Here’s how you can fix, or to be precise, work around some hardware problem without taking apart the laptop.
1. Network port failure.
In most laptops the network port (aka RJ-45 port) is soldered directly to the motherboard. If for some reason the network port fails (I’m talking about hardware, not software failure), the whole motherboard has to be replaced.
Instead of replacing the motherboard, you can use a PCMCIA network card (aka LAN PC card). You plug this card into the available PC slot in your laptop and get a network port instead.
2. USB ports failure.
Most laptops have a few USB ports available and if one of them stops working, usually it’s not a big deal because you still have two or three working USB ports left. But what if all of them stopped working at once. Let’s say the USB controller on the motherboard went bad and the laptop stopped recognizing any USB device plugged in any USB port. Again, I’m talking about hardware, not software failure. In order to fix this problem you’ll have to replace the motherboard.
Alternatively, you can use a PCMCIA USB card. You plug this card into the PC slot and get two or four USB ports instead. It depends on the type of your PCMCIA card.
3. Internal wireless (Wi-Fi) card failure.
Most newer laptops come with an internal wireless card installed. In some models the wireless card could be easily access through the door on the bottom of the laptop. In other models, the wireless card is buried deep inside the case. What can you do if the internal wireless card fails? You can replace the internal wireless card with another one or use a PCMCIA wireless card instead.
4. Internal flash memory card reader failure.
Most newer laptops come with an internal memory card reader installed. You can plug most known flash memory cards into the slot and access the content right away. Usually the card reader is soldered directly to the motherboard and if it fails, you have to replace the whole motherboard or use it as is.
If you don’t want to replace the motherboard you can use an external USB flash memory card reader. All you have to do is plug the card reader into the available USB port in your laptop and it’s ready to go.
5. Internal CD/DVD drive failure.
You’ll find an internal CD/DVD optical drive in most laptops. If the optical drive fails and stops reading CDs and DVDs, it has to be replaced with a new one. Internal laptop optical drives are not cheap.
Instead of replacing the internal drive, you can use an external USB optical drive. Simply plug this drive into the USB port, let your laptop detect and install the drive and it’s ready for you. Also, you can use this optical drive with any other computer which is very convenient.
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November 16th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hey, thanks for this post. I had all usb ports failed on me and didn’t know about PC card with USB.
Already ordered a new PC USB card. Found it on eBay for $14.
November 17th, 2009 at 9:48 am
i’ve been using my lappy with network pc card for over 6 month. my network port failed and repair shop said it cost $250 to replace the motherboard. lol.
i paid $30 for a new lan card and it works great!
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:52 am
I’ve got a Dell Latitude that the pcmcia slots do not work (broken connector on the motherboard). In order to connect to a lan I use a usb nic. To use a mouse I also use a usb hub, this gives 3 usb ports on a computer that normally has only 1. Only problem I have is that occasionally the computer looses the mouse. I found that by unplugging the mouse and plugging it into another port everything works fine.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Jim,
I also use a USB nic a lot.
When you reinstall Windows on a laptop (or desktop), it’s likely that the network card drive will be missing. I this case I connect my USB nic, load driver for this device from a CD, connect to the Internet and pull all needed drivers.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I have looked at the pcmcia usb adapters on ebay and they say that you need to plug that into another usb port to get enough power but all my usbs dont work. can you use the pcmcia usb adapter without the extra power?
November 29th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Jack,
I think you are looking at a wrong device. I think you are talking about USB hub, when you plug it into one USB port and get a few USB ports instead.
You need a PCMCIA USB card. This card doesn’t require anther USB port. This card takes power and signal from the PCMCIA port.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I bought an external optical disk drive with USB port for my laptop. Much cheaper than an internal one, while it is a little inconvient when I plug it in, for there is only one usb port left. If I want to use usb mouse, then I can not use a cooler at the same time.
January 12th, 2010 at 4:08 am
Dear Friends
Thanks for u r information very use full ………….
February 11th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
My laptop produce tic tic sound continueasly. Songs play but without sound. other task is performing as normal. Pls help to resolve the issue.