Replacing a Laptop CMOS Battery
When you begin receiving errors that your system doesn’t match the configuration, or you getting a warning in the BIOS that your battery is dead, you most likely need to replace your CMOS battery. The CMOS battery provides the motherboard just enough power to retain the CMOS settings for your laptop. If this battery dies, your machine will likely still function, but some of the stored parameters such as time and date will not be correct and any BIOS settings that are stored in CMOS would be lost also each time the computer is powered down.
Replacing the CMOS battery is not usually difficult, but the procedure can vary greatly depending on the laptop’s model. The easiest way to find specific instructions is to do an internet search for the term “service manual” and your laptop’s manufacturer and model. Often, you can find a PDF version of the service manual for your specific laptop, which will give you detailed instructions for repairs and upgrades.
Most CMOS batteries are located under the keyboard, which can require removing the keyboard. Other common locations are under the touchpad, behind the battery, and some are accessible from the bottom of the machine via a small plastic cover. While it is difficult to give detailed instructions for the multitude of laptop models on the market, here are a few guidelines for replacing the laptop CMOS battery.
1. Wear an anti-static wrist strap when disassembling any laptop. This reduces the risk of damage from static electricity.
2. Remove the battery completely and disconnect all power cables to avoid the risk of electric shock or damage to the laptop or notebook.
3. Remove the Keyboard or associated cover to expose the CMOS Battery and remove. Carefully keep track of all screws removed. Group and label them to avoid confusion when reassembling.
4. When prying ribbon cables or plastic parts apart, be gentle to avoid damaging sensitive components.
With some preparation and planning, replacing the CMOS battery should be possible for most users. If you cannot find a suitable service manual or you don’t feel confident in your abilities, it is a good idea to take it to a repair center.
Benefits of Upgrading RAM on a Laptop Computer
Upgrading the RAM on a laptop computer is one of the cheapest, quickest, and easiest upgrades to dramatically improve its performance and boot time. Here we will look at the main benefits of upgrading RAM on a laptop computer.
1. Open more programs at once
Each program that a user opens resides in RAM. The more programs that are open at once, the more RAM that is required. When the system runs out of available RAM it begins using the hard drive for storing open programs. This can seriously degrade performance of the laptop, as reading and writing from the hard drive is much slower than reading and writing from RAM. Adding more RAM allows users to run more programs at once without slowing down performance.
2. Faster processing
Many high-end software programs, such as Photoshop and video-editing software, have to process large amounts of data while editing. This data is stored in RAM during processing. If the RAM is already full or nearly full, it will require more reading and writing, which results in slower processing. Adding more RAM to your laptop allows more of this data to be stored for processing, making the programs run faster.
3. Faster gaming
Most modern computer games process a lot of information. This makes them similar to the high-end software mentioned above. Many computer games require a minimum amount of RAM for good performance, but to get the best performance from any game, it is recommended that users exceed the minimum requirements.
RAM upgrades are some of the least expensive upgrades a user can make, and it is a very quick and simple upgrade. With the low cost of most RAM upgrades, it is often a good idea to install the maximum amount of RAM that a laptop can handle to ensure the most performance boost possible from the upgrade.
How To Replace Ram In Laptop – How To Increase Ram In Laptop
In today’s rapidly changing society, the need for interchangeable parts is growing increasingly more popular. Replacement RAM for a laptop can be a great way of increasing the speed of the laptop in its entirety. Speed is not the only reason for changing out the laptop RAM (Random Access Memory). It can also be the solution to a number of troubleshooting problems that may occur with your personal computer.
Most laptops have a single-screw door that can be opened for easy access to the RAM, and simple spring-loaders that hold the unit in place. Slowly press each side of the spring-loader’s release, and carefully extract the RAM, making sure that the RAM will not pop up into the air, and damage other parts inside the laptop.
Next, take the replacement RAM and line it up with the slots, but also while checking to see if it is being placed in properly (most are slotted to ensure proper placement). This can be checked by looking at the other RAM modules that are currently installed and follow the direction that the old RAM faces.
The notches on many laptops are located differently, and they also prevent the installation of older RAM modules, that require a higher voltage, from being placed into the slot. As with all computer parts, always handle the RAM by the edges, and never touch the gold contacts. The oils from your fingers can degrade the connection and cause a failure within the module. The next step requires seating the memory module by pressing down, firmly, with your thumbs on both ends of the module to confirm a safe and strong hold on the RAM.
Finally, after successfully placing the RAM into the slot, the only step left is to replace the door and screw it into place again. To verify the attempted RAM upgrade was successfully installed right-click on “My Computer” and select “Properties”. Under the selection of “Computer,” your expanded RAM size should be listed.
How To Replace And Change A Laptop Motherboard – How To Repair Laptop Motherboards
Even if it is your first time ever replacing a laptop motherboard , it is still a fairly simple task. As with any piece of electrical equipment the very first step that should be taken is to consult the instruction manual throughout the entire process, and also, be sure that the laptop power cable is disconnected and the battery is removed. Another important precaution, besides making sure that the laptop is closed, is to discharge any static electricity that you have accumulated by touching a grounded metal surface.
Now that you can proceed with the motherboard replacement, remove the screws that hold the optical drive and hard drive in place, and set them aside in a safe place. Through the detailed instructions inside the manual, take off the memory access cover that is located on the motherboard. Remove the memory chips with the release clips then disconnect the antenna from the wireless card (if you have wireless connectivity). If a wireless card is present release the clips and take that out as well.
One of the most important steps that must not be forgotten is the removal of the processor. You do not get one with the new motherboard and it is vital that it is placed onto the new motherboard before installation. Now that the deconstruction process is finished, using the proper sized screwdriver, remove the screws that hold motherboard down from the bottom of the laptop. Keep all the tiny screws in a secure spot and mind the LCD screen attachments for necessary removal if the instruction manual demands so.
How To Replace A Laptop Hard Drive – Replacement Of Laptop Hard Drives
Need more laptop hard drive space? Change your laptops hard drive on your own. One of the easiest and most cost efficient changes that can be made to your laptop is the hard drive. After making sure that the battery is removed and the power cable is unattached, the completion of your hard drive swap is already close to being over and there are only a few simple steps left in the process.
In many cases, the entire casing must be taken off to reach the hard drive, but in even more cases there is an easy access and a few screws holding the unit in place. If the cage-like bezel is attached to the hard drive after you remove the screws, then release the attached cables and remove the entire bezel from the shell-casing of the laptop (pay close attention to the stubs in the casing, keeping the cage in place).
After such a simple process, you can now unscrew the old hard drive from the bezel and screw the new one into place. The next step is to take is to slide the bezel back into place with careful attention to the connection between the pins of the laptop and those of the hard drive. Then, reconnect the previously disconnected data and spring connectors. Finally, you can screw the bezel casing back down and reconnect the lid.
After running your operating systems back up disc and following the prompts, the celebration can begin! You can now dispose of the old hard drive however you deem necessary, and test out your newly replaced hard drive. You will be astonished and proud of what you accomplished, and the minimal time it took to complete this mission.
How To Fix Laptop Screen – How To Replace Laptop LCD Screens
Has your laptop screen failed on you? Have you ever thought about replacing the screen yourself? When attempting to fix your own l aptop LCD screen there are some very basic precautions that must be taken. Without these preparations, further damage could be caused to your personal computer. This is also an important reason to remove the battery before initiating any other actions. Cracked screens, dead pixels, and entire sets of rows or columns missing are signs of a need for replacement. Just because you can’t see anything on the screen does not mean that your screen is broken. Testing it on an external monitor first is the best way to guarantee that you’re doing the right thing.
To take out the screws on the front of the screen, first remove the rubber or plastic screw guards that hide the screws from view. After removing the screws, carefully remove the casing and set it aside (keep the screws together and preferably with the front casing). The next step is very basic and applies to almost every LCD screen inside of a laptop. Each screen is held within bezel with a few screws holding it in place (normally 2). Remove the bezel with careful attention to hinges at the top and proceed to peel back the metallic foil that protects the device from external RF interference. Unscrew the screen from the case and be mindful of the power and video cables that come in through the hinges.
To remove the video and power cables check to see which form of technology is used to attach the wires (all being simple to pull and remove), and carefully detach the wires from their sources. Replacing the old screen with the new one is that simple and the last requirement to changing your screen is to re-attach the power and video cables after you have successfully screwed in and secured your LCD screen back into the bezel awhile during the process of carefully reattaching the front casing. After you have successfully reattached the power and video cables and snapped the casing back into place, you can screw the front casing back on and re-insert the screw guards onto the front of your LCD screen. Now, there is nothing to keep you from getting right back to work.
How To Fix A Laptop Battery – Change And Replace Laptop Batteries
The absolute simplest replacement to make on any laptop computer is that of the battery. In less than 5 steps you can change out your old, dying battery for a fresh and new one. Most laptops have a maximum of 2 steps that must be taken to release the battery from the casing. After removing the battery, it can be placed aside and disposed of in whatever eco-friendly way you wish. Finally, the last step to replacing a dead battery is to simply insert the new battery and secure it with whatever method is used by your laptop manufacturer.
Not every laptop battery dies and requires complete replacement. There have been many “homegrown” methods of reviving a dead battery and based on the type of battery that your laptop requires, different levels of success will be achieved. One method consists of wrapping your battery up tightly into several newspapers ensuring that it will not be able to make contact with any moisture throughout the process. The next step is to place the battery into a plastic bag and leave it in the freezer for a time period of 5-7 days.
After your battery has been frozen for the given time, let it thaw out completely at room temperature, occasionally checking it for signs of moisture and wiping it down with close attention to the contact points of the battery. It is extremely important that the battery stays dry throughout the entire procedure.
When you are absolutely sure that your battery is thawed, you can place it back into the computer. Connect the charger to the computer, and for no reason, whatsoever, should you turn the device on until you have complete confidence that your battery has been fully charged for at least 8 hours (most people choose to leave it charging over night). When the charging process is complete, your battery should be successfully charged and working like new. Who would have thought that salvaging your dead laptop battery could be so easy?
Changing the PCI Wireless Card in an Apple Laptop
With older models of Apple laptops, in this case the Pro Core Duo, have a disadvantage as they have an 802.11g laptop wireless card . To get the best performance in both g and n wireless environments an upgrade to the 802.11n card is almost a necessity. First, as always, disconnect the laptop from the power for safety concerns. There are 8 screws to be removed around the device, remove them and be sure to keep the different lengths in separate piles as they are specific to their locations on the laptop. A misplaced screw may damage the internal components if not put back into its designated spot.
It is recommended that the laptop be worked on while open; this will alleviate undue pressure on the screen. Place a soft cloth on a table and turn the device over, and remove the three screws from the back cover to reveal the hard drive and memory access. Then remove the next three screws located just above the components; they will be close to the plastic outer cover. At the opposite end of the laptop there will be 9 screws; from left to right remove the 2nd, 4th, 7th and 9th screws. Two more remain keeping the battery in place, remove these as well; they will be to the left of the previously removed screws. Next, remove the last three screws from the back cover. Be sure not to mix up the middle and shortest screw as the longer screws will hit the motherboard if used in its place.
Now you can lift up the cover and keyboard, be careful as the keyboard is still attached, then remove the clip on the connector to the keyboard. In the upper left hand corner you will find 2 antennas remove them and the 2 screws. Now the old wireless card can be removed and replaced with the new. All that is left is to replace all of the screws and you are finished. Be sure to take your time as rushing can result in faulty screw placement and damage.
Common Laptop CD/DVD Problems
Virtually every person using a computer will at some point encounter DVD and CD reading issues with their computer, for both desktop and laptop users. All DVD/CD players operate with the same mechanism and are all subject to similar flaws and minor problems. Like all mechanical devices these devices have a life span, and once they have lived through their designated time they typically are defunct. First, check the optical disk for scratches or any other flaws that may hinder the reading process. By exercising a few precautionary methods you can extend the life of your DVD/CD ROM.
Regular cleaning of the lens is imperative to the life and longevity of any optical disk. Dust will distort the lens and make reading the disk difficult or impossible; this is where to start with any reading problem with a DVD/CD drive. After cleaning the drive you should see a drastic improvement, and each week the same cleaning should be performed upon the drive to ensure proper functionality. Doing so will extend the life of the drive and limit the amount of problems that could occur.
Like Hard drives, a DVD/CD drive has a reader head for interpreting data stored on the disk. The best action you can take is to only leave a disk in the drive when you absolutely need to use it. Otherwise the head will continuously read and wear out prematurely. Another issue is that some manufacturer’s drives will not read other manufacturer’s disks. Try switching out the currently used disk for another company’s. For instance, if you are using a Memorex CD or DVD switch it out for a Sony or Maxell. If all else fails, find your hardware device manager and locate the drivers for the DVD/CD ROM drive. Uninstall them and then restart your computer. Upon restarting your system, Windows in this case, will reinstall the correct drivers and your DVD/CD drive will be operational again.
Replacing an Acer Laptop Keyboard
A keyboard may need to be replaced due to a malfunction or an accidental spill of some kind of liquid on the keyboard. This guide uses an Acer Aspire 5315 as an example but the steps will generally work with most Acer laptops. I must advise that the memory bay/PCI cover does not need to be removed to replace the keyboard. By the way it is a pain to get off and only needs to be removed if you are upgrading RAM or adding a new PCI card. As a first step remove the battery and unplug the AC adapter form the wall and the laptop. After removing the battery find the screws in the battery bay and remove them.
The screws hold the cover of the keyboard in place. Next turn the laptop over and begin by loosening the cover directly above keyboard; it will need to be pried by another precision tool, preferably a flat head screwdriver. The cover also encompasses the power button and speakers so be very careful lifting the cover or you may pull out part of the speaker assembly. Under the cover you will find a set of clips holding the keyboard in place. Once more use your precision tools to ease the clips off, be sure not to pull to far too quickly when removing the keyboard as it is connected to the laptop via a cable.
You should have enough cable to fold the Acer laptop keyboard completely forward to remove the cable. The cable is attached through an interlocking clip mechanism like an internal fan is connected to a PC’s power supply. Gently remove the cable and then the keyboard. The only other area that can be accessed is the CPU fan from here and it can only be cleaned. Attach the new keyboard cable and proceed in reverse these steps; the keyboard backing is quite malleable and care should be taken not to bend or warp it in the process.
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