Post by papaof2 on May 7, 2024 7:30:52 GMT -6
My ancient Dell D630 laptop - still running Windows XP, SP3 - needed the clock CMOS battery replaced. My usual place to take laptops apart is in a cafeteria style plastic tray that is just enough bigger than the laptop to catch any dropped screws.
Got the battery replaced but it didn't need the double-sided adhesive foam pad to hold it in position (place is snug on the battery itself) so I peeled that off to get the new battery through the very small channel under the keyboard.
Boot the laptop and set the date/time, then restart it and it has the correct time. - Clock problem solved. I should also check mail to be sure everything still works. Click the icon, program opens and quickly goes to "Can't connect to server." That's interesting as it worked a few days ago - this machine doesn't see much use but it has all the development software so it's the go-to laptop for creating or changing any utility I've written (a bunch of them) - and mail worked the last time I used it.
The wi-fi card is under the keyboard, so in the bottom of the case. Take the laptop off that plastic tray and the laptop has no problem getting mail. Something in the composition of that tray blocks the RF to/from that wi-fi card enough for it to not be able to get a useful connection - when it's about 8 feet above the router.
Maybe I've discovered a way to convince someone that they need a new laptop? Just slip the tray under their laptop "so it won't be so hot on your legs" and then send them off to do internet things ;-)
Got the battery replaced but it didn't need the double-sided adhesive foam pad to hold it in position (place is snug on the battery itself) so I peeled that off to get the new battery through the very small channel under the keyboard.
Boot the laptop and set the date/time, then restart it and it has the correct time. - Clock problem solved. I should also check mail to be sure everything still works. Click the icon, program opens and quickly goes to "Can't connect to server." That's interesting as it worked a few days ago - this machine doesn't see much use but it has all the development software so it's the go-to laptop for creating or changing any utility I've written (a bunch of them) - and mail worked the last time I used it.
The wi-fi card is under the keyboard, so in the bottom of the case. Take the laptop off that plastic tray and the laptop has no problem getting mail. Something in the composition of that tray blocks the RF to/from that wi-fi card enough for it to not be able to get a useful connection - when it's about 8 feet above the router.
Maybe I've discovered a way to convince someone that they need a new laptop? Just slip the tray under their laptop "so it won't be so hot on your legs" and then send them off to do internet things ;-)