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There aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe all the possible combinations of mechanical failures, human errors, and software issues that result in a "broken" laptop. However, there are several likely sources — some are easy to fix and some are extremely bad news. But before you declare your laptop as dead as a Monty Python parrot ("stiff, bereft of life, resting in peace, off the twig, kicked the bucket, shuffled off its mortal coil, and a member of the choir invisible"), consider some of these possible sources of problems.
Lack of power
Powerlessness can come (or not come) from many sources.
- It could be a problem with the battery:
• The battery may be fully discharged. Even if a laptop computer is not being used, the battery will slowly drain over time; the older and more used the system, the shorter the shelf life for the battery.
• The battery may be improperly installed in its slot or bay. It could even be an unfortunate design flaw that allows the battery to work its way out of its connectors.
Try running the machine from its AC adapter. If it comes to life, you know that the computer itself is working. The next task is to determine whether the battery was merely bereft of electrons and needs to be charged, or whether it can't hold a charge and needs to be replaced.
- It could be a problem with the AC adapter:
• The AC adapter may be improperly connected. Some adapters have two cords — one that plugs into the wall outlet at one end and the incoming side of the adapter at the other, and another cord that plugs into the adapter output and continues to a plug that connects to the laptop. Make certain everything is snugly attached. The wall outlet may not be live. Try another outlet, or plug a lamp or radio in to confirm that it's powered. Remember that some wall outlets are controlled by wall switches and may not be powered all the time.
• It could be a problem with the internal electrical parts of the laptop, which isn't good news. The motherboard, the AC adapter, or another critical component is fried. If you can borrow a compatible known-good AC adapter from a friend, repair shop, or store, see if it brings the computer to life. If not, decide whether the system is worth repairing.
Wireless hardware
Nearly all current laptop computers with built-in WiFi circuitry have a physical switch that you must turn on to energize the transmitter/receiver. (The switch is there to help conserve battery power when the WiFi system isn't needed, and also to comply with requirements by airlines and some high-security offices that there be no unauthorized radio equipment in use.)
Consult your laptop's instruction manual or call the support desk to find the switch; better machines may add a tiny LED indicator that glows when power is on. Note that some machines may enable or disable the circuitry with a soft switch within a utility program.
The other common cause for WiFi problems is the lack of an acceptable signal or a blocked signal. Certain types of objects, including metal screens or particular types of building construction, block signals. And the fact is that some laptops have better antennae or better receivers; sometimes the solution is to rotate the laptop or move to a new location.
Wired hardware
A damaged or improperly attached Ethernet cable at the laptop or router end may be the culprit. Try substituting a known-good replacement cable.
Problems with the network interface card (NIC) may be the cause, too. If you're using an external adapter that connects to the laptop's USB port or PC Card slot, make sure it's properly plugged in. External devices usually have LED lights that indicate a proper connection; consult the instruction manual for the device to determine their precise meaning.
You can check on the status of a built-in NIC:
1. Go to the Windows Control Panel and double-click the System icon.
2. Choose the Hardware tab and then click the Device Manager button.
3. Expand the Network Adapters item, then double-click the listed hardware.
You see a hardware report in the Device status window. If you want to continue searching for a hardware problem, click the Troubleshoot button and follow the instructions given by Windows.
Wireless software
Nearly all laptop manufacturers add special utility programs to the Control Panel to set up and manage the WiFi circuitry. A typical wireless link utility includes a Hardware tab that includes a report on the device status, properties, and a Troubleshoot button.
Wired software
Use the Windows facilities to troubleshoot your settings:
1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Network Connections icon.
3. Double-click the local area network (LAN) set up on your machine.
• If no network is set up, then there's your problem. Go back to the Control Panel and this time choose Network Setup Wizard.
• If you do have a LAN and double-click it, you go to the Local Area Connection Status window.
4. Choose the Support tab.
You see a report from Windows about the connection and can choose to click a Repair button (to attempt to fix problems) or refresh the settings.
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