I Dropped My Laptop! Now What Do I Do?

It happens to so many of us. One second, you’re holding your laptop, and the next, it slips from your grip. Considering that nearly two-thirds of American adults own a laptop or desktop computer, it’s possible that you’ve faced (or will face) the horror of a dropped laptop eventually.

How to Troubleshoot a Dropped Laptop

1. Check the outside (shell) of your laptop

If you spot minor scratches or dents, don’t worry. But if you see major damage, like a massive crack, then you might need to get it fixed pronto. Why? Heavy damage to the laptop’s exterior could mean that the internal components of your computer have been damaged as well.

2. Inspect the laptop screen.

Just a scratch? Probably not a problem. But if there’s a crack as big as the Grand Canyon, or if your screen looks like a shattered mirror into the Matrix, then a repair or replacement might be in order.

3. Check for loose components.

A fall can loosen internal components like the hard drive or battery. Ensure that these components are securely in place. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, seek professional assistance.

4. Listen to your laptop.

No, we’re not suggesting that you become a Computer Whisperer. We’re just recommending that you pay attention to any strange sounds you might hear coming from the laptop. Notice any clicking, humming, or buzzing noises? Your laptop is telling you it’s injured. Ouch!

5. Power on your laptop.

If the fall didn’t cause your laptop to die, then it’s wise to power on your laptop and see how it behaves. Does everything look and sound normal after the reboot? Good. However, if your dropped laptop won’t turn on or you notice sluggish performance, overheating, or unusual noises, these could be signs that your laptop needs to be repaired or replaced.

Can Dropping a Laptop Damage It? 5 Potential Issues to Watch For

Hard Drive Damage

A dropped laptop is risky business when it comes to your device’s hard drive, an important component that stores your data. The sudden impact of a fall can cause data loss or even potential corruption.

Think that your hard drive may have gone haywire? Consult a professional technician. They can assess the extent of the damage, attempt data recovery if necessary, and guide you through the steps to either repair or replace the hard drive.

Battery Issues

A drop can affect the battery’s performance. If you notice a sudden decrease in battery life or the laptop shuts down unexpectedly, it may be time for a battery replacement.

Screen Damage

Cracks, flickering lights, discoloration, or dead pixels? Get that laptop a ticket to the tech hospital, STAT! The laptop screen is particularly susceptible to damage from a fall, and the signs below are all symptoms of potential tech injury.

• Cracks or Shattered Glass: If your laptop’s screen has visible cracks or shattered glass, professional repair may be necessary.
• Discoloration or Flickering: A damaged screen may be discolored or start to flicker. If you notice these issues, the display may have been compromised.
• Dead Pixels: Dead pixels, or unresponsive spots on the screen, can also result from a drop. While not always immediately noticeable, they can worsen over time.

Loose or Damaged Connectors

External ports and connectors are crucial for the laptop’s functionality. A fall can cause them to become loose or damaged, leading to connectivity issues. Inspect these connectors carefully after a drop.

• USB Ports: Check for any wobbliness or misalignment in USB ports. Using a port that appears damaged could lead to further issues with connected devices.
• HDMI and Display Ports: Ensure that video output ports are intact. Damage to these ports may affect your ability to connect the laptop to external displays.
• Power Connector: Inspect the power connector for any signs of damage. A damaged connector can lead to charging issues and potential battery problems.

Overheating

Damage to internal laptop parts can lead to increased heat production. If your laptop starts overheating, you’ll want to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

How to Fix a Dropped Laptop

Let’s say you didn’t purchase your laptop at Rent-A-Center. After you’ve looked at and listened to your laptop, if you suspect it needs repair or replacement, seek a qualified computer technician who can run diagnostic tests. In this scenario, it’s probably best not to use your laptop until you’ve had a chance to get it checked out by a pro.

Before you hand your laptop over to a fix-it wizard, though, back up data like documents and photos (if the damage hasn’t stopped you from doing a backup). Otherwise, you risk losing lots of stuff that’s stored on it.

You’re in luck if you did purchase your laptop at Rent-A-Center, though. If an item breaks because of any kind of manufacturing defect, we’ll repair it quickly and at no additional cost. If offsite repairs are needed, we’ll even give you a loaner laptop while you wait!

How to Prevent a Dropped Laptop

How can you prevent dropped-laptop mishaps, or at least ease their effects? Here are five tips:

1. Put a “skin” around your laptop. This thin sheet of vinyl or plastic, which you stick on your laptop, doesn’t guarantee there won’t be any damage. But, if nothing else, skin can help prevent small scratches and dents. Oh, and many laptop skins are actually pretty stylish!

2. Buy a sleeve or case. A sleeve or case can cushion your laptop if you drop it while carrying it. Better yet, transport your laptop in a backpack, which provides even more cushioning.

3. Add a screen protector. Applying a thin layer of specialized plastic (or even glass) to your laptop screen can help shield it from damage. Plus, some protectors can keep your data secure and reduce eyestrain.

4. Keep backup solutions in your back pocket. To keep all your data safe in the event of a fall, back up important files often. Cloud services, external hard drives, or automatic backup solutions are your friends in this scenario.

5. Be careful moving forward. Try not to put your laptop in places where it could fall, such as on the edge of a desk, table, or counter.

Drop By Your Nearest Rent-A-Center for a Laptop Replacement

Not sure whether to repair or replace your laptop? Why not opt for an upgrade instead? After all, Rent-A-Center’s array of name-brand, high-tech laptops for rent are backed by our Worry-Free Guarantee, which provides generous payment, delivery, and setup options.

So, when you need new tech fast, turn to Rent-A-Center. Visit your nearest location for a new laptop with flexible payment options.