1. Check all cables

Even though a wireless network is all about working without wires and cables, there are still a few cables involved. Check any cable connected to the router, especially the cable going from the cable modem or DSL modem. If this cable is loose, it could be causing problems.

2. Cycle power on all devices

Sometimes simply cycling the power or unplugging and reconnecting all devices can solve minor connection problems. You may also try resetting your modem, router to factory defaults to see if that alleviates the issue.

3. Reconnect devices

If you are having trouble getting a specific computer to connect to the router, try disconnecting it from the wireless network and reconnecting. You can also try deleting the network’s information and reconnecting. You will need to re-enter the network password and some settings, but this can alleviate some issues.

4. Reinstall software or update

If there was a software disc included with the router or network card which you installed on each computer on the network, try reinstalling this software. Also, check the program or the manufacturer’s website for updates to the software and install them.

5. Update router firmware

Many routers have the ability to update their firmware, which can provide bug fixes and extra features. Consult the router’s manual for detailed instructions on updating the router’s firmware.

These steps should help you resolve most minor issues. If you have exhausted all of the steps above and are still experiencing problems with your wireless network, it may be time to call customer service for more detailed troubleshooting.

1. Run from AC power only

Most laptops will run fine from the AC adapter with a defective battery. If your laptop will not boot or will not run on battery power only, but runs fine on AC power, you could possibly have a bad battery which needs to be replaced.

2. Charge battery overnight with laptop off

Sometimes a weak battery can have trouble charging while the laptop is running. Try shutting down the laptop, connecting the AC adapter, and charging the battery overnight with the laptop off. If the battery still won’t charge, it probably needs to be replaced.

3. Use a battery diagnostic tool

An internet search for Battery Health will yield many results for tools that can assess the health of your laptop battery. In most cases, it can tell you the initial capacity of the batter as well as the current capacity. If the current capacity is less than half of the original, the battery likely needs to be replaced.

4. If possible, try another battery

This step may be more difficult, but if a friend or a repair shop has a battery that is compatible with your laptop, try installing this battery and see if the issues are still present. If installing the new battery makes the problem or problems go away, the battery needs to be replaced.

Batteries are one of the most likely parts to fail in any laptop, as they only have a limited life. When shopping for a replacement laptop battery, use a parts locator tool to find a battery that is compatible with your specific laptop model to ensure the best performance.

When troubleshooting a laptop AC adapter, there are a few steps that can help rule out other causes and narrow down the issue that is causing the problem.

1. Ensure you have the correct AC adapter

Ensure that you have the correct adapter for your laptop. Especially in a house or office environment with multiple laptops, it can be easy to grab the wrong one by mistake. Most laptop AC adapters are incompatible with other laptop models. In many cases, the tip will not fit into an incompatible laptop, but this is not always true.

2. Check for damage

If your AC adapter seems to be failing, check for signs of visible damage. Inspect the tip which inserts into the laptop, as well as the entire cord, looking for extreme kinks or frayed wires. Also check the transformer or “brick” for any signs of wear, such as cracks or bulging. If any of these signs are present, you should replace the AC adapter immediately to avoid any risk of electrical shock or damage to the laptop.

3. Try another adapter

If you have a second adapter or can borrow a compatible adapter from someone with the same model of laptop, you can rule out the possibility that the problem is caused by another component. Often, problems with the other internal system components can cause charging issues and other symptoms that aren’t caused by the AC adapter itself.

If you have tried these steps and believe your laptop AC adapter needs to be replaced, make sure you find a compatible replacement for your model. Many online retailers offer a parts locator tool for finding replacement parts specific to your laptop model. Many reputable sellers also offer customer support by phone to help you find a suitable replacement.