My laptop needs checkup

@stuckonu (726)
Philippines
March 5, 2012 9:56pm CST
My laptop was bought second hand a couple of months ago and now it is starting to show its hidden defects. It used to detect the wifi signals as well as connect using the wired cable connections but now it cannot connect to either. I will need to have it checked by a technician because I am not really a computer savvy. Do you think I will need to pay for an HP technician to look into it? Do they need to have the original receipt of the laptop? What do you think are the factors why I cannot connect to the Internet?
8 responses
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
6 Mar 12
If only I get to see your laptop I could probably be of help. Anyway, you could bring it to an HP specialist if you could afford to but any good technician would probably do fine. One reason could be software problems, such as virus, drivers, updates, etc. If the hardware is the problem there is also a remedy for that, you can purchase a USB wifi adapter. I do hope it's only software related problem.
1 person likes this
@stuckonu (726)
• Philippines
6 Mar 12
Thanks for your insight. I hope that it is just a software issue. It was still able to detect the wifi signal but there was a yellow ! on the icon so I guess there are driver issue. I do hope it will be fixed soon.
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
6 Mar 12
You could check the internet connection too. Just to be sure that there's internet and it's not your laptop that's having connection problems.
• United States
6 Mar 12
I deal with these type of issues on a daily basis. Ever heard of TeamViewer? An app which allows technicians to remote access your computer to fix computer issues (Usually the most recommended option). Connectivity issues can happen which result to various issues such as: - Connecting multiple computers or devices on your Wi-Fi (This results into IP address conflicts) meaning another device or computer is using the same internet address as yours. - Your wireless router probably needs a firmware update to correct certain bugs and issues with your internet connection. - Are you using any software internet security suites such as Norton? Or ZoneAlarm which might prevent you from connecting to your internet. - Your computer might be infected with malware or spyware that might exploit and change your internet settings. - Updating your wireless/network wired drivers could solve the issue. These are some of the steps I would check before taking it to an HP technician. But if worse comes to worse I say by all means have it checked out to get your problem solved. Last but not least, try resetting your Wireless Router and start fresh with a new security -- I highly recommend using WPA2 over WEP if that's your case.
@stuckonu (726)
• Philippines
6 Mar 12
Do you think reformatting it will solve the issue? I think the cause can either be an installed program like the anti virus or anti malware that I have installed recently. However, if I will have it reformatted, will I lose all of my data? Otherwise, I will just buy an external wireless USB LAN.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
6 Mar 12
If you know someone that has a laptop, I would get them to come over and see if they can connect. Sometimes it can be something in the wires or the modem that is causing the issue. I think I would try that before taking it to a tech. If it is a connection issue in your computer, it shouldn't be too expensive to get it fixed. The wire thing might actually end up being your IP providers responsibility too. I had issues with my connections a few months ago and it ended up being water in the wires. Not just at my house either, it ended up being like that throughout the neighborhood. Good luck!
@succeednow (1633)
• Singapore
6 Mar 12
Hi stuckonu, If it's an intermittent problem then most likely it is due to software. I think the cheapest option for you if it is already out of warranty is to reformat and reinstall your Windows OS. Usually if it's due to some virus affecting your drivers or operating system then a fresh reinstallation will do the trick. There's is nothing to lose except for a bit of time. Make sure you do a back up of your important data before you reformat your hard disk. Hope this helps.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
6 Mar 12
yes you have to pay I assume if you bought it second had the guarantee is already over. Don't you have a cd-rom so you can install your laptop all over again yourself? This might be the solution to your problems.
@vimal1990 (116)
6 Mar 12
It better to avoid buying the laptop in second hand because once you bought the laptop in second hand after that if you getting any problem in the laptop its better to spend more money in solving the problem and can buy a new laptop... this is my opinion for u....Dont spend more money to solve the problem for second hand laptop
@shadjee1 (602)
• Philippines
6 Mar 12
If you bought it second hand, it depends on how long the laptop is or what is and what the warranty is when you bought it. Sometimes HP has records if its still under warranty or not basing it on the serial number. They will inform you if they are going to charge you. Do you have other computers that can connect? What error messages do you have anyway? What type of windows are you using? I worked as a technical support rep before for a known internet and computer company in the US Probably I can help.
• India
6 Mar 12
no Idea better you can talk about your problem for technician in HP or other.