Many times, problems can be caused by corrosion on contacts or connectors, so often the mere
act of disassembling and reassembling accessible components on a laptop "magically" repairs it.
Over the years I've disassembled, tested, and reassembled many systems only to find no
problems after the reassembly. How can merely taking a system apart and reassembling it repair
a problem? Although it may seem that nothing was changed and everything is installed exactly
like it was before, in reality the mere act of unplugging and replugging renews all the slot and
cable connections between devices, which is often all the system needs. Here are some useful
troubleshooting tips:
! Eliminate unnecessary variables or components that are not pertinent to the problem.
! Reinstall, reconfigure, or replace only one component at a time.
! Test after each change you make.
! Keep a detailed record (write it down) of each step you take.
! Don't give up! Every problem has a solution.
! If you hit a roadblock, take a break and work on another problem. A fresh approach the
next day often reveals things you overlooked.
! Don't overlook the simple or obvious. Double- and triple-check the installation and
configuration of each component.
! Keep in mind that batteries and power adapters are two of the most failure-prone parts in
act of disassembling and reassembling accessible components on a laptop "magically" repairs it.
Over the years I've disassembled, tested, and reassembled many systems only to find no
problems after the reassembly. How can merely taking a system apart and reassembling it repair
a problem? Although it may seem that nothing was changed and everything is installed exactly
like it was before, in reality the mere act of unplugging and replugging renews all the slot and
cable connections between devices, which is often all the system needs. Here are some useful
troubleshooting tips:
! Eliminate unnecessary variables or components that are not pertinent to the problem.
! Reinstall, reconfigure, or replace only one component at a time.
! Test after each change you make.
! Keep a detailed record (write it down) of each step you take.
! Don't give up! Every problem has a solution.
! If you hit a roadblock, take a break and work on another problem. A fresh approach the
next day often reveals things you overlooked.
! Don't overlook the simple or obvious. Double- and triple-check the installation and
configuration of each component.
! Keep in mind that batteries and power adapters are two of the most failure-prone parts in