Laptop computers integrate most of the internal components right onto the motherboard.
Motherboard repair for laptop computers is a complex process that involves removing the motherboard from the computer and troubleshooting the specific component that has failed. The individual component can be replaced on some boards, but in many cases it is impossible to repair the board and it must be replaced. Learn locate and repair broken connectors and solder small surface-mount components on a laptop motherboard when they are obviously the source of the problem, as is the case with a liquid spill.
Instructions
1. Power off the laptop if it is on and close the lid. Remove the power cable and main battery along with any cables or accessories that are attached. Remove the laptop from any docking station or sleeve that may be in use.
2. Remove the compartment covers for the RAM and hard drive. Spread the retention clips on the RAM modules and pull them straight out of the system at the 45-degree angle they spring up to when released. Remove the hard drive by sliding it away from the connector slightly and lifting it out of the system. Remove any screws that may be holding the hard drive in place.
3. Remove all of the screws from the bottom of the laptop. Flip the laptop right-side up and open the lid. Remove any trim ring or trim strip along the keyboard with the plastic knife or credit card. Remove the screws that hold the keyboard in place. Gently lift one edge of the keyboard up and slide the other edge out, and lift the keyboard up about an inch out of the system. Release the cable clamp on the motherboard that holds the keyboard and touch pad cables in place and remove the keyboard assembly from the laptop. Remove the VGA cable standoffs from the rear port section of the laptop along with any other standoffs or screws that hold the motherboard in place.
4. Remove any accessible screws from the motherboard and slide the optical drive out of the system. Disconnect any cables or connectors that attach to the motherboard and loosen any cable guides or clamps that keep cables in place along the surface of the motherboard.
5. Slide the edge of the plastic knife or credit card along the seam between the upper and lower halves of the chassis to open the case. Remove the top or bottom of the case, depending on the specific model of laptop being worked on.
6. Remove any other screws or cables that are attached to the motherboard, and lift the motherboard out of the system.
7. Dip the small, stiff cleaning brush into the 91% Isopropyl alcohol and scrub any spill stains from the surface of the motherboard. Wipe down and touch up with a lint-free cloth and cotton swabs.
8. Preheat the electronic soldering iron. Touch the solder-braid copper solder remover to the first soldered contact of a component that is obviously damaged. Press the tip of the soldering iron against the solder-braid copper solder remover for about three seconds until some of the solder is absorbed into the braid. Lift the iron and the braid away from the component and wait a few seconds for the heat to dissipate. Repeat for the same connection if necessary, and then repeat for other connections for the same component until the component lifts off the motherboard.
9. Line up the replacement part exactly and press the tip of the soldering iron to one contact and quickly touch the tip of the lead-free solder to the connection until a small amount of solder melts into the connection. Remove the solder and soldering iron and inspect the connection. Repeat if necessary for the connection or use the solder-braid copper solder remover to absorb any excess solder. Continue to attach the component until each connection is complete.
Tags: soldering iron, copper solder, copper solder remover, hard drive, Remove screws, screws that