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.
How to Replace a Sony Vaio Laptop Hard Drive
To begin remove the battery of the Sony Vaio laptop after disconnecting the AC adapter from the wall and the device. There is the possibility that the power button could be pushed or triggered by your movements or a screwdriver with a small built up charge; simply pop out the power button and set it to the side. When removing and replacing or upgrading a hard drive it is important to have a small piece of metal around to discharge any static electrical build up so the machine is not affected. Most Sony laptops will need to have the front cover and keyboard removed for access to the hard drive and internal components.
If the speakers are located above the keyboard, remove the screws, they will be located along the side of the device or on top. Slip the speaker cover off and disconnect the speaker connection wires. Next find the keyboard connection cable and remove it then the keyboard exposing the internal components. The hard drive will be hard to miss as it is 2.5 inches wide and encased in a holed casing, like Swiss cheese. There will be 3 – 4 screws holding the cage in place, remove them and then remove the screw on the back as it is the last one holding the cage and hard drive in place.
The cage/hard drive assembly has a connector that attaches it to the board, be vary careful when moving the cage so you do not damage the connector. The hard drive is attached by four fasteners or screws depending upon the model; this will be done after removing the cage from the laptop assembly. You can remove the connector attached to the board either before or after removing the cage, but it is recommended that you do it before. Sony makes sure that more than enough screws and fasteners are used, so you may need to look for more screws if something does not quite come loose. To replace the hard drive simply follow these directions in reverse.
Troubleshooting Common Laptop Battery Issues
One of the most common issues with laptop batteries is overheating. Not that the batteries are designed poorly or improperly but due to, in most cases, user wear and tear. While the laptop is using the AC adapter for power the battery acts as a back up in case of a loss of power or accidental unplugging. During this AC power use the battery becomes hotter than it would if being used independently. To lessen the chances of this overheating, which leads to a shorter life expectancy of the battery, keep the AC power adapter plugged in only if you need to charge the battery while using the device.
If the battery is consistently hot to the touch, remove it and allow it to cool down first making sure it is close to room temperature before reinserting it. Should the battery continue to overheat or get too hot it will probably need to be replaced. Always replace a defective battery as soon as possible as it could cause irreparable damage to the laptop in question. In addition to overheating failure to charge or hold a charge is another very common issue with laptop batteries.
First check to see if the AC adapter is securely plugged into the device; the tightness of the connection will vary form laptop to laptop but it should be held in place well. To check for a good connection look for the battery charging LED if one is present on your laptop. If it is not on wiggle the cord to see if the connection makes and breaks contact. If you notice a flickering LED light then the solution is a new adapter which is far better than needed to purchase a new battery or a new DC power jack which can be repaired by a common user with a little instruction and help.
Laptop Battery Maintenance and Troubleshooting
One of the most common issues with laptop batteries is overheating. Not that the batteries are designed poorly or improperly but due to, in most cases, user wear and tear. While the laptop is using the AC adapter for power the battery acts as a back up in case of a loss of power or accidental unplugging. During this AC power use the battery becomes hotter than it would if being used independently. To lessen the chances of this overheating, which leads to a shorter life expectancy of the battery, keep the AC power adapter plugged in only if you need to charge the battery while using the device.
If the battery is consistently hot to the touch, remove it and allow it to cool down making sure it is close to room temperature before reinserting it. Should the battery continue to overheat or get too hot it will probably need to be replaced. Always replace a defective battery as soon as possible as it could cause irreparable damage to the laptop in question. In addition to overheating, failure to charge or hold a charge is another very common issue with laptop batteries.
First check to see if the AC adapter is securely plugged into the device; the tightness of the connection will vary from laptop to laptop but it should be held in place well. To check for a good connection look for the battery charging LED if one is present on your laptop. If it is not on wiggle the cord to see if the connection makes and breaks contact. If you notice a flickering LED light then the solution is a new adapter which is far better than needed to purchase a new battery or a new DC power jack which can be repaired by a common user with a little instruction and help.
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