Laptop Fix Guide: 10 Ways to Know Whether You Need Laptop Repair
A laptop, like any other electronic gadget, can malfunction or stop working altogether. The problem here is that laptops are much more complex than a toaster oven, so diagnosing a fault can turn out to be a rather frustrating journey.
Fortunately, you don’t have to feel helpless because there are various tell-tale signs that you need laptop repair. In this post, experts at Mobile PC Medics will discuss these signs so you know what to do the next time your laptop misbehaves. Let us dive right in.
Table of Contents :
Damaged Screen (Blurry, Pixelated, or Cracked)
Screen damage is among the most delicate laptop issues to repair. And there is a good reason why users are advised to leave screen repair to professionals. It requires special tools and environment, as well as a keen eye. So, trying to fix a damaged laptop screen yourself could escalate the issue and even damage other hardware.
Consider also, the sharp pieces from a broken screen can injure you. What’s more, you risk voiding the device’s warranty. So, it is best to have a professional laptop repair company handle the problem.
Laptop Shutting Down Suddenly
One of the major causes for this laptop issue is an overheating power supply, often due to a malfunctioning fan. Verify that your laptop’s fan is working correctly- it should be moving quickly and smoothly. A low grinding sound or high squealing sound coming from the fan could indicate a malfunction.
It could be a battery problem. Verify that your device is plugged in and charging, and turn it on after a while to see if it will work.
If it has nothing to do with the above issues, it may be a problem with the display. If your laptop is running, but the display stays blank, you can try to rectify the issue by restarting the device.
None of the above recommendations seems to work? You could be experiencing an issue at the hard disk or operating system level. Be sure to schedule a laptop fix with a qualified, experienced local professional.
Slow Performance
The apparent cause of slow performance is too many programs running simultaneously. Using Task Manager (on Windows laptop) or Activity Monitor (on Mac), close those programs that you do not need running when using your device. Make sure to disable some startup programs and uninstall programs you no longer use.
Another culprit for sluggish performance is malware infestation. Run a reliable anti-malware program to uncover and remove the infected programs. At Mobile PC Medics, we highly recommend downloading programs from trusted stores to avoid accidentally downloading malicious programs.
If the above actions fail to resolve the laptop problem, watch out for the following issues:
- Outdated software or operating system (OS
- Unsupported technology or software update
- Low RAM
- Insufficient hard disk space
A competent laptop repair services provider can check and fix these issues, besides offering recommendations to keep your PC running smoothly throughout.
Screen Shows Weird Colors
Your device turns on correctly, but the screen shows weird colors. It might be a graphic card failure. Test your laptop with a TV or external monitor. If the strange colors show up, fix the graphic card. A dusty card can cause issues, so start by cleaning it with a compressed air duster. You can also reinstall the graphic card driver.
If the issue does not appear on the external screen, have a technician check for the following culprits:
- Failed video cable
- Screen failure
- Poor connection between the video cable and motherboard/screen
Laptop Not Charging
If your PC will not charge, first check if your charging cord is working properly. If someone else’s cable works on your device, it is time to get a new adapter cable.
It could be a broken charging port. Does the indicator light show only when you place the laptop at a certain angle? Or is it not showing at all? If so, have a professional check and fix the charging port.
If the device does not hold a charge, you may need to replace the battery. Note that some laptops require shipping to the manufacturer for battery replacement.
The Blue Screen of Death
Your Windows laptop may warn you about a significant issue with its components, hard drive, or operating system by displaying a blue screen with an error message (infamously known as the “the blue screen of death”).
Use the troubleshooter that pops up on the blue screen for system recovery or restoration. If the problem persists, you may need to reinstall the OS.
Overheating
If your laptop is getting excessively hot, turn it off and unplug the power cord. Placing your machine on an uneven surface, such as your lap, pillow, or bed, restricts airflow, leading to overheating. Debris around the fan can hamper heat dissipation, causing overheating. See if you can clear dust, grime, and dirt on the vents.
If these changes do not resolve the issue, do not hesitate to contact an expert for professional laptop repair.
Connectivity Issues
If your laptop doesn’t connect to a wireless network, you want to ensure it is not an issue with your device. If other devices are not connecting, it must be a problem with the wireless network. Start with troubleshooting your wireless router.
If other devices are connecting accordingly, check your PC for network issues. Use the device’s network troubleshooting tool to fix the problem. The tool will take you through a repair sequence that may involve changing some settings. If these steps do not fix the issue, take your PC to a professional computer repair center.
Unusual Noises
Strange sounds continually coming from a laptop often indicate a hardware failure. Check the following components:
- Fan: A dirty/clogged fan is a leading cause of the noise problem
- DVD-ROM drive: Eject the drive compartment and see if the noise will stop
- Hard-drive: Cracking or clicking sounds could indicate HDD failure.
You can solve the DVD-drive issue by cleaning the drive lens using a microfiber cloth and some isopropyl alcohol. Damaged HDD and clogged fan are best handled by a laptop repair technician.
Unresponsive Keyboard
Keyboard failure can be attributed to four main suspects:
- Number lock: The Num Lock key activates the secondary functions of the number pad keys and the numerical functions of the alphabetical keys. See if you pressed the key accidentally and deactivate it.
- Debris and dirt: Small debris lodged under the keys can hamper the normal working of your laptop keyboard. Turn your laptop upside down and shake it gently to dislodge the crumbs and other debris from the keys. You can also blow away the debris and dust using canned, compressed air.
- Driver issues: Using third-party software and incorrectly shutting your device can cause an issue with the keyboard driver. Downloading a replacement driver can solve the issue.
- Defective keyboard: If the above troubleshooting options prove ineffective, your keyboard could be defective. It might be time to visit a local laptop repair shop for professional keyboard repair or replacement.
Above are the steps you can take to fix common laptop issues. If your laptop is still behaving erratically even after implementing the above recommendation, Mobile PC Medics can help.
We are your top choice for fast, affordable, and convenient desktop and laptop repair services in Southern California. Our certified and experienced specialists can fix a range of laptop issues from damaged screens, water damage, memory upgrade to software issues- our certified and experienced specialists can fix any issue with your PC or Mac. We even provide same-day service and point out necessary steps you can take to keep your gadget in top shape all year round.
Call us now at 818-307-6868 to have your laptop issue fixed at the soonest time possible and an affordable price.
