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.
If you find this article useful, please consider making a donation to the author. Thank you!
April 11th, 2011 at 12:51 am
i fallowed your instruction for the display problem of the hp tablet pc tx1000 its amaging i got it ok display come it nice working thanks thanks alot
March 19th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
CJ2600,
I have a Notebook PC Compaq Presario V6000(6111TU)
Sound is ok but even after connecting of Headphone pin in Audio Jack Notebook inbuilt speaker is working
Reinstall Sound Drivers (Conexant HDAudio Driver) but problem is till continue
Reply me with batter solution
Thanking you
March 19th, 2011 at 11:52 am
CJ2600,
I have short out the problem and resolve it also
Now the Compaq Presario V3070TU work ok
Thanking you
March 18th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Bhavesh,
In my previous comment I provided a quote from the official service manual. I’m not sure why it’s not working for you.
March 13th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
Dear cj2600,
Though I have already try this couple of time but as per your instruction, this time I have disassemble all parts and leave Plain Motherboard of Compaq Presario D3000(3070TU) and then Connect the RTC Battery, Processor, RAM & LCD and last Power Adapter, Notebook PC Has been Power on it self but the PWD Issue does not solved!?
replay me if any mistake…
replay with any other please, because the problem is critical
Thanking you
Bhavesh
March 13th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Balaji,
What is your laptop model?
You remove the failed hard drive and replace it with a new one. After that boot your laptop from recovery CD (or Windows installation CD) and install the operating system.
March 13th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Bhavesh,
Here’s a quote from the Compaq Presario v3000 maintenance and service guide:
March 12th, 2011 at 2:53 am
Any one can suggest, how to reset BIOS Password of Compaq Presario V3000(3070TU)
Notebook not able to boot and so we can not use Windows base BIOS Updater
March 9th, 2011 at 4:27 am
my laptop is compaq make bought 3 years before,
now my hard disk is corrupted, how to replace hard disk
any body have solution please help me.
Thanks
February 28th, 2011 at 3:14 am
well maybe you are right,, but think about. most of hardware failures are caused by driver problems, if thats the case, Linux works better… if you don’t want linux, fix the driver problem. or if it is bad hardware as you say, replace it with new one. dont waste money one external hardware caause thats just avoiding the problem..i say this ’cause sometimes external devices are very expensive, im just saying.. i mean i work with computers and thats what i do
but like i said it’s a good solution.. but not all the time, neither forever …
have a nice day cj2600