How to Troubleshoot a Toshiba Satellite A65
Troubleshooting a Toshiba Satellite A65 is a multistep endeavor, thanks to the inherent complexity of a laptop computer. Any number of problems can occur, large or small, so the most efficient troubleshooting method to employ is to check for the most likely problems that may afflict your Toshiba Satellite A65. With nothing more than an S-Video cable as a tool, this can be accomplished in your own home regardless of your computer knowledge.
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Instructions
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Check to make sure your Toshiba Satellite A65’s battery is still in operating shape. Even a battery that technically works can still have issues over time, as every computer battery does deteriorate after extensive use and can lose its charge partially or even completely. The average cycle for a laptop battery is 1000 charges. If your battery has been used for a couple of years, it may be the problem. Turn your Toshiba Satellite A65 over and locate the battery. It will have a horizontal outline at the top of the laptop, and a battery release mechanism just to the side of this. Move this mechanism to the left to pop out the battery and replace it.
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Observe the monitor settings for your Toshiba Satellite A65. Is the screen blank or dark? It may not be a display problem; rather, you may have accidentally turned down the Toshiba’s brightness settings all the way. The brightness settings on the A65 will be at the top of the keyboard, directly below the screen and along the numeric keys.
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Check to make sure your keyboard and/or mouse (if you are using an external mouse) are working correctly. If these peripherals are the problem, you will want to consider visiting the Toshiba Support site (see Resources below) and downloading the latest device drivers, as these may have been updated. Click on the driver file you need and double-click to install on your computer.
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Observe your Toshiba Satellite A65’s monitor. Do you see a faint image on the laptop screen but are having other issues with its display? Consider the LCD “lid close” detector. This detector may be malfunctioning due to the LCD lid close switch being stuck in the “closed” position, which turns off the LCD backlight and would cause display readability issues. The lid closed switch is beside the LCD screen’s hinges. Tapping and manipulating this switch should alleviate the problem and “unstick” it.
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Look closely at the Toshiba Satellite A65’s monitor and check for other, non-backlight-related issues. Use an S-Video cable to connect your Toshiba Satellite A65 to another monitor (not the built-in LCD screen). Your living room television would be convenient. Once hooked up via S-Video, if the external screen displays your Toshiba’s information (the desktop, etc.) your A65’s monitor will have to be replaced. Otherwise, the motherboard/video subsystem of the Toshiba Satellite A65 is likely the issue.
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Tips & Warnings
Motherboards are costly. If a motherboard needs to be replaced, it is just as cost efficient to invest in a new computer.
References
Resources
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