Describe Repairs for Laptops and Portable Devices

Last Updated on Sun, 19 Feb 2023 | Operating Systems

When a laptop or portable device begins to malfunction, what should you do? The customer can replace some parts of a laptop, typically called Customer-Replaceable Units (CRU). CRUs include such components as the laptop battery and additional RAM. Parts that the customer should not replace are called Field-Replaceable Units (FRU). FRUs include such components as the laptop motherboard, LCD display, and keyboard. In many cases, the device may need to be returned to the place of purchase, a certified service center, or even the manufacturer.

Figure 13-3 shows an example of a CRU and FRU.

Figure 13-3 Repair Methods for Laptops and Portable Devices

Figure 13-3 Repair Methods for Laptops and Portable Devices

A repair center can provide service on laptops made by different manufacturers, or a repair center may specialize in a specific brand and be considered an authorized dealer for warranty work and repair. The following are common repairs performed at local repair centers:

■ Hardware and software diagnostics

■ Data transfer and recovery

■ Hard drive installation and upgrades

■ RAM installation and upgrades

■ Keyboard and fan replacement

■ Internal laptop cleaning

■ LCD screen repair

■ LCD inverter and backlight repair

Most repairs to LCD displays must be performed in a repair center. These repairs include replacing the LCD screen, the backlight that shines through the screen to illuminate the display, and the inverter that produces the high voltage required by the backlight. If the backlight has failed, the screen is visible only when you look at it from an angle.

If no local services are available, you might be required to send the laptop to a regional repair center or to the manufacturer. If the laptop damage is severe or requires specialized software and tools, the manufacturer can decide to replace the laptop instead of attempting a repair.

Caution

Before attempting to repair a laptop or portable device, check the warranty to see if repairs during the warranty period must be done at an authorized service center to avoid invalidating the warranty. If you repair a laptop yourself, you should always back up the data and disconnect the device from the power source.

Worksheet 13.2.0: Investigating Repair Centers

For this worksheet, you investigate the services provided by a computer repair center. Use the Internet or a local phone directory to locate one. After you have found a repair center, use its website to obtain information, and answer the questions in the worksheet. If a website is not available, contact the local repair center. Refer to the worksheet in IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, Third Edition. You may complete this worksheet now or wait to do so until the end of the chapter.

Continue reading here: Select a Docking Station or Port Replicator

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Readers' Questions

  • Sarah
    Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
    17 days ago
    • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is a hardware component that can be quickly and easily replaced in the field without requiring technical skills or tools. Examples of FRUs include hard drives, memory modules, CPUs, and power supplies.
    • iiro
      Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
      17 days ago
      • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is a component, typically a module or circuit board, that can be replaced or serviced independently from the rest of the system. Examples of FRUs include memory modules, hard drives, power supplies, and communication interface cards.
      • Ute
        Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
        2 months ago
        • A field replaceable unit (FRU) is any hardware component in a computer or electronic device that is designed to be replaced by the user without returning the device to the manufacturer or a service technician. Examples of FRU components include motherboards, hard drives, optical drives, graphic cards, RAM, processor, power supply, and fans.
        • Kalevi
          Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
          2 months ago
          • Hard drive, RAM, fan, power supply, optical drive, network card, graphics card, CPU, and motherboard.
          • michael
            Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
            2 months ago
            • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is a type of component that can be removed and replaced by a technician without having to replace an entire system or device. Examples of FRUs include hard drives, memory chips, power supplies, fans, and circuit boards.
            • richard
              Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
              2 months ago
              • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is any hardware component within a computer system that can be easily accessed and replaced without needing to replace the entire system. Examples of FRUs include hard drives, memory modules, power supplies, and graphics cards.
              • eduardo chin
                Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                2 months ago
                • A field replaceable unit (FRU) is any hardware component that can be easily replaced without the need for complex hardware or software involvement. Examples of FRUs include motherboards, hard drives, power supplies, fans, memory, and processors.
                • lessie dillman
                  Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                  2 months ago
                  • Hard disk drives, power supplies, optical drives, RAM, and processors are all examples of components that may be considered a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU).
                  • Lempi
                    Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                    2 months ago
                    • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is any part or component of a system that can be serviced or replaced by a user without having to disassemble the entire system. Examples of FRUs include motherboards, hard disk drives, memory cards, internal cables, power supplies, CPUs, RAM, and optical drives.
                    • sabrina
                      Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                      2 months ago
                      • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is any component that can be removed and replaced with a new one, without the need for specialized tools or complete system disassembly. Examples of FRU components include hard drives, memory modules, power supplies, and optical drives.
                      • LAVERNE
                        What is another component that might be considered a cru for a different laptop?
                        2 months ago
                        • A webcam or microphone could be considered additional components for a laptop.
                        • mac
                          Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                          2 months ago
                          • A field replaceable unit (FRU) is a component of a computer or other electronic system that can be easily removed and replaced by a technician without needing to replace the entire system. Examples of FRUs include disk drives, processors, RAM modules, power supplies, expansion cards, and some small parts, such as DIP switches.
                          • Negisti
                            Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                            2 months ago
                            • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is any component of a computer or electronic system that can be easily removed and replaced by a technician without having to send the entire system in for repair or replacement. Examples of FRUs include hard drives, memory modules, processors, motherboards, power supplies, optical drives, and replaceable parts such as fans and batteries.
                            • SAARE
                              Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                              2 months ago
                              • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is an individual hardware component that can be removed and replaced without the need for technical expertise. Examples of FRUs include motherboards, power supplies, processors, hard drives, cooling fans, and RAM modules.
                              • amy
                                What items might be considered field replaceable units in laptop?
                                2 months ago
                                1. Battery
                                2. Hard drive
                                3. RAM
                                4. Fans
                                5. Optical drive
                                6. Keyboard
                                7. Touchpad
                                8. Wireless card
                                9. Motherboard
                                10. Heat sink and processor
                                • SUSANNE
                                  Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                                  2 months ago
                                  • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) can include any component or sub-assembly of a computer system, including processors, memory modules, hard drives, power supplies, network cards, or any other component that is removable, replaceable and upgradable.
                                  • sophie
                                    Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                                    2 months ago
                                    • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is any component or sub-assembly in a computer system that can be replaced by an end user or a technician without having to replace an entire system. Examples of FRUs include hard drives, memory modules, power supplies, motherboards, and system fans.
                                    • Nebay
                                      Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                                      2 months ago
                                      • A field replaceable unit (FRU) is an individual hardware component that can be removed and replaced (without having to replace the entire device or system). Common FRUs include hard drives, memory modules, wireless cards, processors, power supplies, and fans.
                                      • jessamine hayward
                                        Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                                        2 months ago
                                        • A field replaceable unit (FRU) is a removable hardware item that can be easily installed or replaced without having to take apart the entire system. Examples of FRUs include system boards, hard disk drives, memory modules, processors, power supplies, fans, and many other components.
                                        • Rita Gabriel
                                          Which is not typically a field replaceable unit?
                                          2 months ago
                                          • Motherboard
                                          • daniela
                                            Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                                            2 months ago
                                            • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is a component of a larger system that can be replaced without having to replace the entire system. Examples include memory modules, storage devices, expansion cards, and power supplies.
                                            • florian
                                              What caution should be taken when working on a laptop or device that may be under a warranty?
                                              2 months ago
                                              1. Always read the warranty terms carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
                                              2. Only use approved parts and accessories when working on your laptop or device.
                                              3. Make sure to contact the manufacturer for service or repairs if necessary.
                                              4. Exercise proper care and handling when working on your laptop or device.
                                              5. Don't attempt to make modifications or repairs that are beyond your technical capabilities.
                                              6. Ensure the device is powered off, disconnected from the power source, and discharged prior to beginning any work.
                                              7. Handle all components with care. Use cleaning tools and solvents that are approved and safe for the device.
                                              8. Make sure to back up your data before making any changes.
                                              • tobias
                                                Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit (fru)?
                                                2 months ago
                                                • A field replaceable unit (FRU) is any component of a computer system or other device that can be easily removed and replaced. Examples may include power supplies, storage devices, optical drives, cooling fans, and processors.
                                                • Habte
                                                  What are the frus on a motherboard?
                                                  2 months ago
                                                  1. CPU Socket
                                                  2. RAM Slots
                                                  3. Expansion Slots
                                                  4. Integrated Graphics Port
                                                  5. SATA Connectors
                                                  6. Power Connectors
                                                  7. USB Ports
                                                  8. Fan Connectors
                                                  9. Front Panel Connectors
                                                  10. Audio Connectors
                                                  • scudamor
                                                    What component of a motherboard is not considered to be a field replaceable unit?
                                                    2 months ago
                                                    • The processor socket is not considered to be a field replaceable unit.
                                                    • estella
                                                      Which component may be considered a field replaceable unit?
                                                      2 months ago
                                                      • A Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is any part or assembly that can be removed and replaced from a system without the need for extensive disassembly and reassembly. Examples of FRUs can include hard drives, memory modules, batteries, fan assemblies, power supplies, keyboards, and motherboards.