Support
General Information
The information on this page is specific to Linux Mint laptop systems that you have received from Laptop Upcycle. If you have a Mac or Windows laptop from us and have an issue, please just contact us. We at Laptop Upcycle are here to support you. Here we will describe some of the common issues your fellow Linux Mint users have encountered and how to fix them. If your problem is not described here, don't worry. You may contact us so one of our Laptop Upcycle team members may assist you. Finally, if your issue can't be resolved or your laptop can't be repaired, we are happy to replace it with a new one. Our goal is to help you get back to the important task of doing your school work.
Common Issues and Their Resolution
- WiFi is not working or unavailable - Many of the laptops we give out have a switch or a keypad key to turn the WiFi on/off. We deliver the laptops with the switch "On", but sometimes the switch gets accidentally turned off. The switch is different for most laptops, so if you look on the side of the laptop or at the keypad labels and you don't see an obvious switch or key for WiFi (it looks like the standard WiFi antenna icon), try doing a google/web search for your laptop model and WiFi switch. Once you find it, just turn it on. Still have problems? Contact us.
- Forgotten password - This one is harder. If you forgot your Linux Mint log in password there is no easy way to reset it. There are two options. 1. You may contact us and set up a time for us to re-image your system. Sadly, any information on your laptop will be lost and you will be starting fresh with a new system. 2. If you are a bit more tech savvy and confident with using the Linux command line, you can search out or use this link for "Linux Mint User Password reset" online and follow the steps described in the search results.
- Battery does not last long enough - Batteries are consumables and they do wear out. If yours does, (you guessed it) contact us and we will arrange a replacement battery for you.
- System freezes - Generally, you can try "turning it off and back on again". Hold down the On/Off button until the system turns off. Wait a few seconds and then press On/Off again. If that doesn't help, contact us.
Something Else Wrong? Online Resources and Setting Up an Appointment with Us
Software Issues
The Linux Mint operating system is a stable and dynamic Linux distribution that is an Open Source platform. A great deal of online documentation is maintained by those who contributed to the project. Basically, most every issue you may encounter has already been seen and resolved by others in the Linux Mint community. Please learn how to search the web and the pages below for help before you contact the Laptop Upcycle team. Simple use your favorite search tool to seek out the issue followed by "Linux Mint". By solving your own problems and learning how your laptop works, YOU become the expert. Here are a few links to get you started:
Hardware Issues
If your laptop exhibits a hardware problem or defect we are happy to meet you at the lab to assist with either a repair or replacement of it. Our hours at the lab ar variable, so you will need to set up an appointment with us. Please contact us to set up a date and time.
The Linux Mint operating system is a stable and dynamic Linux distribution that is an Open Source platform. A great deal of online documentation is maintained by those who contributed to the project. Basically, most every issue you may encounter has already been seen and resolved by others in the Linux Mint community. Please learn how to search the web and the pages below for help before you contact the Laptop Upcycle team. Simple use your favorite search tool to seek out the issue followed by "Linux Mint". By solving your own problems and learning how your laptop works, YOU become the expert. Here are a few links to get you started:
- Our Linux Mint Getting Started document
- A popular Linux Gazette Mint help page
- The official Linux Mint User and Troubleshooting Guides
Hardware Issues
If your laptop exhibits a hardware problem or defect we are happy to meet you at the lab to assist with either a repair or replacement of it. Our hours at the lab ar variable, so you will need to set up an appointment with us. Please contact us to set up a date and time.
General Operating Tips and Guidelines
- Please never to drink, or eat anything near your laptop. If liquid gets spilled on a laptop it will permanently damage it. If food, even a little bit from your fingers, gets into the keyboard it will stop working and may be impossible to fix.
- Laptops don't like to be treated roughly. There are many sensitive electronic components that can fail if this happens. Please make sure the laptop does not get dropped, fall off a table, or banged around.
- Turn off your laptop when you are not using it by using the shut down option from the main menu. Please do not just hold down the on/off button. This is good for both the hardware, and the software.
- Backup your data frequently. Some ways to backup your files: a) copy your files to a USB memory stick, b) email the file to yourself, c) copy the file to another computer (a friend). d) store your work on a “cloud” based remote location like Dropbox, Google Docs, or Box.
Recipient Survey
If you recently received a laptop from us, we would ask that you complete this brief survey. There is no identifying in formation collected. Your assistance in completing this survey helps us in serving more students like you in our community. Thanks!
Complete the Survey
Complete the Survey