Laptop Repair

Laptop Broken? Got a feeling its not a software issue?

Byte Knights can get your laptop working again. We charge a flat rate for most hardware related issues (and never a diagnostic fee).

Most laptop hardware issues fall into two categories -

DC Jack Replacement  – Repaired for $95
LCD Issues  – Repaired for $85

DC Jack Symptoms

  • Your battery isn’t charging consistently
  • The laptop will not run without the AC adapter
  • Moving the AC adapter plug (or laptop while plugged) causing intermittent power to be supplied to the laptop
  • An error message is seen when booting the laptop. Usually something like this “The AC power adapter type cannot be determined. This will prevent optimal system performance. Strike the F3 key (before the F1 or F2 key) if you do no want to see power warning messages again. Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility”

DC Jack Troubleshooting

  1. Try using another AC Adapter.  If all of the symptoms go away then a faulty AC Adapter is likely.  If your on a budget this is probably the cheapest debug step (and if nothing else a second AC Adapter is always handy)
  2. Try moving the plugging in the AC Adapter in the the jack and wiggle the plug slightly.  Does the behavior change?  (look for the battery charging icon in windows or an LED indicator on the laptop.  If the behavior changes the laptop likely has a loose DC Jack which causes an intermittent connection.  The DC Jack needs to be re-soldered to the main board
  3. Visually inspect the DC Jack.  Most laptops have poorly designed laptop jacks placed at the back of the system.  When the laptop is plugged in, it is often picked up from the front stressing the DC Jack.  If the DC Jack gives when pressed, it probably needs to be re-soldered.  Also look for signs of slight burning, melting or scoring.

Screen Issues

  • Cracked LCD Screen
  • Flickering Screen
  • Faint Image
  • Image has a bad tone or is tinted
  • Image is bright but then becomes dim

Screen Troubleshooting

  1. Most laptops have an external VGA or DVI adapter.  If a laptop connected to an external display looks fine, then the laptop screen needs to be checked.  If the image is distorted on the external adapter the video board on the laptop may need to be replaced.
  2. Check the connector.  The screen connects to the video board under the keyboard/bezel on most laptops.  Remove the keyboard and check the connection

Laptop_Screen_Replacement_wresolder-dc-power-jack