Battery end of life message
Q: My computer is showing a message that my battery is reaching the end of it's life.
What should I do?

A: This is normal. Your battery will continue to work but the length of time it holds a charge will begin to decrease. If the message annoys you, disable it by going to your battery settings  (hold down the Fn key and F3 key at the same time and select do not show this message...  When your battery cannot hold a charge for one hour, put in an online help call. Include your service tag number. You will be notified when the new battery is in. Turn in your old battery when you pick up the new one from Student Services.

Power cord not working
Q: My power cord is not working... I can't recharge my battery...

A: There are two parts to your power cord.  1) the power adapter- bulky blocky part that plugs into the computer and 2) electrical plug that plugs into an electrical outlet.  If you think your cord or adapter is bad then borrow one from a classmate and try it in your computer.  If it works then that is the problem.  If it doesn't work then it could be the power supply on your
computer and you need a new system board.  Once you have a better idea which type of problem you have then put in an online help call. Include the laptop service tag number and brief description of which part is not working. Is the green light on? Did the dog chew through a cord? Are there exposed wires? You will receive a message to pick up a new cord. Leave the old one in it's place in Student Services.

Power cord was lost/stolen, cat/dog/child chewed, etc.
Q: My power cord was ____________(mentally fill in the blank from the blue header).  Can I get another one?

A: CHP only purchases one power cord and ac adapter per laptop.  These are under warranty for normal wear and tear and must be returned to the leasing company with the laptop.  If you loose, have your power cord/adapter stolen, or your pets/children damage your power cords and adapters. Dell will not replace these.  You will need to purchase a Dell product to replace it. Replacements can be ordered directly from Dell or you can check some vendors online.  It must be a Dell product.  To get details on the type of ac adapter and power cord you will need; for D610 laptops click here and D620 laptops click here.

Internet connection problems on campus
Q: My internet is not working on campus.

A: Trouble shooting tips:
1) Are you logged onto the MUSC encrypted network (128bit Encryption <MUSCwep>)  through Odyssey Client?

2) Is your wireless card activated?  The D620 model laptop has a switch on left side. Make sure it is in the on position (towards you).  On the D610 model, press CTRL Fn and F2 at same time to toggle the wireless off and on. You will see a picture of a tower.

3) Have you changed your profile login or password? Open your Odyssey Client Icon, go to configuration, then profiles, select properties and check to make sure.

4) Do you get an adapter not found message?  Find a working computer and put in an online help call.

Setting up Internect connection at home

Q: My internet service provider (Comcast, Knology, Bell South, etc) says I have to install
some software on my computer before I can use their services.

A: DO NOT INSTALL ANY SOFTWARE FROM YOUR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER ON YOUR COMPUTER! It may cause you untold problems and affect your ability to connect to the internet from campus.  You CAN access MUSC from home using  Odyssey Client if you set it up correctly. Instructions can be found on your laptop inside My Documents in a folder called CHP instructions or under Set up instructions on the CHP online help page.

Q: I can't get my wireless to work from home.

A: Trouble shooting tips:
1) You need to know if you have an ethernet internet connection (not wireless) or wireless  using a router.  If you have to plug a cable into your laptop then you will need to make sure that your laptop is plugged into an electrical outlet.

2. If you have a wireless router then instructions can be found on your laptop inside the My Documents folder,  in a folder called CHP instructions or under Set up instructions and helpful hints on the the CHP online help page. 
 
3)Important things to know: DO NOT INSTALL ANY SPECIAL SOFTWARE FROM YOUR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER! Is your router encrypted or unencrypted?  If it is encrypted, you will need to find out the encryption method and the encryption key code. Instructions may be available from the router or by calling the router manufacturer.