How to Replace a Toshiba Modem in a Laptop

The modem in your Toshiba laptop is an internal device that allows your laptop to transmit and receive data using a telephone cord, such as sending and receiving faxes and connecting to the Internet using a dial-up service. If the modem in your Toshiba laptop has malfunctioned, you can obtain a new internal laptop modem through Toshiba or by purchasing one from a dealer who specializes in laptop parts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laptop screwdriver set ESD wristband

1. Power off the laptop and remove the battery. Power down your Toshiba laptop through the Windows operating system, then close the lid. Sit the laptop upside down on a sturdy surface so that you can access the compartments underneath the laptop. For safety reasons, you must remove the battery. To remove the battery on most Toshiba laptops, slide the battery lock found underneath the laptop to the unlocked position, then pull the battery out.

2. Remove all cables, cords, and devices. Unplug the laptop's power cord and any devices and cables that are attached to the laptop. This includes unplugging the telephone line that may be plugged into the modem, disconnecting USB cables, removing flash drives, unplugging headphones, unplugging the mouse and disconnecting the Ethernet cable.

3. Locate and remove the modem cover. Most Toshiba laptop modems are contained in their own compartment and are screwed to the motherboard. Consult your specific Toshiba model's user guide to determine which compartment houses your modem. Remove the four screws on the modem cover to open it.

4. Detach the old modem. The modem is screwed onto the motherboard. Remove these two screws. One is located at the top right of the modem and the other is located at the bottom left of the modem. Find the cable that connects the modem to the motherboard. Using your index finger and thumb, grab the connector end of the cable and gently pull it out of the modem. Do not pull the cable itself. Pull only on its connector end. After you remove the cable, lift the modem out of the compartment.

5. Insert and attach the new modem. Insert the new modem into the compartment so that the screw holes on the motherboard and modem are aligned. Carefully secure the modem in its place, then insert and tighten the modem's screws to attach it to the motherboard. Using the connector end of the modem cable, insert the modem cable into the modem. Place the modem compartment cover back on, then insert and tighten its four screws.

6. Download and install the modem drivers. Go to the laptop technical support page on Toshiba's website (see Resources below) to download and install the drivers necessary to operate the new modem. To use the modem, simply insert a modular cable (telephone cord) into the modem jack on the back of the laptop (designated by a small telephone icon found above the jack) and set up a new dial-up connection by running the Network Connections wizard.

Tips & Warnings

• Wearing an ESD (electrostatic discharge) wristband or using another grounding device while opening your laptop and handling internal components will prevent static electricity from permanently damaging the laptop. If the only way you can access the Internet on your Toshiba laptop is through its modem, you should download the drivers and store them in a folder before you remove the old modem or download the drivers on another computer and store them on a flash drive or CD.
• If your Toshiba laptop is under warranty, make sure that opening it to replace the modem will not void the warranty.

Resources

• Toshiba.com