Laptop Tips for Restore and Configuration Problems

by Jeff Harrison

Reverse Logistics Magazine, Aug/Sept 2007

Forty percent of needed notebook repairs require a hard drive restore and twenty percent of reported notebook problems are related to software configuration issues. This report is based on analysis of over 200,000 laptops by a leading provider of depot repair services, computer parts, and audio and video personal electronics products.

Hard Drive Restore

The hard drive restoration process reinstalls the original version of the operating system along with the associated drivers which control much of the hardware and applications. Restoring a drive often will cure the problem, but this comes at the expense of deleting all of a user's data files.

It is often forgotten that most of the hardware is controlled either by the operating system or its drivers. Therefore, many perceived hardware problems are actually software in nature and require a system restore. All of this makes it even more important to regularly keep a data backup.

Most systems come with restore capabilities built in to a small partition of the hard drive. The customer should create a restore disk as a back-up as soon as the system is acquired. Some systems may also come with the restore disks already on CDs. Simply insert the restore disks and follow the menu instructions until complete

Configuration Parameters

Configuration parameters are defined by users based on a number of preferences. These preferences include the laptop's Internet connection method, printer options, schedule for software updates, as well as the definition of hardware ports to external hard drives, modems, and other devices. These settings are often set once and forgotten, only to later become corrupted files that manifest themselves as hardware problems.

These issues can often be remedied at home, alleviating the need for sending a laptop in for repair. Sometimes, however, a seasoned technician is required to differentiate a hardware problem from a software, or configuration, problem.

It is also important to ensure that the configuration settings are re-set upon the receipt of a repaired laptop. In some instances the environment for repairing a laptop may be slightly different than the user's environment, and the differences may initially seem like an incomplete repair. Resetting preferences, especially related to Internet connections, will usually resolve this.

To reset your configuration to the factory default settings, enter the setup mode by pressing ESC, F1, F2 or F10 as you are prompted during the boot-up sequence. Press F9 for default configuration, answer the prompted message and then press F10 to save the configuration.

For more information on common problems that can frequently go wrong with your notebook computer, visit the Resources section of the Blue Raven website, at www.blueraven.com.

Jeff Harrison holds a BS and an MBA degree and is the Director of Business Operations for Blue Raven Technology. Blue Raven Technology, Inc., previously known as Pre-Owned Electronics, is a leading provider of out-of-warranty service parts and depot repair services as well as consumer-friendly iPod audio and video personal electronics products, including MP4 players, MP3 and gaming products accessories.