How to Troubleshoot Toshiba Laptop Computers
By Joshua Duvauchelle
Toshiba is one of the world's largest computer manufacturers. Laptops form a sizable percentage of the company's annual computer sales. One of the most popular laptop product lines in the Toshiba family is the Satellite series. However, even the best laptop can experience problems. Learn how to troubleshoot a Toshiba Satellite laptop computer to overcome these problems so you can get back to work.
Step 1
Check that the Toshiba laptop has a charged battery if the computer shuts down unexpectedly, has an unusually dim screen or doesn't respond quickly to user prompts. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet by plugging one end of its power cord into its power port, found on the left-hand side of the Satellite. The battery icon in the lower right-hand side of the Microsoft Windows screen will alert you to the time remaining to charge your laptop's battery fully. This may take up to three hours.
Step 2
Wipe down the Toshiba Satellite's screen with a soft, damp and lint-free cloth. Smudges, moisture and dust buildup can cause distorted images, specks of glowing color and similar viewing problems. Toshiba suggests avoiding chemical-based cleaners such as glass cleaner as such solutions can permanently damage the Satellite's screen surface.
Step 3
Disconnect all peripheral devices such as an external mouse, monitor or printer if you experience problems with such devices in connection with your Toshiba laptop. Some devices may not be compatible with the current version of Microsoft Windows installed on your Toshiba laptop and may cause communication errors, system freezes and similar software-related glitches. If disconnecting the devices resolves your problem, isolate the problem device by plugging the peripheral devices back into your laptop one by one until you encounter the problem again.
Step 4
Clean your keyboard if you are having problems with data entry, or if the Toshiba laptop doesn't type what you expect. Wipe down the surface of the keyboard with a damp cloth, and clean between and under the keys with a pressurized air canister available at most computer stores. This helps remove dust and dirt that may have collected under the keys, thereby preventing you from typing accurately on the laptop.
Step 5
Send the Toshiba laptop in for servicing by an experienced Toshiba technician. Some problems are connected to the malfunctioning of internal circuitry and hardware. Opening the laptop yourself poses a health risk and can cause data loss and more severe problems in the laptop. Call the Toshiba Notebook Depot toll free at (800) 457-7777 or via their online site (see Resources) to obtain servicing.
References
Tips
- Laptops go through a lot of wear and tear because of their portable nature. Thus, it is typically recommended that Toshiba laptop users opt for the company's optional extended-warranty service.
Writer Bio
Joshua Duvauchelle is a certified personal trainer and health journalist, relationships expert and gardening specialist. His articles and advice have appeared in dozens of magazines, including exercise workouts in Shape, relationship guides for Alive and lifestyle tips for Lifehacker. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga and urban patio gardening.