How to Upgrade and Repair a Compaq Laptop

A cared-for computer is a happy computer.

Over time laptops may become sluggish or stop working as well as they did when you first purchased them. There are several ways to clean up a laptop and make it run a bit smoother. The options range from some tricks you can do for free to buying RAM for the computer. No matter what you do, a little bit of any improvement or quick fix can bring your laptop back from the grave for a time.

Things You'll Need

• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Windows Disks
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Go to a computer hardware store and ask a specialist what type of RAM you will need for your computer. Since there are different kinds of Compaq laptops, there are different kinds of RAM required. Buy the proper RAM.

2. Unplug your laptop from the wall. Flip the laptop over and remove the battery pack.

3. Find the hatch on the back of the laptop that has a symbol on it that resembles a stick of RAM. Use the screwdriver to unscrew all of the screws holding that hatch down. Be sure to store the screws somewhere so they will not get lost, as they are small.

4. Flip the RAM inside up gently. This will angle it out so you can grab it by the sides. Grab the stick gently by the sides and slide the RAM stick out. Repeat this for any extra RAM sticks in the machine.

5. Slide the new RAM sticks into the RAM port. The gold connecting ends will go in. Press the RAM down into the body of the laptop and secure any latches around it. Repeat this process for any extra sticks of RAM.

6. Screw the hatch back on. Replace the battery and plug the computer in. Turn the computer on.

Quick Fixes

1. Delete unused icons on your desktop. This will free up memory for your computer to run faster.

2. Remove unneeded software and applications. Go to the Start menu and select "Control Panel." Select add/remove programs and skim for ones you may not use. The ones you do not use can be removed.

3. Apply Windows updates. If there is a problem with your operating system, Windows may already have a fix for it waiting for you in their most recent updates. To do this, open Internet Explorer. Click the "Tools" tab on the top menu and then click "Update."

Replace a Bad Hard Drive

1. Go to a computer store and speak with a specialist about what kind of hard drive you will need. Since there are different Compaq laptops, there are different hard drives that may be needed.

2. Unplug the computer and turn it off. Flip the computer over and remove the battery pack.

3. Find the hatch with the symbol on it that looks like a hard drive. Remove the screws and store them in a safe place where they will not get lost.

4. Gently pull the tab on top of the hard drive to remove it. It should slide out of the cavity easily. Replace the hard drive by sliding the new one in the same way the old one came out.

5. Replace the screws on the hatch and the battery pack. Plug the computer in and turn it on. Insert Windows discs to reinstall the operating system. Follow the onscreen directions provided by the discs.

Tips & Warnings

• Never do work on a computer if you don't think you can. Some mistakes can render a computer useless.

References

• Compaq: Support For Presario Laptops and Desktops
• Ask Bob Rankin: Make Windows XP Run Faster
• Microsoft At Home: Optimize Your Computer For Peak Performance
• Make Use Of: 10 Quick Fixes To Make Your Windows Computer Run Faster