Turn on Number Lock on a Laptop

Eliminating the separate number pad is one of the changes most manufacturers make to save space in a laptop computer case. This allows the keys on the laptop keyboard to be large enough for most people to operate comfortably. The number pad didn't disappear completely though. It has been integrated with the standard keyboard with some of the keys doing double duty.

1). Locate the "FN" key on the keyboard. In most cases, it is between the "Ctrl" key and the "Windows" key on the lower-left side of the keyboard.

2). Look for the "NumLock" label or the icon resembling a calculator on the numbered function keys at the top of the keyboard. Most manufacturers use the "F11" key for this purpose. The "F4" and "End" keys are also used. Consult your user's manual if there is no clear marking for this function.

3). Depress and hold the "FN" key. Depress and release the labeled function key. Release the "FN" key. The indicator light for "NumLock" should turn on at this point. Repeat this procedure to turn the number lock off when you are finished.

Kensington Lock Instructions

The Kensington Security Slot is a small locking mechanism used on devices, such as laptops, computer monitors and video game consoles. The Kensington lock then connects to this slot to lock the device securely to a desk or other solid surface to prevent theft. The locks use either combinations or keys for a convenient way to protect your expensive equipment. While not unbreakable, securing your valuables with a Kensington lock can save it from an opportunistic thief.

1). Secure the security wire of the Kensington lock to a large, solid surface. This can be a desk, bedpost or any similar heavy object that is not likely to get stolen. Wrap the security wire around the object and slide the lock end through the loop end of the wire.

2). Set the lock to the unlocked position. To do this, either insert the key and turn it to the unlocked position, or enter the correct combination into the combo pad.

3). Insert the Kensington lock into the Kensington Security Slot on your device.

4). Set the lock to the locked position by turning and removing the key, or slide the combination keys so that the correct combination is not entered.

Restore Function on an HP Laptop not working

What Happens When You Lose the PC Restore Function on an HP Laptop?

Hewlett Packard laptops come with several tools for backing up and restoring information, including the ability to completely restore the entire system to its factory settings. If these functions are lost, users must access the default Windows tools for restoration or use other third-party software.

Cause

The primary "C" drive of an HP laptop comes with a built-in partition labeled "HP Recovery." This partition stores all the information required for the HP restoration functions. Removing, renaming or tampering with the drive causes these tools to become unavailable.

Effects

Without the recovery drive in working order, users cannot access the HP Recovery Manager during startup or use it to restore the system to its original state. The HP backup tools accessed from the recovery manager will also be inaccessible.

Options

Even without the built-in HP tools, Windows has several options for restoring the system. The System Restore feature rolls the system back to a previous time, and the Windows Backup/Restore tool allows users to retrieve data. Using the Windows installation disc, users can perform a reinstallation of the operating system to completely reset the computer.

Use a Laptop IR As a Remote Reader

 The IrDA protocol, created by the Infrared Data Association, specifies how two devices can communicate using a line-of-sight, infrared connection over short distances. Many laptops include an IrDA-capable hardware transceiver in their factory configurations. IrDA transceivers are typically located in the front edge of the laptop. You can configure the infrared (IR) port on your laptop so that it becomes capable of wireless communication with cellular phones, PDAs and other mobile devices.

1). Log in to the computer as a user with Administrator privileges. Click "Start," then "Run." Type "hdwwiz.cpl" into the text box in the "Run" window, then press "Enter." The Hardware Wizard will come up.

2). Click "Next," then "Yes, I have already connected the hardware," then "Next." Click "Add a new hardware device," then "Next."

3). Click "Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)," then "Next." Click on "Infrared devices" within the "Hardware types" section. Click the device on your computer in the "Infrared device" section of the wizard's window. Click "Next." The IrDA port will be recognized by, and usable from, Windows at that point.

Upgrade a Dell Inspiron From WEP to WPA

WEP and WPA are forms of security passwords for a wireless Internet connection used to prevent other people from detecting and connecting to your personal home router. WEP is an older form of security that is not as secure as the newer WPA form. If your Dell Inspiron computer is connected to a wireless router that currently uses WEP, you can connect into that router and change the security form to WPA for stronger encryption.

1). Launch your Internet browser program on your Dell Inspiron.

2). Type your router's IP address in the browser's address bar and press the "Enter" key on your keyboard to launch the router's login prompt. You may need to consult your router's manual for information on your router's default IP address.

3). Type the administrator username and password in the login prompt. If you have not set up your own administrator account, this will also be set to the router's default, which can be found in the router's manual.

4). Navigate to the "Wireless" or "Security" section on your router's dashboard. The dashboard will be different depending on your router's brand and model, but most will provide security settings under one of these sections.

5). Locate your current WEP security settings and change this to WPA. Depending on the router, you can either select "WPA" from a drop down menu or place a mark next to "WPA" in a list of security types.

6). Type a security password into your WPA passkey text box. This password can be between 8 and 32 letters with a longer password being more secure.

7). Write down this security password as you will need to use this when attempting to connect your Dell Inspiron or any other wireless device to your router.

8). Press the "Save" button and allow the router to reset. Your network security is now upgraded from WEP to WPA.

Repair the Lid Close Switch on a Toshiba Tecra A2 Laptop

Switch on a Tecra A2 laptop is the button that communicates when to turn off the screen when you close the laptop lid. A dirty close switch might get stuck inside the laptop and interrupt power supply from the inverter board. If your screen remains blank when the laptop is open, you might have a jammed close switch.

1). Use your index finger to press down on the close switch. Apply force to unstick a sticky close switch.

2). Dislodge dirt and debris with a pair of tweezers. Maneuver the tweezers around the close switch to remove buildup.

3). Spray the base of the close switch with compressed air. The burst of air may dislodge debris that couldn't be removed by tweezers.

What Does the Inverter Do on Laptops?

Electricity is delivered to your home as alternating current, but laptops and many other electronics use the simpler direct current. The power inverter on your laptop cord is responsible for switching current from alternating to direct.

Direct Current

Direct current (DC) electricity can be envisioned as flowing through conductive material in much the same way water does. The current moves through a circuit in one direction and at a constant voltage. This greater uniformity of current makes it ideal for powering laptops and other electronics.

Alternating Current

While DC power is effective and easily controlled over short distances, it quickly dissipates when sent too far. DC power supply would only be able to practically deliver electricity to homes within a one-mile radius of a power plant, so an alternative is necessary. Alternating current (AC) electricity, which oscillates quickly between positive and negative voltage as they make their way through a circuit, can travel for long distances without significant loss, which makes it far more suited for power transmission.

Inverters

Power inverters for laptops are usually large blocks found in the middle of the cord. These devices convert electricity from AC to DC so it can be safely used by the laptop. Each inverter generates electricity of a specific voltage intended for use with a specific computer, so they are not all interchangeable.

Energy Vampires

Some energy is necessarily lost inside the inverter during the converter process. While this is generally a small amount of electricity, power inverters continually convert electricity the entire time they are plugged in, regardless of whether your laptop is on or off. Devices like power inverters that constantly leach and waste energy when not in use are sometimes called energy vampires.

Signs of a Laptop Overheating

Overheating a laptop can cause serious problems. Look out for the warning signs and you may be able to head off the problem before it becomes an issue. Sometimes overheating is caused by insufficient ventilation below the computer; elevating it or adding a cooling station can fix the problem.

Excess Heat

The first sign of a laptop overheating is an abnormal amount of heat coming from it, especially if it is in an area of poor ventilation, such as a couch, bed or on a flat lap with the user's knees closed. When a computer overheats, the keyboard will start to heat up, and the bottom will feel hot rather than warm to the touch.

No Fan or a Damaged Fan

Internal fans are responsible for cooling a laptop's processor. If these fans are blocked or inoperative, the laptop will begin to overheat. Hold your head close to the air vents -- usually located on the bottom -- and listen for the fan. If you hear nothing, or a grinding sound instead of a soft whirr, the fan may need replacing.

Slow Speed

As temperature sensors pick up the excess heat in the computer, the processor may cut power to itself. Alternatively, as the hard drive begins to fail, read/write speeds may slow down the computer. Impaired performance may be more noticeable when running high-performance programs such as graphics-heavy computer games and imaging software.

Sudden Shutdown

As the heat climbs in the laptop, you may experience hardware failures. These typically occur after the laptop has been on for some time, anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. The monitor may turn black, the computer may have difficulty recovering from inactivity, or in some cases the computer can turn off altogether.

The Best Ways to Save Laptop Batteries

 Modern laptop personal computers have processing technologies and powerful software applications that have become so advanced as to replicate the desktop PC experience. To maximize the mobile computing benefits that laptop PCs offer, users can keep in mind several measures to both conserve the capacity of their laptop battery, and extend the battery's life for as long as possible.

Background

According to PC Magazine, a typical laptop battery will enable the PC to run at full power for a few hours. In most cases, after about 18 to 24 months, laptop users will notice a steady degradation in the performance of the battery, and that the battery will run the PC for less and less time after each recharge. This is because lithium ion batteries have a limited number of charge cycles -- meaning a limited number of times they can be taken from a full charge to a full discharge -- before they aren't able to hold power on their own.

Charging

Users who leave their laptop plugged into a power outlet with the battery inserted into the laptop for long periods of time are likely accelerating the battery's decline in performance. This is because the battery only rarely has an opportunity to discharge and it loses its charge capacity. If the laptop must be plugged in to an outlet, one solution to save battery life is to pull the battery out of the laptop and use it only when the laptop is unplugged. According to PC Magazine, every 30 days or so (or every 30 charges), users should do a full battery discharge -- which means charging the battery to its full capacity, then using the computer until the battery is completely drained, and fully charging again.

Overheating

One of the easiest ways to damage a laptop battery and quickly degrade its performance is to cause the laptop to overheat, or to use an alternating current (AC) power adapter that has the incorrect voltage. Users should take care to verify their adapter matches the AC outlet voltage. In addition, users can help prevent overheating by using a cooling pad when the laptop is in their lap, or to place the laptop on a pillow or blanket that can block cooling fans and cause the laptop to heat up.

Conserving Battery

Users can also take steps to conserve their battery between charges. Among the most effective steps are disabling Bluetooth and wireless connectivity (when it's not needed) and reducing the screen brightness. In addition, users can change their laptop's power management settings and reduce the amount of time the laptop stays on with no activity before going into "sleep" mode. Disconnecting unneeded accessories from the laptop and cleaning a battery's metal contacts with alcohol are two other ways to save battery power.

Uninstall a Synaptics Pointing Device

Windows 7 computers are pre-installed with touchpads that act as mice. The Synaptics Pointing Device driver becomes corrupt or interferes with another mouse that you are using. If this occurs, one option is to uninstall the Synaptics Pointing Device driver. Be warned that this will render the touchpad unusable, but you can always reinstall the driver later if you decide you need it.

1). Go to "Start" and type the command "devmgmt.msc" in the blank box above the "Start" button. Press the "Enter" key. This will bring up the Device Management box.

2). Type in the administrator password or click the "Continue" button.

3). Double-click "Mice and other pointing devices" on the list to expand it.

4). Right-click on "Synaptics Pointing Device" and choose "Uninstall" from the list of options.

5). Click "OK" and wait for the driver to uninstall.

6). Restart your PC when the driver is finished removing itself.

Reset a Laptop

You're working on an important document, making great progress -- when suddenly your laptop freezes. The mouse won't move, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete does nothing, and all the hard work you've done is lost. For some reason, this keeps happening. Virus scanners detect nothing, disk defragmenting didn't work -- your laptop still freezes. The last resort, short of wiping the hard drive clean, is a hard reset. A hard reset will restore certain settings back to factory defaults, which may be enough to fix your problem.

1). Turn off your laptop by clicking "Start" and then "Shutdown." If your laptop is frozen, hold down the "Power" button until it turns off.

2). Remove all devices from your laptop. This includes anything connected to the USB ports and any SD cards. You should be able to unplug anything connected to the USB ports. For SD cards, generally there is a small gray or black button that you have to press to eject the SD card.

3). Unplug your laptop and remove the battery. Battery removal is different on each laptop, but in general you'll need a screwdriver to unscrew the battery compartment before you pull out the battery.

4). Hold down the "Power" button on your laptop for 20 seconds. This will drain all of the extra power still running through the system. If you don't do this, your laptop may not reset properly.

5). Wait about five minutes and then reinsert the battery and reconnect the AC power. Your laptop has now been reset.

How to Clean a Trackpad

 If you have purchased a second-hand laptop, or you simply like to keep your current laptop as clean as possible, then you'll probably want to clean the trackpad. Because this part of the computer is constantly being touched by fingers, it's a good idea to disinfect it first. The good news is that cleaning the trackpad can be completed in a minute or two.

1). Wipe the trackpad gently with a disinfectant wipe. Make sure you cover all exposed areas of the trackpad. One coating is good. You don't want the trackpad to become too wet with disinfectant.

2). Wipe down the trackpad with a microfiber cloth where you applied the disinfectant. A microfiber cloth is best because it isn't rough and won't damage your trackpad.

3). Continue wiping down the trackpad with the microfiber cloth until the trackpad is completely dry.

Replace a Laptop Keyboard

There are many reasons a laptop keyboard might become defective and require replacement. Whether it is from spilling a cup of coffee or overuse from writing a long novel or two, laptop keyboards usually do not last forever. If you take your laptop to a repair shop for a keyboard replacement, you should expect to pay a hefty premium to have the work done. On the other hand, if you are handy with a few basic hand tools, you can replace your laptop's keyboard yourself and save a lot of money.

1). Power off the laptop. Disconnect the AC adapter from the computer. Unplug any other cables or peripherals from the notebook. Close the laptop LCD screen.

2). Turn the laptop over so that it is upside down. Rotate the laptop until the battery on the bottom of the unit faces you. Slide the battery lock to the left and remove the battery from the laptop. Turn the laptop back over.

3). Open the LCD display screen on the laptop as far as it will go. The laptop display and base should be almost flat after opening the screen all the way.

4). Locate the keyboard edge cover or hinge cover just above the function keys on the top row of the keyboard. Position the awl at one end of the cover and insert it into the space between the bottom of the cover and the top row on the keyboard. Gently pry up the cover with the awl while working your way from one side of the laptop to the other. Gently lift the keyboard edge cover or hinge cover out of the laptop and set it aside.

5). Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the keyboard retaining screws in the space from which you removed the edge or hinge cover. On most laptops, there are usually two to four screws that secure the keyboard. Set the screws aside in a safe place.

6). Use the awl or flathead screwdriver to lift up the top edge of the keyboard. Gently lift the top of the keyboard toward you until you can access the ribbon cable that connects the keyboard to the laptop motherboard.

7). Disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard. Set the old keyboard aside.

8). Insert the new keyboard into the laptop and connect the ribbon cable to the motherboard. Carefully align the screw holes on the top edge of the keyboard with those at the base of the laptop screen where you removed the edge or hinge cover.

9). Reinsert the retaining screws you removed earlier and tighten them with the Phillips screwdriver.

10). Align the keyboard edge cover or hinge cover and snap it back into place. Close the LCD screen and turn the laptop over. Insert the battery back into its slot and ensure the lock snaps shut.

11). Reconnect the AC adapter and other peripherals. Power on the laptop and use it as you normally would.

Convert PC Card to USB

How to Convert PC Card to USB

The PCMCIA (PC card) has been roundly replaced by USB devices. The sheer litany of products that are immediately functional, or require only a quick install, through the USB make multiple slots highly convenient -- for example, using a single laptop to listen to an iPod while printing off an external hard drive. Meanwhile, fewer and fewer devices use the PCMCIA format. Fortunately there are adapters available to convert a computer's PC card slot into an extra USB port.

1). Purchase a PC card (PCMCIA)-to-USB adapter. These can be found at computer and electronics stores or online. Make sure that the adapter specifically states that it is the correct type of adapter.

2). Push the card end of the adapter into the PC card slot. Make sure that the adapter is completely placed into the port.

3). Connect the USB device you wish to use to the USB side of the adapter. The adapter functions as a standard USB port, so use the device as you would through any other USB connection.

How to Fix a Wet Laptop

How to Fix a Wet Laptop

When electronic equipment becomes wet, it is imperative to dry each component completely before any attempts are made to restart the system and assess complete damage. If a laptop becomes wet, it may be possible to dry out the components and salvage the computer.

 

1). Unplug the laptop from any power source immediately. Soak up visible water on the surface of the laptop as quickly as possible with the absorbent and soft cloth. Keep in mind that you don’t scratch the screen.

2). Remove the battery form laptop and turn the laptop upside down and gently shake it to remove as much water as possible from the keyboard area.

 3). Use the blow dryer at a low temperature setting to attempt to dry out any parts of the laptop that are obviously wet. This may take some time, so be patient and do this carefully.

4). Place the laptop with the keyboard side down and the battery on a source of dry heat (heating vent) and allow to sit undisturbed for up to a week. Do not attempt to turn the laptop on again until all of the components are completely dry.

5). Reassemble the laptop and attempt to power it on if the laptop seems completely dry. Many times electronic devices will work again even after getting wet as long as they are completely dried out before powering on again.

Laptop Hardware Failures

Hardware Failures:

First of all, most of the hardware failures that are going to be presented in this article require you to disassemble the laptop and work on its internal components. Because of this, you need the required components to take the laptop apart (such as screwdrivers, etc.) and space, lots of space. If you don't have a workbench, then working on that large table in the living room should do it.

Take extra careful about ESD (electrostatic discharge). Sure, this is important when working with a desktop system too, but you really shouldn't consider this as some sort of overreaction or waste of time. A few anti-static conductive bags should suffice. These are going to be useful when you take apart components from the laptop and you need a safe place to put them down.

Now let's begin. If the laptop does not power on using the batteries, then try to power it using the AC adapter. Pay attention and see whether the LED on the laptop lights up, signaling that the adapter was detected. If yes, then your power jack works. If the notebook still does not power on, disassemble the laptop and remove the batteries. Look first for the CMOS battery and take it out.

If your particular laptop model has more than one battery, like a multi-port battery or a handle battery, then take those out too. This should serve as a master reset. Try powering on using the AC adapter. If it still does not power on, then read on.

Your best bet is that the problem is memory-related. What you need to do is re-seat the memory modules. If there are more than one, then try swapping them between each other and try different slots. Try booting again. If it does not work, then try running with only one module - this way, you can tell whether one is faulty.

Narrow down the problem by removing each "unnecessary" component. Disassemble the laptop and remove the HDD, CD/DVD drives, and the modem and/or wireless card(s). If possible, take out the sound card module (if separate). To minimize the possible causes, you may disconnect the LCD panel as well. Try running this way. If it does boot, then try connecting each connector one at a time, booting up in between to localize the problem.

On the other hand, if you have stripped it down to a bare-bone laptop and it still refuses to POST, then chances are your motherboard might be the root of the problem. Another option is temporarily replacing the memory modules with good ones. This way, you can eliminate that from the list of possible causes. This leaves the motherboard and CPU. Take apart everything; re-seat both the CPU and motherboard. Try again.

As a last resort, if you are familiar with using a multimeter, then try checking the power button and see whether it actually "switches" or not. You may also monitor the voltages during the VRM circuitry (whether or not it gets power). Verify the resistances between the common places (such as verifying whether the motherboard is grounded or not - you know, those metallic rings near the screw holes).

How to Install a Notebook Video Card

How to Install a Notebook Video Card

Most notebook computers are designed for programs such as word-processing software that does not require advanced graphics capabilities. If you want to turn your notebook into a gaming machine or use higher-end graphic editing software, you may want to install a new video card. Although opening up your laptop is more complicated than opening a desktop, it can be done at home.

1). Power off the computer entirely and remove the power cable. Close the top lid and turn the entire unit over so you can see the bottom of the case. Hold down the battery release button and push the battery out of the case. Check the manual that came with your laptop and see if the screws on the bottom of the case hold the motherboard to the keyboard. Remove them if they do. Turn the laptop back over.

2). Open the lid so you can see the LCD screen. Check the keyboard and see if it has a blank key on the bottom right side. Slide a thin object such as a flat head screwdriver underneath the key. Wiggle up and down until the keyboard pops out. Slide the object under the plastic bezel above the keyboard, if you don't have a blank key and pop the bezel out.

3). Remove the cable connecting the keyboard to the notebook motherboard and pull the keyboard out. Remove the plastic bezel above the keyboard and set it aside. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the hinges into place. Pull out the hinges.

4). Check to see if there are additional components preventing you from reaching the video card, such as the case fan or RAM modules. Remove the components so that the video card can be pulled out.

5). Pull out the screws holding the video card in place and remove it from the motherboard. Slide the new video card into the open slot and attach the screws. Re-connect all the components, place the hinges back on, and put the keyboard and bezel back into place. Pop the battery back in and power on the notebook.

How to Install Laptop Skins

How to Install Laptop Skins

Over the years, the Personal Computer (or PC) has gone from the bulky, cumbersome box and monitor to the lightweight, portable laptop. As the styles have changed, so have the ways to personalize the laptop. One such way is the laptop skin.

The main purpose of the laptop skin is to protect your laptop. Secondary, custom laptop skins not only protect the laptop, it can help you add your own personal touch to your laptop computer.

1). Using a damp cloth, clean the outside of your laptop

2). Once you're done cleaning your unit, you should measure the length and width of the cover for your laptop.

3). Take the length and width measurements of the laptop's cover for the markings of your laptop skin.

4). Taking a pen knife, do away with any excess from the laptop skin.

5). You should carefully peel off the laptop skin's corner.

6). Peel off the laptop skin and apply it to the laptop cover. Press to eliminate air bubbles.

How to Set Up a Computer to a Projector

How to Set Up a Computer to a Projector

If you have a newer video card, you probably already have a second video out port. Laptops usually come with a video out port on the back. If you don't have a second video out port, you can always buy a splitter. A splitter will split a cable from one port into two, just make sure you match up the type DVI or VGA.

Instructions to setup projector

1). Turn your computer off.

2). Connect the cable from the computer to the projector. If you want to have your monitor to be hooked up as well, connect a splitter to the video out port (DVI or VGA). You can also just hook the projector up to the second port on your video card (If you have one) or if you have a laptop, you can connect to the video out port on the back.

3). Turn the computer.

4). Turn on the projector. Most projectors have an auto detect function, that will detect a video signal and auto configure the projector to display that signal. If you have a laptop, you have to hit a function key to activate the second display. Usually this is FN Key + F5 or one of the F Keys across the top of the laptop keyboard. It looks like two squares, one empty and one with something in it.

5). Adjust the focus, brightness, contrast, and color on the projector.

6). Aim the projector at something white. Try not to aim it at something highly reflective.

7). Step back, load up your favorite game or video.

How to replace laptop battery

How to replace laptop battery

1). Turn off your laptop and disconnect the AC adapter.

2). Release the latch or other attachment devices that hold your battery in place.

3). Slide the old battery out of its compartment or storage bay.

 

Note: Avoid touching the contacts on the battery itself or inside the bay; the oils on your fingertips could reduce the conductivity of the battery.

4). Take the replacement battery out of the box.

5). Slide it into the notch or bay.

6). Close the safety latch to lock it into place.

7). Reconnect the AC adapter and give the battery a full charge.