Lab 7.1: Basic Laptop Maintenance

A laptop has many of the same connections that a PC has. The main difference between the two is the placement and availability of these connections. Many laptops rely on a docking station to provide the full functionality of a PC. Others have a number of external connections and take advantage of Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) devices that can readily be plugged into the PCMCIA slots. To fully understand all the slots that are available, you should refer to your owner’s manual.

PCMCIA devices are categorized into three types that can be easily identified by their thickness:

• Type I cards are 3.3mm thick and are typically used for flash memory.

• Type II cards are 5mm thick and are used for I/O devices— modems, LAN connections, and so on.

• Type III cards are 10.5mm thick. The most common use for Type III cards is hard drives.

  Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to:

• Describe the external connections on a laptop

• Remove and install Field Replaceable Units (FRU)

• Clean the LCD panel

Specific Safety Issues

The safety of the technician and the computer must be considered when a laptop computer is being repaired or updated.

A laptop is designed to take more shock than a PC; however; you still need to take care not to drop or shock any of the components as you remove them from the laptop.

Before you remove the hard drive, it is a good idea to back up any of the information stored on it if possible. Never remove the hard drive while the system is powered on or in hibernate mode.

Although you can safely remove a PCMCIA card while the system is on, doing so can cause an unexpected error to your programs or the operating system. Many operating systems have an icon representing the device in the Taskbar. By clicking on the device’s icon, you can access an option to disable the device/slot before removing it. The same is true for undocking the laptop from a docking station.

A docking station is a common addition for many laptops. The docking station allows the laptop to extend its functionality by providing additional external connectors and a power source. When the laptop is in a docked state, the docking station takes on the function of providing power. Additionally, you will normally have connectors for a monitor, keyboard, mouse, network, and USB. Each manufacturer may have additional options as well.

Set Up

For this exercise you will need a working laptop computer.

Exercise

In this exercise you will identify the external connectors on the laptop. You will also remove and replace the battery and the memory packaging.

Identifying External Connections

To identify external connections:

1. Shut down the laptop computer and turn off the power to all peripherals.

2. Sketch the back of the computer, showing where each cable can be attached.

3. Sketch the sides of the computer, showing where each cable can be attached and where all the slots are.

4. Sketch the underside of the computer, showing where each latch and cover is.

5. Identify all the covers and what is under them.

Remove and Install the Battery Assembly

To remove and install the battery assembly:

1. With the laptop turned off, locate the latches that secure the battery assembly. Release the latches.

2. Slide the battery assembly out of its slot.

3. Inspect the battery and the slot.

4. Replace the battery and ensure the latches lock it back into place.

Remove and Install the Memory Package

To remove and install the memory package:

1. With the laptop turned off, locate the latches that secure the memory access panel. Remove the cover.

   Warning

   When handling memory packages, it is a good idea to also remove the battery and hard drive to prevent any corruption of data or damage from ESD to the drive connectors.

2. Gently slide the memory package out of its slot. Some laptops have clips or locks that hold the memory package in place. Release them first before removing the memory package.

3. Inspect the memory package and the slot.

4. Replace the memory package and ensure that it locks back into place.

5. Replace the access panel.

   To install a PCMCIA memory card:

6. Locate the PCMCIA Type I slot and insert the memory card.

Cleaning an LCD Panel

To clean an LCD panel:

1. Open the laptop to reveal the screen. With the laptop powered off, it is easier to see fingerprints and dirt on the screen.

2. Using a lint-free cloth moistened with water, gently wipe away any fingerprints, smudges, and dirt.

   Warning

   Although most laptop screens can be cleaned with glass cleaner, some screens have a capacitive coating that can be damaged by the glass cleaner. Never spray any liquid directly onto the screen. Droplets from the liquid may cause electrical shorts in the system.

   Warning

   Do not apply excessive pressure while cleaning the LCD panel. It is very easy to crack the screen if too much pressure is applied.