Laptop Build Checklist
Build Checklist
Work through every step as well as you can, and then ask your build instructor or a neighbor if you still have questions. Try and learn the reason for each of the steps: this knowledge will come in handy later when, inevitably, things aren't going as smoothly.
Your instructor will be able to answer questions and check your work. Never overlook, though, the help that the builder to your right or left might be able to lend. Your build instructor will check the shelves to figure out what type of boxen we need built. Check with him/her to find out what type of box to build, then work your way down this checklist.
Steps | Notes/Detailed Instructions | Done |
Get a blank Build/QC sheet for your system | They're in the white thing. | |
Check For Broken or Damaged Parts | Visually inspect laptop for broken screen, missing keys, etc. If you find one, check with your instructor. | |
Install RAM | Note # of sticks, size, and speed on Build Sheet |
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Get a Power Supply | Grab appropriate PS from labeled PS boxes | |
Initial power on | See if expected memory value is displayed during POST or in BIOS. | |
Record Processor type and speed | See if proc speed displayed during POST or in BIOS matches expected values. Record info onto Build Sheet.
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Power down | ||
Install imaged hard drive | To do this:
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Install CD/CDRW/DVD Drive(s) (if missing) | Check the spec sheet to see what kind of drive(s) to install. | |
Cover open slots and bays | Make sure you have coverings for all spaces that will not be filled with a card or drive. Look at similar cases for examples of what case pieces may look like. | |
Entering BIOS setup | Turn on the computer. The keystroke to enter setup should be displayed at bootup. | |
Check date | Make sure the date is correct. | |
Restore BIOS defaults | You might need to search around to find the BIOS values that need checking. While you search, enjoy the pleasure of learning about BIOS configuration! | |
Auto detect hard drive | Find where to perform this function or make sure this feature is enabled. | |
Set boot order | 1st-CD-ROM; 2nd-Hard drive; 3rd-Network. Get as close as possible, depending on the BIOS. | |
Disable virus check if present | Look around... | |
Make sure parallel port mode is set | Set mode to EPP or Bi-Directional.
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Save and exit BIOS | ||
Run basiccheck | Detailed instructions:
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Test CD (and/or DVD) drive - data and sound. | For each drive:
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Test USB | Details:
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Install Wifi Card | Install, configure and test a wifi card in all Grant boxes, store boxes as available. Internal (miniPCI) is best, but Cardbus will do. For broadcoms refer to Fwcutter Instructions | |
Run "printme", from terminal | This will give you a System ID number
A webpage will open with info about the system. Print this page. If there are problems, check with your instructor. |
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Check in with Build Instructor | ||
Shut down system and place laptop on proper shelf | ||
Clean up work area |
FWCutter Instructions
Open a terminal. code:
oem@freekbox:~$sudo apt-get install bcm43xx-fwcutter
Password: Reading package lists... Done Building dependency tree... Done The following NEW packages will be installed: bcm43xx-fwcutter 0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded. Need to get 16.6kB of archives. After unpacking 102kB of additional disk space will be used. Get:1 http://us.archive.ubuntu.com dapper/universe bcm43xx-fwcutter 20060108-6build1 [16.6kB] Fetched 16.6kB in 0s (169kB/s) Preconfiguring packages ... Selecting previously deselected package bcm43xx-fwcutter. (Reading database ... 154295 files and directories currently installed.) Unpacking bcm43xx-fwcutter (from .../bcm43xx-fwcutter_20060108-6build1_i386.deb) ... Setting up bcm43xx-fwcutter (20060108-6build1) ...
oem@freekbox:~$
This will install a program that will fetch the required firmware for Broadcom 43xx cards. Now we have to run it.
code:
oem@freekbox:~$sudo /usr/share/bcm43xx-fwcutter/install_bcm43xx_firmware.sh
Reboot and test your wifi.