What Can Go Wrong With Your Laptop

Power and battery problems

Laptop will not power on

1. Remove any connected peripherals and eject any communication (NIC) cards.
2. Make sure the AC power adapter is securely connected to the laptop.
3. If you are using a power strip, remove the AC adapter from the power strip, and plug it directly into a wall outlet.

Laptop appears to shut itself off

1. Your laptop could simply be entering into sleep or hibernation mode. When the computer enters hibernation mode it appears to be off.
2. Press any key or the power button once to resume normal activity.
3. Check the power management settings located in the Control Panel.

Laptop beeps repeatedly

1. The laptop beeps continually or displays a warning when battery power is low.
2. Save your work, shut down Windows immediately, and install a charged battery or plug in the AC adapter.

Battery won't charge

1. Make sure the AC adapter is fully plugged into the power source and the laptop.
2. If you are using a power strip, remove the AC adapter from the power strip and plug it directly into a wall outlet.
3. Make sure the battery is fully installed and locked in place.

Lockup and Freezing Problems

Computer stops responding when using a program

1. Close the program that is not responding and see if lockups continue.
2. If the lockups go away once the program is closed, uninstall the suspected software and then re-install it.
3. If the laptop continues to lock up after you have re-installed the program, contact the software manufacturer.

Video Problems

Laptop screen is very dark

1. Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.
2. Check the power management settings. There are various power saving modes that dim the screen to conserve power, particularly when your laptop is using its battery.

Sound Problems

No sound from the laptop

1. Unplug any speakers or headphones connected to the laptop.
2. Check the volume setting on the laptop. Your laptop has either a volume button on it or a keyboard function command lets you set the volume.
3. Check any software volume settings by double clicking on the small volume icon in the task bar. Make sure the Master Volume is turned up and no Mute boxes are checked.