CompTIA exam study guide presentations by instructor Brian Ferrill, PACE-IT (Progressive, Accelerated Certifications for Employment in Information Technology) "Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53" Learn more about the PACE-IT Online program: www.edcc.edu/pace-it

1. Troubleshooting
laptops.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

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PACE-IT.
– Common symptoms.
– Proper disassembly technique.

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Troubleshooting laptops.

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Troubleshooting laptops.
No display.
The most likely cause is
display failure.
Causes could also include the laptop
not being turned on or a failed video
card. Use an external monitor to
check if it is the video card.
Dim display.
The most likely cause is
backlight failure.
Replace the backlight and/or inverter
if it is a LCD display. LED displays
don’t use an inverter. An easy test is
with a flashlight.
Flickering display.
The most likely cause is
a loose connection.
Causes could also include the
backlight and/or the inverter, or it
could also be the display itself.

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Troubleshooting laptops.
Sticking keys.
The most likely cause is
spilled food.
In some cases, the problem may be
fixed with compressed air; if not,
disassembly may be required to
properly clean the keyboard.
Intermittent wireless.
The most likely cause is
interference.
It could also be too far from the
WAP. In some cases, it may have to
do with the wireless card or antenna,
especially if the laptop has been
worked on recently.
Battery not charging.
The most likely cause is
battery failure.
It is also wise to check the power
from the wall outlet as well as the
power cord.

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Troubleshooting laptops.
Ghost cursor.
The most likely cause is
a sensitivity setting.
Most touchpads and trackpads can
be adjusted for sensitivity. When the
sensitivity is set too high, it may
register unintended touches that
cause the cursor to move.
No power.
The most likely cause is
that it isn’t plugged in.
It could also be a bad wall outlet,
power cord, or even the DC jack on
the laptop.
Num lock indicator lights.
The most likely cause is
an inexperienced user.
Some users may need education to
understand how to operate their
keyboard functions.

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Troubleshooting laptops.
No wireless connectivity.
The most likely cause is
the wireless is turned off.
This is especially true if the laptop
had wireless before. It may also be
caused by a misconfiguration, which
is more likely with a new laptop on
the network.
No Bluetooth connectivity.
The most likely cause is
that it is turned off.
This may also be caused by a
pairing issue if it is with a new
Bluetooth device.
No external display capability.
The most likely cause
the wrong setting.
Toggle the function key used to send
the video signal to the external
connection.

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Troubleshooting laptops.

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Research and reading will
be a key component of
properly disassembling any
laptop.
Each original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has
its own process for assembling the laptop and the
reverse is true as well.
Research the recommended steps to learn the
proper way to disassemble and reassemble any
given laptop.
Troubleshooting laptops.

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Troubleshooting laptops.
– Research the recommendations of the OEM.
» You may also be able to find video tutorials online.
– Create a plan.
» Actually write out the steps; this makes it easier to keep track of
progress.
– Document and label cable and screw
locations.
» Make a map; use coded containers for screws.
• Taking photos may help in the reassembly process.
– Keep organized.
» It is easier to keep track of the pieces if you remain organized.
– Use the appropriate tools for the job.
» Saves on having to buy new screws or cables that have been
damaged by the use of incorrect tools. Remember to wear your
ESD strap!

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Troubleshooting laptops.
Symptoms tend to revolve around the display, power, or issues with
settings. Sometimes the symptoms will point to a need to educate and train
the user.
Topic
Common symptoms.
Summary
Follow the OEM’s process for disassembly and reassembly. Document and
label everything. Keep organized and don’t mix up fasteners. Always use
the appropriate tools.
Proper disassembly
techniques.

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THANK YOU!

14. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
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impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
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