How to Build a Resume for Laptop Repair
Developing a portfolio that showcases your laptop repair skills can help you land a job in the industry. This can include a collection of high-quality before and after pictures of the repairs you have made on different laptops.
Laptops are complex devices that can have a wide range of problems. Many of these can be resolved with simple troubleshooting.
Hard drive
The hard drive is a storage unit that holds your operating system, applications and files. A failure of the hard disk can cause inaccessible files, a system crash or slow performance. There are two types of hard drive failure: mechanical and logical. Mechanical failure can be caused by normal wear and tear or a physical impact, like a hard drop. Logical failure can occur from software corruption or a faulty firmware. This can cause the computer to not recognize or misinterpret data on the hard disk.
Before bringing your laptop to us for service, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can try on your own. The first step is to turn off the laptop and try powering it back up. If the laptop turns on but fails to boot into Windows, you may have a problem with your motherboard or power supply. To fix this, follow the steps in this guide from HowStuffWorks.
If you are still having problems with your laptop after following these tips, it is time to bring it in for service. We can diagnose most issues and perform same-day repair. We will contact you after the diagnosis with an estimate for the repair.
Our managers are on-site to ensure the highest quality of repairs. If a repair cannot be completed the same day, we will provide you with service alternatives based on part availability and job complexity.
Zoltan is an engineering graduate and LaptopMD+'s lead technician. He has a wealth of knowledge and can answer almost any question about computers. He has a keen eye for detail and can fix most any laptop problem. As a child, he drove his parents crazy when he would take apart their toys to see how they worked. He now applies that same curiosity to computers to help customers understand their repair needs.
Keyboard
Your laptop's keyboard is a vital part of its functioning. When a key starts to stick or fail to respond at all, it can be a huge problem. It can even make the whole computer unusable. Luckily, there are some things you can try to fix it before you call a tech support service or give up on the machine completely.
First, make sure the keyboard is actually plugged in. This sounds obvious, but sometimes this simple solution is overlooked. If the keyboard isn't plugged in, it won't be recognized by Windows or send any keystrokes to it. If you have another keyboard, plug it in to see if that fixes the problem.
Next, consider whether there's any dirt or other debris under the keys. Dust and crumbs can get into the grooves of a key, and this can cause it to stick or not work at all. This is more of a problem with older laptops, but it can happen to newer models as well.
If there's something stuck underneath a key, you can usually remove it and clean it. Depending on how badly it is stuck, this may be as simple as rubbing it down with a microfiber cloth. It's best to be careful when attempting this, though, because you could damage the circuit sheets that are underneath the keyboard.
You can also try cleaning the key itself, but this is typically a last resort. If the key doesn't return to functionality after this, then it may be time to get a replacement keyboard.
The ribbon cable that connects the keyboard to the motherboard can also be a source of trouble. This can be difficult to fix without disassembling the entire Laptop Rpeair Dundee, which isn't a good idea unless you're an IT professional.
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If the keyboard isn't connecting to the laptop's motherboard, you might need a replacement ribbon cable. This isn't easy to replace, but it is possible, and you can often find instructions for your specific model on the manufacturer's website. Alternatively, you can try removing the outer case and reconnecting it.
Screen
Laptops are portable and convenient, but they also are prone to a variety of problems. Over time, batteries decline, screens crack and keyboards fall apart (or shed their keys). The first step to getting your laptop back up and running is to take note of exactly what’s wrong. This will help you determine whether a DIY fix is possible or you need to seek professional help.
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For instance, a laptop that’s slow to boot up and unresponsive to programs is likely suffering from an out-of-date or corrupted operating system. Often, this can be fixed by deleting unnecessary files and moving others to more permanent folders. If the problem persists, try using compressed air to clean out the fan and heat sink to prevent dust buildup. Make sure you’re using your laptop on a flat surface to allow proper air flow and reapply thermal paste to improve heat dissipation.
Likewise, if your laptop’s screen flickers or displays phantom lines and bands of color, it’s probably suffering from a defective display panel. This can be replaced by a qualified technician for a fraction of the cost of a new laptop.
If you’re experiencing a blue screen error, on the other hand, it’s likely a sign of a more serious problem with your hard drive or other computer components. A skilled technician can diagnose and fix the problem before it worsens.
Laptop Repair Dundee
Similarly, if your laptop keeps turning itself off or shutting down on its own, it may be suffering from overheating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty cooling fan, excessive heat from the processor and improper airflow. Often, this can be solved by cleaning out the fan and heat sink with compressed air, making sure the battery is charged and calibrated and by using the Laptop Rpeair Dundee on a hard, flat surface to ensure proper ventilation.
Aside from these common problems, a laptop can experience many other minor issues that are easily fixed with DIY or professional help. It’s important to catch these problems early on, as they can be the symptom of a bigger issue that could lead to loss of data and irreparable hardware damage.
Battery
The laptop battery is the power source that enables your computer to operate. It is rechargeable, but like all energy storage gadgets it eventually loses its ability to hold a charge. Laptops have a built-in battery check program that can tell you when at least one of the batteries has reached its low limit and needs to be supplanted. Keeping the battery in good condition is generally more financially savvy than replacing the whole gadget, but proper care can prolong its lifespan.
You can do simple things to maintain the health of your laptop battery, such as ensuring it is always fully charged. Also, make sure to use a charger that puts out the right wattage for your laptop. A poorly matched charger can overcharge the battery, which will shorten its life. You can also clean the battery contacts to prevent rust and corrosion.
Other factors that can impact battery health include high temperatures, disassembling the battery pack and cells, and aging. The latter can cause the battery to degrade faster than normal, reducing its capacity and runtime. Laptops that are used in hot environments or on surfaces that obstruct cooling vents can overheat, which can lead to the battery swelling and bulging.
To maintain the health of your laptop battery, you can use an app such as BatteryCare for Windows or CoconutBattery for Mac to monitor its charge level and aging. These apps will provide details about the battery's capacity, temperature, charge cycles, and more. They can also alert you to a low state of charge and recommend the best course of action.
It is possible to repair a laptop battery, but you should know that you will need some technical knowledge and tools to do so. First, you need to open your laptop and find the battery compartment. It's usually on the underside or back of the device, and it may require a latch or release button to open. Make sure the laptop is completely turned off and unplugged before attempting to remove it, as doing so can void your warranty and could result in an electric shock.