Laptop overheated, now connectivity problems
May 20, 2013 2:19 PM Subscribe
My laptop overheated, I took it to get cleaned, now it's having Internet connectivity issues. I think the repair place may be at fault. What do I do now?
I have a Packard Bell Easynote TJ68 laptop that I purchased (in the UK) in September 2010. It's a little slow, but runs decently. I noticed that it had started to overheat in recent months, and on Friday, it got so hot it shut itself down. On Saturday, I took it to the local laptop repair place to have the dust cleaned out. I got it back, and it's not overheating - yay! But now there's another problem - the Internet connection isn't as strong and keeps dropping out. I have a wireless Internet connection and used to have full bars - now there's only one or two. My computer will connect to the Internet, but the connection crashes several times an hour, and it doesn't come back if I wait - I have to restart the computer. I've tried another router and the same issues happen. I've also checked my phone and my flatmate's laptop and their connections are fine. So I think it has to be something that was done at the repair place.
I found this question which looks very relevant. But since I'm not entirely sure what happened, and this is an independent place rather than an authorized repair carried out under warranty, I don't know how to go about this. Other complication: the owner of the shop was pretty rude to me for no reason when I took my laptop in, so I really want to make sure I know what I'm doing when I walk in there so I don't just get shouted at and fall to pieces as I tend to get anxious in these sorts of situations. I'd really appreciate any advice.
I have a Packard Bell Easynote TJ68 laptop that I purchased (in the UK) in September 2010. It's a little slow, but runs decently. I noticed that it had started to overheat in recent months, and on Friday, it got so hot it shut itself down. On Saturday, I took it to the local laptop repair place to have the dust cleaned out. I got it back, and it's not overheating - yay! But now there's another problem - the Internet connection isn't as strong and keeps dropping out. I have a wireless Internet connection and used to have full bars - now there's only one or two. My computer will connect to the Internet, but the connection crashes several times an hour, and it doesn't come back if I wait - I have to restart the computer. I've tried another router and the same issues happen. I've also checked my phone and my flatmate's laptop and their connections are fine. So I think it has to be something that was done at the repair place.
I found this question which looks very relevant. But since I'm not entirely sure what happened, and this is an independent place rather than an authorized repair carried out under warranty, I don't know how to go about this. Other complication: the owner of the shop was pretty rude to me for no reason when I took my laptop in, so I really want to make sure I know what I'm doing when I walk in there so I don't just get shouted at and fall to pieces as I tend to get anxious in these sorts of situations. I'd really appreciate any advice.
Yers, sounds like Z is right.
I know how it feels to be intimidated by artisans, its why I choose to fix most things myself. Sadly I can see little alternative to taking it back other than having a go at fixing it yourself. The web is full of howto's. I should also mention that dirty fans and vents are a common cause of overheats and they can be easy to DIY too. Good luck.
posted by BenPens at 2:47 PM on May 20, 2013
I know how it feels to be intimidated by artisans, its why I choose to fix most things myself. Sadly I can see little alternative to taking it back other than having a go at fixing it yourself. The web is full of howto's. I should also mention that dirty fans and vents are a common cause of overheats and they can be easy to DIY too. Good luck.
posted by BenPens at 2:47 PM on May 20, 2013
Does this guy have a local competitor? IF SO, I would go to him, tell him what transpired, what you suspect based on the above info and tell him the guy was so rude you are reluctant to go back to him. Odds are if it is a simple fix he will do it for little or free knowing he gains a future customer and general good will.
posted by notreally at 3:06 PM on May 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by notreally at 3:06 PM on May 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
If your laptop overheated to the point it shut itself down,I'd be a little reluctant to start lobbing accusations at the repair guys who just sprayed compressed air at it.
If you want to avoid the drama, get yourself a USB wifi adapter for about $20 and be done with it.
posted by ShutterBun at 3:15 PM on May 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you want to avoid the drama, get yourself a USB wifi adapter for about $20 and be done with it.
posted by ShutterBun at 3:15 PM on May 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
Tell the computer repair shop and see what they say? They may offer to fix it if you are nice and so are they. If it was working before you took it in, then they should fix it and I would insist that they do, or at least diagnose it for free. Unless, of course, after it shut down you never rebooted it and took it directly to the shop, then you really don't have a leg to stand on.
posted by AppleTurnover at 6:14 PM on May 20, 2013
posted by AppleTurnover at 6:14 PM on May 20, 2013
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posted by zsazsa at 2:35 PM on May 20, 2013 [1 favorite]