Student-Contributed Wiki
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Cannot Remove the Back Cover
You want to remove the back cover to get to the internals, but you are having a hard time removing it.
No Tab to Remove the Cover / Can’t Grip the Cover / No Screws to Remove
Insert a flathead tool into the small gap between the case and the back cover and slide the tool along the gap to open and remove the cover. There’s an adhesive along the sides that hold the cover in place. There will be some slight cracking sounds as this adhesive will be broken.
USB Ports Not Functioning
You plug a device into the USB port and it is not recognized.
Dust in the Ports
Dust is a common cause for electronics not working. In order for the device to work, there must not be any dust between the connectors in the port and the cable. Check the port to make sure that there is no dust inside. If there is dust, try blowing into the port and into your device’s connector.
Computer Not Reading USB Port
Sometimes, computers have trouble reading what is plugged into them from being on for too long, an error occurring during startup, or an error during use. First, check to see if it is just that specific port or all ports by plugging the cable into a different port. If this does not fix the issue, restart the computer and retry the connection.
The USB Port is Loose
Your computer may have a hard time recognizing your USB device if the port itself is loose and moving around. You’ll need to open up the computer and make sure that the ports are securely in place.
Check that the Internal Connections are not Broken
If none of these options work, the internal wiring may be broken. Open up the computer and check that the wiring and connections are correct. You can replace the USB port by looking at this guide.
Screen will Not Detach from the Keyboard
You try to detach the screen from the keyboard, but you cannot remove it.
Screen is not Charged
The screen will not detach from the keyboard if it’s low on power. Make sure that the is charged to at least 10% before trying to detach the screen.
Didn't use the Detach Bar on the Taskbar
If the button on the computer itself doesn’t work, try using the detach button on the computer’s taskbar. Wait at least ten seconds before trying to detach the screen.
Computer Needs to be Restarted
If none of these work, the computer may need to be restarted before the screen can be detached. Restart the computer, then try the options listed above.
Trackpad Doesn't Work
You try to move the cursor, but the trackpad is unresponsive.
Trackpad is Turned Off
Make sure trackpad has not been turned off. If it is on and still not working, try turning the trackpad off then on.
Computer Needs to be Restarted
If turning the trackpad off and on does not work, try restarting the computer. If it does still not work, try toggling the trackpad’s on/off switch again.
Internal Connections are Broken
If turning the trackpad and computer off and on doesn’t work, the internal wiring may be broken. Open up the computer and check that the wiring and connections are correct.
Computer Very Hot; Makes Clicking Noises
You touch the computer and it is very hot, also the computer may be making weird clicking noises.
Vents are Covered
If you have the computer placed on your lap, a blanket, something loose etc. the computer vents can become covered. This prevents good airflow, resulting in the computer getting very hot. Make sure that there’s plenty of airspace around the computer.
Fan Making a Lot of Noise
Chances are you are running some computer intensive programs in the background. Try killing some of the programs by heading into the task manager. You can do so by pressing the control + shift + escape keys together, or right clicking on the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager"
The Fan is Broken
If the computer remains hot and/or you’re hearing clicking noises, chances are that the fan is broken. You’ll need to buy a new fan and replace the broken one. You can replace the broken one by looking at this guide.
2 Comments
I had a small coffee spillage on the keyboard of surface book 1, and now 6 keys won’t work [which are d(m]o=]. I have removed the keys and cleaned all areas gently with cotton wool bud and hand sanitiser, alas this has not worked. Has anyone any ideas please?
Tracey Banfield - Reply
Is there a section helping with a hardware issue where the keyboard is not working other than the detachment key. The touchpad also still works.
Ashleigh Lombard - Reply