Computers

	Campus E-mail

1200 West University Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: 605-995-2697
E-mail: helpdesk@dwu.edu
Web: http://www.dwu.edu/is//

1. My laptop is "frozen" and won't turn off.
2. My laptop's battery only lasts a few minutes, what can I do?
3. I spilled water/coffee/soda on my laptop, what should I do?
4. My screen is smudged. How do I clean it?
5. Is it safe to put my laptop in its carrying case while it's on?
6.What happens if my laptop freezes?

My laptop is "frozen" and won't turn off.

Most laptops will turn off if you hold down the power button for 5-10 seconds. If this fails, unplug the laptop from the power outlet and remove the battery.

My laptop's battery only lasts a few minutes, what can I do?

If your laptop is less than a year old, your manufacturer will most likely replace the battery for free. After that time, you will have to purchase a new battery.

I spilled water/coffee/soda on my laptop, what should I do?

Do not attempt to turn the laptop on! Contact your manufacturer's technical support immediately and follow their instructions.

My screen is smudged. How do I clean it?

Most manufacturers recommend using a soft, clean cloth dampened with water. Do not use cleaning solvents unless specifically directed to do so by your manufacturer.

Is it safe to put my laptop in its carrying case while it’s on?

Only for very short periods of time (5 minutes or less). Laptops, like most electronic devices, are very sensitive to extreme temperatures. If your laptop is unable to get rid of excess heat, it is very possible that the motherboard, CPU or other internal components may be damaged.

What happens if my laptop freezes?

If your computer stops responding, or freezes during normal operation:

First try pressing the ctrl-alt-del keys simultaneously. The computer should respond with a "Close Program" dialog box. Select the task in the list that is not responding, click "End Task" and wait a few seconds to see if the computer can end that task. You may see a second dialog box asking you to confirm that you want the program stopped.

If your computer does not respond to the ctrl-alt-del key command, push and hold the power switch for 5 to 10 seconds -- this should turn the laptop off. Press the power switch again normally to restart the computer. The laptop will automatically run a program called "ScanDisc" that checks your hard drive for errors.

If the power switch reset step fails, disconnect the power source and remove the battery. Replace the battery and power connection and press the power switch on to restart the computer.

If all of the above steps fail, bring your computer to the Help Desk for service.


Dakota Wesleyan University 1200 W. University Ave Mitchell, SD 57301 800-333-8506		Copyright © DWU Last updated: 5/15/07 605-995-2600