Is Your Laptop Not Starting Up? Find Out How You Can Fix Laptops

Summary: This concise article explores the most common laptop problems and what you can do to fix them. If you have more questions about laptop and other mobile device repairs and ongoing IT maintenance, contact your computer repair experts GEEK-AID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geekaid.com/.

Laptop computers revolutionized how and where people can perform remote access work. With the onset of the pandemic, laptops and other mobile devices became more vital than ever to personal and business communications. Although laptops don’t have the same storage and power as desktop computers, they make up for it by offering a very high degree of mobility. In many ways, a laptop is more vulnerable than a desktop computer and is more exposed to wear and tear in the mobile work environment. Of course, any device can break down anywhere. But there are several common laptop issues that arise:

• Laptop Won’t Boot Up – Often when a laptop doesn’t boot, the AC power supply or DC charging jack might be to blame for your laptop not charging. Check to see if your battery is charging. Unfortunately, if the problem doesn’t lie in the power supply or charger, you could have a failed motherboard which is a significant computer repair expense.
• The Black Screen Nightmare – If you think your laptop has booted, yet your screen is dark, you still can’t work. It’s frustrating to know that your files would be right there if you only had a screen. Obviously, no screen is a deal breaker. Take these steps to analyze the black screen issue:
  • Unplug the power supply
  • Remove the battery
  • Hold down the power button for about 60 seconds
  • Plug the laptop back in
  • Restart
  • Replace the battery
  • Restart
  • Check that your RAM chips are physically installed properly
    • Then, check your system to ensure the chips are functional. RAM is readily available, and the chips are relatively easy to replace. If you replace the RAM and your laptop keeps turning on and off, you probably have a failed motherboard.
• Frozen Screens on Laptops – Frozen screens are often caused by your laptop overheating. A defective or dirty fan often causes a hot device. Check the fan; if it is not functioning correctly, it is easy to replace.
• Noisy Laptops – Defective or dirty fans also cause a noisy laptop. At least, you should hope that’s the issue. If not, you could have a failing hard drive. If the fan appears to be functioning and you’re still hearing strange sounds, we suggest backing up your files and seeking professional computer repairs.
• Screen Keeps Dimming – If your laptop is fully functional but the screen is dimming, it could be from a failing backlight lamp or screen inverter. If you are uncomfortable replacing them yourself, seek the help of professional IT maintenance consultants.
• Distorted Screen Images – If you see distorted images on your laptop screen, try plugging it into an external monitor. If the picture is fine on that monitor, you might need to replace the screen or video cable. Again, the worst-case scenario is a failed motherboard.
• Funky Keyboard – Keyboards can wear out over time. Their keys might start sticking or completely stop functioning. However, before replacing your laptop’s keyboard, try removing each key cap and cleaning them. Also, clean and vacuum where the keys are seated. Leave the keys off overnight in case moisture is causing the problem. If you replace the key caps and the keyboard is still not functioning properly, you will probably have to replace it.
• Can’t Connect to WiFi – If your laptop can’t connect to WiFi, you are losing a significant component of mobile, remote access work. More and more, we take WiFi for granted. It can be very frustrating not being able to log onto a network. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can try before seeking assistance from an IT maintenance consultant:
  • Shut down and restart your laptop
  • Check all modems, routers, etc.
    • Ensure all connectivity devices are powered up and display a good signal.
  • Try resetting your network
    • In Windows:
      • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Click on “Network Reset”
    • In Macs (iOS):
      • Go to System Preferences > TCP/IP Settings
      • Click “Renew DHCP Lease”
      • Select “WiFi”
        • Preferred networks
        • Then click OK
        • Restart
• No Sound On Laptop – Believe it or not, in most cases, when computers don’t have sound, the user has either muted the sound or has turned the volume all the way down. Anyone can forget to change a setting. If you are sure your machine is unmuted and the volume is up, try using earbuds or external speakers you already know are working. If the sound is fine, you might have a hardware problem with your laptop’s internal speakers. Finally, ensure you have the most up-to-date drivers installed for your sound device.

Mobile device repairs for laptops, tablets and cell phones are more complex than ever. Before embarking on DIY repairs, be sure the repair is within your knowledge and skill set. If not, invest in IT experts for professional computer repairs.