Q&A for How to Repair a Computer

Double-check the AC adapter. If your laptop isn’t turning on, double-check that the AC adapter is functional and connected properly to the machine. Try plugging the AC adapter into another electrical outlet. Try using another compatible AC adapter or power cord. If the AC adapter is fine, you can try finding a schematic of the computer online and see if you can short where the power button attaches and get power running through the machine.

Yes, but it will depend upon the model how easy it is, how much it will cost. Laptops with easy to replace screens still exist, but are becoming less common. If you're trying to repair an ultrabook, tablet or a Macbook, it will probably be time consuming, require special tools and be easy to mess up, so you are probably better off taking it to a repair store. However, if you do it yourself you can save a lot of money. Look up a tutorial for replacing the screen on your model and give it a try if you think you can handle it.

That depends on the type of problem that you're having, but you can check out How to Troubleshoot a Computer which can help you with many common problems.

You'll have to reload Windows. Boot from USB or DVD drive (depending on your Windows installation), downloading from Microsoft and creating on another device, if necessary. When Windows installation begins, be sure to attempt a recovery install. It should find your previous Windows installation and try to use as much of it as possible.

That depends on what is wrong with it. Try Googling the issue first.

Depending on what the problem is and how well you can teach yourself some repair skills, yes. However, some problems might be above your abilities, in which case you may need to take the computer into a shop to have it repaired.

If the partition table is corrupt, the hard drive cannot be accessed. If the master boot record is messed up, you may be able to access it through the "Open" or "Save as" dialog boxes in Notepad in the Windows Setup Command Prompt window. Type "notepad" to open Notepad and click on File > Open or File > Save As to recover files from that drive.

Many scans running at once could really lag your computer, and some of the scans out there are just designed to get a virus into your computer, so choose the ones you run wisely.

Let it take its time. Use reliable programs like Malwarebytes, Avast, AVG, or Bitdefender. Your antivirus software might give you an option for a 'quick scan' or something similar, so you could choose that if you just want the most basic scan. But if you want a thorough cleanup, it will take a while, and you have to be patient.

The monitor is faulty, or the computer's video system is broken. Try calling HP support and asking for help.

There are usually some pins on the MOBO that go to the power button. Disconnect them and put something conductive in between. Consult your MOBO manufacturer for the location.

There aren't always led lights on the keyboard. The mouse may be faulty. rReplace both if you want to.

Turn off the Internet, either at the wall if you have a router or on the computer, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on, and try to connect again. If this doesn't work, contact your service provider.

Try to remove your video card. If the video card is a problem, then change it. Change your monitor if the monitor is the problem.

No. It is better to take your computer to the nearest service shop.

It depends on the operating system. Windows XP is the last update you can make.

Locate the ports in your computer and check to make sure that wires are plugged into them all the way.

First, try fixing the fans. If you can see lights or hear fans spinning, you must change your CPU. It is better to take your computer to the nearest service shop.

If the computer does not turn on, it will not output a signal. Therefore, the monitor has no signal to display. Try changing the video card on your computer.

Your computer may not support the OS. If it's brand new, try a different one. If it has been working, try booting from a live CD/USB drive.

Contact customer support, or you can go to the troubleshooting section of your OS.

If you're unable to enter it due to keyboard issues, you could hook up a USB keyboard to use instead of the built-in one. If the issue is that you don't remember your password, you'll likely have to reload.

Go to Pricewatch and pick a replacement. Get the CPU part number off its top cover. You may be able to find a good price on eBay, but check the reputation of the person or outfit before buying. If the computer is a laptop, the CPU may be soldered in, making replacement difficult or even impossible. Consult a technician at a computer repair place.

You'll have to reinstall the OS; when doing so, try using the repair option first.

On Windows, try using Ctrl+Alt+Down or navigating to the display settings to change the orientation to landscape.

Usually, a single beep indicates that the BIOS has found no problem during POST, but the meanings can vary between computers. It may be a monitor issue. Try connecting the computer to another display. If video displays, it's a monitor issue; otherwise, it might be the computer itself. Specify your computer model when searching for solutions online, or consult a professional if needed.

Try opening System Preferences, clicking Accessibility, then Zoom, and turning off all the checked boxes.

Try replacing the cable or using another cable. If it still doesn't work, your graphics card might be faulty.

Never attempt to do this by yourself without following a reputable guide. There are many tutorials online to show how you can reassemble your computer. Make sure to follow them closely to minimize any mistakes or possible injury. If you’re still unsure, reach out to a repair shop or the computer’s manufacturer (if applicable) for assistance.

1. Boot into Safe Mode, create a new user profile, and transfer your files. 2. Open Task Manager, check for Explorer.exe under the Processes tab, and run Explorer.exe. 3. Update your display driver via Device Manager by accessing Display Adapters and updating the graphics card driver. 4. Open Command Prompt and run "sfc /scannow." 5. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run a full virus scan or Windows Defender to check for infections. 6. Open Command Prompt and run "chkdsk /f C:" to check for and attempt to fix any detected errors.