One of the limiting factors about a laptop is that because it is in one piece repairs usually need to be done by an authorised technician and can therefore be quite expensive. If for some reason your laptop does break here are some methods to go about fixing it.
Broken Laptop Screen
You have two choices here:
a) Take your laptop to a computer store or arrange for someone like the guys at Laptop.com.au to pick up your laptop and take it away for repairs. Be prepared for a bill of a few hundred dollars. What ever you do, do not pay the manufacturer to repair the laptop, at the rates they charge you may as well get a new one.
b) Repair it yourself following a comprehensive online guide and buying a replacement laptop screen. If you choose this option you will want to have some technical skills and confidence in yourself to complete the task. At the bottom are a couple of guides I recommend, Tom’s Guide even helps you identify which part of the screen may be broken.
Broken Laptop Touch Pad
First things first, check that you have not just simply deactivated the touch pad with one of the function (Fn) combinations. Next check the mouse settings under Control Panel > Mouse and ensure that the mouse pad hasn’t been deactivated. Below are the settings for my Dell laptop (click to enlarge).
 |
 |
Finally, try reinstalling the drivers. Download the latest off the manufacturers website. If you’ve had a play (and asked your 12 year old son/brother/cousin/nephew to check as well) and still can’t get it to work then it may indeed be broken.
A way around this is to buy a portable USB laptop mouse for around $30 which you simply plug in when you want to use the computer. These come super small now and are very portable. If that isn’t acceptable to your needs, you may need to send the laptop away to get repaired. However at the prices you will be charged you can just pick up a new laptop.
Missing Laptop Keys
Missing keys are really annoying and also quite common. I’ve found that young children playing with laptops are exceptionally crafty at making all of the keys disappear.
One or two missing is usually pretty manageable but when it gets to 4 or more, or if it’s a critical key it’s time to replace. Websites like LaptopKey.com and IndividualKeys.com sell single replacement keys for your laptop. Once you get the keys it’s simply a matter of clipping the key back into place.
Missing Laptop Charger
Most electronics and computer stores sell replacement laptop chargers. Make sure you get the correct power (Watts) and current (Amps) rating to match your laptop. You can usually find this out by visiting the manufacturers website or just Googleing your laptop model.
Shops in the US that sell replacment chargers:
- Best Buy
- Radioshack
- CompUSA
- Amazon.com
Shops in Australia that sell replacement chargers:
- Dick Smith Electronics
- Tandy
- Harvey Norman
- JB HIFI
Dead Battery
The same protocol can be followed for finding a new replacement charger. Always check the battery is actually dead with a multimeter before hand. Despose of the old battery at an appropriate site, most electronics stores take old electronics and batteries.
Just Does Not Start
Try the following checklist:
- Check that the battery is not dead
- Check that it’s not just the screen, if you get any lights along the front it may just be the screen backlight
- Call tech support for the laptop manufacturer
- Sell broken laptop to an online merchant
Sites
Below are some links to sites I referred to to help fix broken laptops:
- How To Replace A Broken Laptop or Notebook Display
- Laptop Screen Installation. General Instructions.
- ReplacementLaptopKeys.com
- LaptopKey.com
- CashForLaptops.com
- Youth For Technology – Donate your broken laptop
Buy Now On Amazon.com:
USB Sync and Charging Cable Compatible with Apple iPhone, iPod, iPadUse the Dock Connector to USB Cable to charge and sync your iPhone or iPod with your Mac or Windows PC.
Features :
This USB 2.0 cable connects your iP... Read More >
Moody Tools 58-0670 6-Piece Slot/Phil/Screw Extractor Combo Reversible Driver Set The Moody Tools 58-0670 miniature screwdriver and screw extractor set is suitable for repairing small components and removing broken or stripped s... Read More >
