What to Do if Your Laptop Is Plugged In but Not Charging

Get ready, boys and girls, it's time to go troubleshooting.

1. Are You Plugged In?
It sounds silly, but you need to make sure that the laptop is actually plugged in. No software tweak or hardware repair can make a disconnected laptop magically power on. Before checking anything else, then, you need to ensure that both the AC outlet and laptop plugs are firmly seated. Check the AC adapter brick and verify that any removable cords are fully inserted. Next, make sure that the battery is properly seated in its compartment, and that there is nothing wrong with either the battery or laptop contact points. Finally, find out whether the problem doesn't lie with the laptop at all: Try plugging the power cord into a different outlet to see if you've got a short or a blown fuse.

2. Lose the Battery
A simple way to check the integrity of the battery is to remove it entirely and try plugging in the laptop. If the laptop powers on properly, the problem was likely a bum battery.

3. Breaks, Burnout, and Shorts
Feel along the length of the power cord, bending and flexing as you go, to check for any kinks or breaks. Check the ends for any broken connections, such as plugs pulling loose or spots that may have gotten chewed by a pet or caught in a vacuum cleaner. Inspect the AC brick. Is it discolored? Are any parts warped or expanded? Give it a sniff—if it smells like burnt plastic, that's likely where the trouble lies.

4. Check the Connector
When you plug in the laptop's power connector, the connection should be fairly solid. If it's suddenly wobbly or loose, or if the receiving socket gives when it should stay firm, the power jack may have broken inside the chassis.

5. Beat the Heat
A non-charging battery can sometimes be caused by an overheating laptop. This problem is two-fold; with the system shutting down to prevent overheating a battery and causing a fire. Also, as the temperature rises, the battery sensor may misfire, telling the system that the battery is either fully charged or missing completely, causing the charging problems. These problems become far more likely when dealing with older laptops which don't have the quality of cooling technology used today, or when using the laptop on the couch or in bed, with a blanket or pillow covering the cooling vents. Let the system cool down and take the time to make sure that the air vents are clean and unobstructed.

6. Check Your Settings
For Windows Laptops: In the Control Panel, open up the Power Options. Open the plan settings and visually check that all are properly set. Be on the lookout for incorrect settings for the battery, display, and sleep options. For example, your battery settings may cause trouble if you have set the computer to shut down when the battery level drops too low and set the low battery level at too high a percentage. You can also assign actions like sleep and shut down when your lid is closed or the power button is pressed. If these settings have been changed, it's easy to suspect a power malfunction even though there's no physical problem with the battery or charging cable. The easiest way to make sure that your settings aren't causing problems is to restore the power profile to default settings.

For Mac Laptops: In System Preferences, select the Energy Saver pane and review your preferences. Mac settings are adjusted with a slider, letting you select the amount of time the computer can sit idle until it goes to sleep. If the interval is too short, you might suspect battery issues when settings are the true culprit. And don't forget to check these settings for both battery power and wall power.You may want to revert back to the default settings to see if a change in settings is causing the problem.

7. Update Your Drivers
For Windows Laptops: In the Control Panel, open the Device Manager. Under "Batteries" you should see three items, one for the battery, another for the charger, and a third listed as "Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery". Open each item, which will bring up a Properties window. Under the "Driver" tab, you'll see a button labeled "Update Driver." Go through the driver update process for all three. Once the drivers are all up to date, reboot the laptop and plug it in again. If this doesn't resolve the problem, uninstall "Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery" completely and reboot.

For Mac Laptops: On a Mac you'll need to try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). For laptops with removable batteries this is as simple as shutting down power, removing the battery, disconnecting power, and pressing the power button for 5 seconds. Reinsert the battery, connect power, and fire up the laptop.

For newer Macs with batteries sealed into the chassis, shut down the computer, but leave the power adapter connected. With the power off, press and hold the power button while pressing the Shift-Control-Option keys on the left-hand side of the keyboard. Release the keys and power button simultaneously, then attempt to power on the laptop.

How to Resolve "No Sound" on Windows Computer

Step 1: Using the Microsoft Sound Troubleshooter in Windows 7

To automatically fix many types of sound problems, use the Microsoft Sound Troubleshooter.

Show me how

1. Click Start , and then click Control Panel.
2. Under System and Security, click Find and fix problems.
   Figure 1: Opening the troubleshooter

   
3. The Troubleshoot computer problems page opens. Under Hardware and Sound, clickTroubleshoot audio playback.
   Figure 2: Troubleshooting audio playback

   
4. The Playing audio troubleshooting page displays. Click Next to continue.
   Figure 3: Playing Audio troubleshooter

   
5. Wait while the troubleshooter checks the computer for problems.
   Figure 4: Checking for audio problems

   
6. Select the audio connection device you want to troubleshoot, such as speakers. Then clickNext.
   Figure 5: Selecting a device to troubleshoot

   
7. Wait while the troubleshooter detects problems and makes changes.
   Figure 6: Detecting problems

   
8. When the troubleshooter is done, the Troubleshooting has completed page displays listing any problems found and what changes were made to the computer.
   

   NOTE:For detailed information about the troubleshooting, click View detailed information.
   Click Close.
   Figure 7: Troubleshooting completed

   

Step 2: Checking volume and mute settings

The volume setting for one or more sound devices might be disabled or set too low. There are several things that can change sound volume: the volume control knob for your speakers or monitor, Windows volume controls, and volume controls in sound software. If any of these volume controls are muted or set too low, the entire sound experience is affected. Use the following steps to adjust volumes to correct levels:

Show me how

1. If your powered speakers have a volume control knob, set it to halfway.
   Figure 8: Volume control knob for speakers (your speakers might be different)

   
   If you are using speakers that are built into your monitor, make sure sound is enabled for the monitor and volume is set to halfway. Adjust the sound settings for your monitor by using the buttons on the monitor and/or the on-screen menu. To find more specific information about using and adjusting your monitor speaker settings, see the support documentation that came with your monitor.
   Figure 9: Volume and menu buttons on a monitor (your monitor might be different)

   
2. Click Start , and then click Control Panel.
3. Click Hardware and Sound. Under Sound, click Adjust system volume. The Volume Mixer window opens.
   Figure 10: Volume Mixer

   
4. Make sure the volume is not muted by looking at the square Mute buttons below the volume slider. If the button displays a small red circle, the volume is muted.
   If the volume is muted, click the Mute button to enable sound. The red circle on the speaker icon disappears when sound is no longer muted.

   Sound muted	Sound not muted

5. After verifying that the sound is not muted, drag the volume adjuster up until it is at 75%.
6. To test, click the volume slider bar. If you hear a ding sound from all speakers, you are finished troubleshooting.
   Figure 11: Testing volume

   
   If you still do not hear any sound, set your default speakers and test them.

Step 3: Setting default speakers and testing them in Windows 7

Show me how

1. If headphones are connected and you are not using them as your main speakers, disconnect the headphones now. Connecting headphones to the computer mutes other speakers.
2. Click Start , and type Sound into the Search box.
3. In the search results, click Sound under the Programs list.
4. Find your connection type. If you have more than one connection type, such as HDMI and Speakers, then choose the connection type you want to use.

   Speakers		If you are using typical computer speakers or headphones (analog sound devices), make sure Speakers is selected. This is the most common sound setup for a desktop computer environment and includes many types of headphones, desktop speakers, 5.1 and 7.1 sound systems. Many monitors with built-in speakers also support a speaker connection using a separate audio cable connected from the computer to the monitor (not an HDMI connection).
   Digital Output		If you want to send all sound from the computer to digital speakers or a stereo digital device, make sure the playback device labeled with Digital Output is selected.
   HDMI		If your computer has an HDMI connection and you are trying to use the speakers in a TV or monitor, make sure the playback device labeled with HDMI is selected.

5. In the Sound window, select your Playback Device and click the Set Default button.
   Figure 12: Selecting the default device (your connection type might be different)

   
6. With the default Playback Device selected, click the Configure button.
7. Click your type of speaker setup in Audio channels.
   Figure 13: Speaker Setup window with 5.1 Surround (five speakers and a subwoofer) selected

   
8. Click the Test button to send sound to each speaker, or click an individual speaker to send sound to it.
9. If sound is heard correctly from each speaker, you are finished.
   If sound is missing from all or one of the speakers, or if the configuration type was changed, continue with speaker setup by clicking Next. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the speaker setup.
   Play a sound. If sound problems continue, check the speaker connections.

Step 4: Checking speaker connections

Use these steps to make sure you have the speaker cables connected to the correct sound connectors.

Show me how

1. From the Windows Sound window, select Speakers, and then click Properties.
   Figure 14: Opening the Speaker Properties

   
2. The Speakers Properties window contains a list of color-coded connectors that corresponds to each pair of speakers. Use this information to determine which connector goes with the speaker pairs that you are using.
   Figure 15: Speakers Properties window for 7:1 Surround setup

   
   This example shown in the image is for a 7.1 Surround setup, where:
   L R (green, Line Out) is for the front left and right speaker pair (the green connector, usually labeled Line out).
   RL RR (orange) is for the Rear-left and Rear-right speaker pair.
   C Sub (black) is for the Center or Subwoofer speaker.
   SL SR (gray), is for Side Left and Side Right speakers
3. Make sure each speaker cable is connected to its corresponding connector on the back of the computer. The colors shown in the Speakers Properties window match the connector color on the computer.
4. If you have 5.1 or greater speakers, connect the speaker cables to the speaker hardware(usually on the subwoofer). Then match the speaker cable to the connectors on the computer using the colors shown in the Speakers Property window.
5. If any speaker cable connection changed, check for sound again using the steps in Set default speakers and test .
   Play a sound. If sound problems continue, check for sound from plugged-in headphones.

Step 5: Checking for sound from headphones

If there is still no sound, check for sound output using headphones.

Headphones and connectors

Two types of headphone connectors are available on HP computers. One supports only sound to the headphones, and the other supports sound to the headphones and the use of a microphone. The connectors are marked with symbols next them.

Connectors on the computer marked with a headset only,, support output sound only and work with a standard three-pin headphone or a four-pin headphone, for sound.
Figure 16: Standard three-pin plug

Connectors on the computer marked with a headset with a microphone,, support sound and the use of a microphone when used with a headset with a four-pin plug and a microphone.
Figure 17: Four-pin plug

To hear sound, either plug may be used with either connector. Using a four-pin plug that is capable of supporting a microphone in a three-pin connector allows sound to be heard, but the microphone does not work because the computer's three-pin connector does not support a microphone.

Show me how

1. Find and unplug all audio cables from the back of the computer.
2. Plug headphones directly into the speaker out connector on the back of the computer. The speaker out connector might have a symbol of a speaker or a circle with an arrow pointing out, or it might be labeled as OUT.
3. Test for sound in Windows. Double-click the volume icon in the taskbar, and then click the volume control slide in the Volume Mixer.
   Figure 18: Testing volume

   
   Each time you click the master volume slide bar, you should hear a beep sound through the headphones.
   If you hear sound through the headphones, the sound hardware on the computer is working, and the issue is probably related to the speakers or speaker cables. Disconnect the headphones and reconnect the speakers.
   When done, test again for sound using the same steps as above with the volume control slider. If sound still does not work correctly after reconnecting the speakers, try replacing the speaker cable (if possible), or speaker fuse and test again.
   If you cannot hear sound through the headphones, make sure that you are connecting the headphones into the correct connector, and try again. If there is still no sound, continue to the next step when you are sure the headphones are connected to the correct audio connector on the back of the computer.
   Figure 19: Computer with 3 rear audio connectors

   

   1 - Microphone connector or Center/Subwoofer Out

   2 - Front speaker connector (to front powered speakers or headphones)

   3 - Line-in or Rear speaker Out
   Figure 20: Computer with 6 rear audio connectors

   

   1 - Side speaker out

   2 - Rear speaker out

   3 - Center and subwoofer out

   4 - Microphone

   5 - Line-out (to front powered speakers or headphones)

   6 - Line-in

Step 6: Restoring the audio driver in Windows 7

Sound files and settings that become changed can cause sound problems. Restore the audio driver to reset audio settings for the sound hardware and reinitialize the sound configuration in Windows.

NOTE:If the computer was upgraded to Windows Vista before being upgraded to Windows 7, you might not be able to use all the features of an integrated audio device that is compliant with Audio Codex '97 (AC '97) specifications. To resolve this, update the audio driver. See Step 7: Update the audio driver .

Use the driver recovery process to restore audio drivers for the original sound hardware using the following steps:

1. Click Start , All Programs, Recovery Manager, and then click Recovery Manager again.
   Figure 21: Recovery Manager

   
2. Click Hardware Driver Reinstallation.
3. On the Hardware Driver Reinstallation welcome screen, click Next.
4. Select the audio driver to reinstall, and then click Next.
   Figure 22: Select the driver to reinstall

   
   

   NOTE: If the driver you want to reinstall is not listed, select The driver is not in the list, and then click Next. Helpful information will advise you how to install drivers using the Windows Device Manager. Follow the onscreen instructions.
5. The Recovery Manager begins reinstalling the chosen driver. After the driver installation is complete, click Finish to restart the computer.
6. After restarting the computer, test for sound. If there is still no sound, continue to Step 7: Update the audio driver .

If you are unable to reinstall the driver using Recovery Manager, roll back to the previously installed driver through Control Panel:

1. Click Start , and enter Device Manager into the Search field. Click Device Manager.
   Figure 23: Opening Device Manager

   
2. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click the name of the audio device and select Properties.\
   Figure 24: Device Manager audio device properties

   
4. Click the Driver tab.
5. Click Roll Back Driver.
   
6. Click Yes to roll back to the previous driver.
7. Test for sound.

If there is still no sound, update the audio driver.

Step 7: Updating the audio driver

An updated audio driver might resolve the problem if the computer is experiencing sound problems after upgrading the operating system to Windows 7, or the computer is experiencing sound problems in a particular software program.

Click the following heading or the accompanying plus (+) sign to expand the information.

Show all | Hide all

Updating the audio driver from the HP Web site

Updating the audio driver using Device Manager in Windows 7

Step 8: Checking Device Manager in Windows 7

If you cannot hear sound, check Device Manager to determine the state of the sound hardware.

1. Click Start , and type device manager into the Start Search field.
   The Device Manager window opens.
2. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Do the following, depending on what displays:
   If a sound device is not listed and the computer uses a sound card, reseat the sound card into the motherboard slot. Go to the next step if problems continue.
   If a sound device is not listed and the computer uses on-board sound, the sound hardware might need to be enabled in the BIOS. Go to the next step to check the sound setting in the BIOS and match the setting to the hardware configuration of your computer.
   If a sound device is listed with a down arrow, the device is disabled. Right-click the sound device name and select Enable to re-enable the device. Go to the next step if problems continue after enabling the device.
   Figure 29: Enabling a disabled sound device
   
   If a sound device is listed, right-click the device name and select Properties to view more helpful troubleshooting information in the Device Status window. If Device Status shows that the device is working correctly, the problem is probably related to sound settings, the speakers, or the cables.

Step 9: Configuring on-board sound in the BIOS

Some computers come with sound on the motherboard (on-board audio), some come with a sound card, and some come with both on-board sound (disabled) and a sound card.

The on-board audio setting in the BIOS must be set to match your particular audio hardware configuration. Perform one of the following sets of steps depending on whether you want to reset the BIOS to its factory defaults or only adjust the on-board sound setting:

Click the following heading or the accompanying plus (+) sign to expand the information.

Resetting the BIOS

Changing the On-board sound setting in the BIOS

Step 10: Inspecting speaker hardware (power, speakers, and fuses)

Check the speakers to see if the power cord is connected and that the speakers are receiving power.

Many powered speakers, especially speaker systems with subwoofers, have fuses. If there is no sound coming from the speaker, not even a humming noise, remove and replace the fuse. Even if you do not think that the fuse has blown, it is a good idea to swap the fuse to make sure. If the fuse is still good, you have a backup fuse.

1. Turn off power to the subwoofer and unplug power to the speakers.
2. Remove the fuse cover and then the fuse, and look through the glass cylinder. If the wire inside is separated, has dark spots, or burn marks, replace the fuse. If the fuse looks good, swap the fuse anyway and keep the older fuse as a spare.
3. Buy a new fuse. It is a good idea to take the old fuse to the electronics store when purchasing the new fuse. This way, the old fuse can be used to make sure it matches the new fuse purchased at the store.
4. Install the new fuse, replace the fuse cap, apply power, turn the speakers on, and test for sound.

To prevent damage to the speakers and to prevent fuses from blowing in the future, keep the following items in mind when using the computer:

Turn off the speaker volume control before applying power to the speakers.
Like a high-quality home stereo system, it is not good to raise the volume more than half the range of the control knob. Doing so reduces the quality of the sound and is harder on the speakers. Poor sound quality occurs when lower sound levels are raised to a peak level. Lots of sound occurring at one peak level stresses the speakers.

Play a sound. If sound problems continue, test the sound hardware using HP Support Assistant. For more information, see Testing Hardware Using HP Support Assistant and Vision Diagnostics (Windows 7) .

Step 11: Using the correct headphones

The correct headphones must be used to get sound from the computer.

Printing Issues in Windows 8 – Troubleshooting Tips

1. Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Devices and Printers -> Advanced printer setup, now search for network printers manually.  This is a new setting in Windows 8, see screenshot.
2. Control Panel, Programs and Features.
   'Run programs made for previous versions of Windows'
3. Program Compatibility
   'The program worked in earlier versions of Windows but won't install or run now'
   Select the last known working operating system for this driver.

Connecting to a printer

Adding new printers from the control panel printer option is pretty straightforward.

All you need to do is navigate to this path, and click on the “Add a printer” option.

"Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Devices and Printers"

Once you have added a printer from the control panel, it will appear for use both in Desktop and Modern environment.

Driver Issues

If your printer is connected to your Windows 8 computer, but you don’t see it under the list of printers to add under the control panel settings, chances are you do not have the right drivers for your printer to work with your PC. Although Windows 8 is bundled with more drivers than Windows 7, some printers might need you to install drivers. In most cases Windows 8 will figure out the right drivers and download them on its own.

If it doesn’t happen, you will have to open “Device manager,” find your printer and update the driver. If Windows fails to update, you will either have to download the compatible drivers from the printer manufacturer’s official website or use the Disc that came with the printer to install the drivers.

Compatibility mode

Sometimes the printer drivers might refuse to install. You could use the Windows Compatibility Mode to fix this issue. Once you have the right driver, right click the setup file and choose “Properties” and click on “Compatibility”, and set the application to run in Windows 7 mode and click Apply. 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-vista/troubleshoot-printer-problems

MESSAGE "Checking media (fail)" ON BOOT & wifi not working 

1. Reboot the computer and go into boot mode (press F2) at startup. Then move over to the boot tab and select the UEFI boot. There you should see a list of these three items:

Windows Boot Manager
UEFI Onboard LAN IPv4
UEFI Onboard LAN IPv6

It allows you to change the order and in my case I had to change it to the order shown above before the message stopped appearing. 

2. First make sure that your wireless connection is not disabled. 

Click on Start --> In search box, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter 

"Network Connections" window will be opened. If you find your wireless 

connection icon in grey color then right-click on it and select "Enable". 

3. Check your SSID and the security key.