Random Laptop problem test.

[Maarchk]

Hi everybody,

I am applying for a new job, and the 2nd round interview i have this week, will be them handing me a laptop with an issue, and saying please fix this quickly and efficiently. I do not know what problems i will be getting ahead of time, but i know it will be a toshiba notebook. I have been trying to find websites or tips on how to more efficiently troubleshoot. I know basic things, such as check for power sources, and sockets funtioning. Plug in a monitor to see if the video card works but not the display, and things like that but i wondered if anyone recommended a site or something to check out. Any help is appreciated. Right now the best i've found is this.
linky (http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/repair.htm)

Thanks all,
Mark

[Grimm]

You can hard reset one by pulling out the battery for a few seconds.

You can pull out one memory module and then try to boot, switch the modules and try again.

Always remember to pull out any PC-Cards that might be causing a problem.

You can also pull out the CD/DVD or floppy if they might be the problem.

[Jeffbx]

Do you know if it's going to be a hardware or a software issue?

[brainsmile]

how much time do you have or do you have to do it right there?

[Maarchk]

Jeffbx "Do you know if it's going to be a hardware or a software issue?"

Most likely a hardware error. When i was in for my interview, he asked what would i do if it did nto start at all, if there was no display, and if the keyboard was not functioning.

brainsmile "how much time do you have or do you have to do it right there?"

Its going to be during an interview, so i believe it will be right there on the spot. They are a suggested repair shop for toshiba's so my guess is they will take one of their laptops, and make something be wrong with it and hand it to us. He said that one issue they had before without the test would be certified CCNA? (the cisco cert) but would never have worked on a laptop in reality and would get hired and would break pieces of lap top cause they only had the knowledge and not the experiece. So i think half of it is solving the problem, and half is not doing damage.

[brainsmile]

just bring an extra toshiba that works. :P

[Jeffbx]

He said that one issue they had before without the test would be certified CCNA? (the cisco cert) but would never have worked on a laptop in reality ...

Well duh... CCNA is a NETWORKING cert and has nothing whatsoever to do with hardware! That's like hiring a plastic surgeon to do dentistry & then being surprised when it doesn't turn out right.

Laptop hardware is actually rather simple to troubleshoot... the link you posted should be pretty useful. If you can, get your hands on a Toshiba beforehand (even if you just go to CompUSA or Best Buy to look at one on the shelf). Be familiar with where the battery is, how to remove it, where the RAM is, where the HD is, how to remove all of those, etc.

Also bring one of these:

http://www.mprinted.com/Graphics/1719800/M8823/Image.gif

That's the only tool you'll need unless you plan on taking the whole machine apart (and even then it's doubtful you'll need anything else)

[Maarchk]

Well duh... CCNA is a NETWORKING cert and has nothing whatsoever to do with hardware! That's like hiring a plastic surgury to do dentistry & then being surprised when it doesn't turn out right.

Laptop hardware is actually rather simple to troubleshoot... the link you posted should be pretty useful. If you can, get your hands on a Toshiba beforehand (even if you just go to CompUSA or Best Buy to look at one on the shelf). Be familiar with where the battery is, how to remove it, where the RAM is, where the HD is, how to remove all of those, etc.

Also bring one of these:

That's the only tool you'll need unless you plan on taking the whole machine apart (and even then it's doubtful you'll need anything else)

Thanks. yeah i borrowed one and took it apart today and put it back together. And i found a listing of service manuals for toshiba so i think i'll be ok.