptop screens work to replace broken newer laptop screens?
For example, if I have an old p4 acer laptop with a perfect screen, and a newer dual core acer laptop with a cracked screen, can I swap the screen in to the newer unit (assuming it's the same size)? ...
- 1,883
5
votes
2
answers
2k
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Pink sticky strip inside laptop
I had spilled a drink onto my laptop keyboard. During disassembly, I found this strange item inside. Looks like a piece of sticky rubber.
What is it? What is the purpose of it?
5
votes
1
answer
11k
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What is the cause of these "dead" pixels which are visible even when the screen is off?
After partially disassembling and re-assembling an old dell Inspiron 1525, I noticed a row of four apparently dead pixels which weren't there before.
This row gradually grew to a largish blotch which ...
- 683
5
votes
1
answer
1k
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Can I run with a computer in my backpack?
This maybe a tad off-topic, but as it says on meta, hardware questions should be fine on Super User.
I want to run home from work (~20 min of jogging) but I need to bring with me my laptop, a Macbook ...
- 529
5
votes
2
answers
2k
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Installing new OS without screen?
I got an old laptop which works perfectly except for a broken screen. I would like to install Linux on it and use it as a home server. The problem is that the VGA output works only after it boots into ...
- 193
5
votes
2
answers
4k
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How can I safely remove my laptop's entire lid?
Short version: son uses laptop. Laptop is mysteriously broken.
Something got badly crushed in the lid. After replacing both the LCD and inverter card I'm ready to declare the display defunct.
...
- 1,541
5
votes
2
answers
4k
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How to figure out whether GPU, CPU or motherboard is broken?
So I was "hacking" my internal laptop monitor (basically I was trying to understand the pinout and try to use it externally). During that I used continuity checker to trace circuitry.
It is my old ...
- 317
4
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Replacing the LCD panel in a laptop
Yesterday, I was cleaning up and dropped my Asus Eee 1005PE. The screen is cracked inside (i.e., cracks are visible only when on), and no longer works properly. I booted up with another monitor ...
4
votes
3
answers
182
views
Damaged laptop power plug?
Should I be worried about a damaged computer plug? My parents (or someone) knocked it over today. I notice it is no longer straight.
There seems like a little tear in the rubber from the fall. I'm ...
user3109
4
votes
3
answers
13k
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How to take a screw out of my laptop casing that has no head?
I was trying to take apart my laptop to replace the DC jack for it, and the screw inside of the casing was very hard to remove, so after messing with it for about 15 minutes, the plus sign (or the ...
- 606
4
votes
2
answers
18k
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Part of the power connector broken and stuck inside laptop power jack - how to fix?
I have a Samsung ultrabook (the Apple-clone type that is not easily customizable and looks like it was made out of one part) and the insulating (wider part, not the actual center pin wire that carries ...
4
votes
1
answer
6k
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Should I superglue a corner of my laptop case back together? If so how? [closed]
I have a corner of a Lenovo Ideapad 510 that pops open all the time (at the hinge), and it's getting annoying, so I was wondering if it would be a good idea from a laptop tech perspective to just ...
- 299
4
votes
2
answers
5k
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Replaced laptop screen, now the displayed resolution is wrong but should not be
I replaced a laptop screen in a Dell Vostro 1520. Both the old and new screens are 1440x900 resolution as confirmed by part numbers but new screen is glossy the old one is matt - with slightly ...
- 41
4
votes
2
answers
2k
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Why does the monitor fade on my HP Pavilion dv6?
When I turn on my HP Pavilion DV6 it starts normally. Windows (win7) is loaded and a few seconds after that the screen fades. It doesn't go completely black, it fades to 99% black. External monitor ...
- 41
3
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Recommended Ground while testing Laptop with Multimeter? [closed]
I'm about to test my laptop motherboard to make sure a component is receiving power.
All guides point out I need to connect my multimeter to a proper electrical ground.
How do I locate such a ...
- 133
3
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Taking out hard drive from laptop before giving it for upgrade/repair
Is it ok to take out the hard drive from laptop before giving it to repair or update? I've to upgrade my RAM and need to check CMOS battery which maybe the cause of my laptop screen to go blank on ...
- 43
3
votes
3
answers
12k
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Can spilled coffee cause long term issues to motherboard?
A few days ago I got a laptop that had spilled coffee on it. I did dry it, cleaned it as much as possible (with with dry paper towels) and let it dry in a warm place.
The laptop works fine, even ...
- 1,661
3
votes
2
answers
55k
views
Half the screen on my laptop is displaying incorrectly (random colors)
My netbook was dropped and now half the screen is displaying incorrectly. Its basically a rainbow spectrum of random colors.
On the other side everything is working just fine. It doesn't appear that ...
- 8,544
3
votes
1
answer
345
views
Advice on a laptop after a battery meltdown
I have an old but highly functional Dell Inspiron 1720 that I continue to use. The laptop is ~4 years old, but the battery is an aftermarket replacement about 18 months old. Two nights ago the ...
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3
votes
3
answers
257
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I have a dead laptop, what are my options? [closed]
After having my previous question answered by the HP technical support, I now have a HP laptop that does not work properly. HP recommended that I replace the motherboard and processor for a bargain ...
- 585
3
votes
3
answers
7k
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Lenovo G550 Keyboard Removal
I have a Lenovo G550 Notebook given by an university to students.
The "M" key on keyboard flipped out due to poor build quality. Tried hard to replace it, bought new single key, however I've only ...
- 141
3
votes
1
answer
150
views
Is this some type of damage to my RAM hardware?
I have had a problem with my laptop recently, where it will not start up. I will be sending it in for repairs, but I wanted to get some input about a possible hardware issue. I am enclosing here a ...
- 31
3
votes
2
answers
588
views
Do I need a new video cable when upgrading my laptop screen to a higher resolution?
My Acer AS7750G-6662 has an LP173WD1(TL)(A3) 1600x900 screen, and I was considering upgrading to 1920x1200. It looks like the video card should support that resolution.
I got help to determine a ...
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3
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can I upgrade my laptop's screen with a different laptop's screen?
I have a Samsung notebook with a 14" 1366x768 resolution screen. I have found a replacement laptop site that sells Samsung 14" 1600x900 screen with the same connector type.
Can this be done?
- 147
3
votes
0
answers
8k
views
Why does right side of my laptop screen display appear black?
I have a HP laptop with Windows 7 as the OS. I don't know why but since some time the right side of the display looks black. It looks like this:
And, I think if you zoom on, you can see that the ...
- 141
3
votes
0
answers
2k
views
How can I ensure that my laptop will be replaced under warranty? [closed]
I know this is a controversial question but please hear me out. I bought a laptop from one of the major Computer companies in the UK. I bought a 3yr accidental warranty with it. Ever since I bought it,...
3
votes
4
answers
21k
views
A few of my Toshiba laptop keys stopped working
Some of my Toshiba laptop automatically stopped working. Right now I am using a wireless keyboard and all keys work on it. I wonder if it is something I did accidentally in the bottom "Find" space.....
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2
votes
2
answers
17k
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What screwdriver do I use for these?
I’m trying to disassemble my computer and the chart below is from the manual.
I cannot find any specific M2x1.9, M2x2.5 and such screwdrivers online at any store. Please help.
Screws specified by the ...
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2
votes
3
answers
4k
views
How do I know what screws go where when I'm reassembling a laptop?
I've used the Gateway M275 repair manual to disassemble my laptop for a repair job and (while I'm in there) some cleaning. I have never done this before, and while I think I remember what screws go ...
- 340
2
votes
5
answers
26k
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Laptop case is breaking
My laptop casing at both corners are falling apart. I can not buy a new one now. Can someone suggest me a good solution for this?
- 131
2
votes
2
answers
590
views
Using LCD screen from laptop on another computer
I have an old laptop which is out of order. Can I use its LCD screen as a LCD monitor for my desktop PC ?
- 595
2
votes
4
answers
298
views
Laptop shuts after 5/10 seconds (sometimes) <del>(May be due to bad sectors in HDD)</del>
I've Sony VAIO laptop (model VPCEA23EL). Mostly I use it for internet usage and as an entertainment system, sometime for minor programming (No DB or No VM are installed). I do keep it on for 24 X 7 ...
- 121
2
votes
5
answers
27k
views
Laptop won't boot after removing and reinserting RAM
My girlfriend was planning to install additional memory on her 5 years old laptop. She opened the back, and gently took off the existing 2GB RAM to check if there are any empty slots behind. She put ...
- 206
2
votes
3
answers
6k
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Opening up and diagnosing a faulty 2.5'' hard drive
The laptop of a friend of mine ceased to function after being clumsily dropped to the floor. It had boot problems for a while (never getting to the O.S.) and then it stopped working altogether. ...
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2
votes
2
answers
2k
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Is it likely that replacing USB PCB will fix blown USB port?
I have an HP Folio 13 laptop. While plugging in an external SSD drive I managed to blow up the drive, and at the same time damage 1 laptop USB port. There is the "burnt electronics" smell in the ...
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2
votes
3
answers
6k
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How do I replace the HDD in a ASUS Q550L?
I just bought a ASUS Q550L for my son for Christmas and before I open it up I want to be sure I can replace the HDD with an SSD.
Is this model compatible with standard laptop SSDs? If so how do I ...
- 31
2
votes
2
answers
4k
views
I dropped my hp laptop and it has been on the startup repair screen for hours now--what can I do?
I dropped my hp laptop (I have windows 7). There was a blue screen with the cursor. It took about an hour or two for the startup repair screen to appear. Then it says to wait at least an hour. I've ...
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2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How do you replace wired NIC in Lenovo x220?
I have a Lenovo x220 that (apparently) has a dying wired ethernet card. Tried removing it completely and using generic drivers, tried IBM's drivers, removing every other network connection, all end up ...
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2
votes
1
answer
5k
views
Green, Red, Yellow, Cyan Lines Running Vertical On Laptop Screen? How Could I Fix It?
I have a Toshiba Equium A200 laptop, and for the past 3 months thin lines have started to appear on the right hand side of the screen. It started with one red line, now there's a group of ...
- 1,497
2
votes
2
answers
395
views
Laptop goes dead after being turned on for five minutes
I have a Dell Inspiron laptop with Windows XP on it. The laptop turns on okay, but after five minutes the screen goes dead but some windows are still viewable. It does the same in safe mode and if ...
- 2,044