Solved Slow system after moving

[Ignatius]

I've had my Acer Aspire 5532 for a year and a half and haven't had an issue with computer until the past few months. I've noticed after a while that my computer's wireless would shut off and the system would slow so that it would cause my system to start acting funny. After a system recovery this problem persisted and I only learned lately that this happened after I moved my laptop from one location to another. I tested this theory by restarting and then rocking my computer lightly to find it produced the same problem.

It was suggested to me that this was a wireless hardware issue, but would this make my overall computer speed slow as well? And why would this be completely fixed after a system restart? I think it definitely is a hardware issue, but I'm not sure what part of the hardware would be causing this problem. Any help on how to fix this problem?

 

[jhansen965]

It probably is a hardware issue. I've never heard of this before but your wireless adapter is probably loose and pushing against another component like your CPU or processor therfore making your computer go haywire. I have never heard of this problem before. But, If you know how to take a laptop apart, I would and examine the hardware. But, if you don't, don't go messing around because you may compleately mess up your laptop. The only other option would either be able to check with your computer's manufacturer.

 

[Britton30]

Welcome to Seven Forums Ignatius. If possible go somewhere that has an ethernet cable connection available and see if the problem remains. That should isolate the wireless device as the malfunction.
This should not slow your computer down in general I don't think.
You should do a scan for malware with Malware Bytes Free, update it and do a full system scan, you may have caught a bug too.

 

[Ignatius]

Thank you for both of your replies. I've had no issues with an Ethernet connection or even an internet usb plug in. (Other than abnormally slow load times and sometimes major lag that hadn't previously been an issue) I thought perhaps I'd caught some sort of malware too, but the slowness/lag only happens after I've shaken or moved my computer and the system fully returns to normal after a restart.

I've done a system recovery that reformatted my drive and this didn't fix the problem (This is before I began to add anything back onto the HD after it'd been reformatted.) As this was the initial suggestion from my device's support service. (Acer Support) They suggested this was an issue with the wireless card (and wanted $299 for the repair on a what was, and I think still is, a $350 computer). Before I go rooting around in my laptop I wanted more opinions on the matter. So, thanks again for both your insights.

 

[Britton30]

It would appear there is definitely something loose inside the lap top as jhansen965 said.
Laptops are dicey to open up and can be bricked real easy with a misstep. It sounds like it needs to be replaced at this point. Many times sending any electronics device for repair has mixed results.
You are welcome, if you need anything else, just ask.

 

[mjf]

Let's say I'm not a fan of ACER Support.

I gather it isn't still under warranty. In which case see if you can get a better quote. But for a $350 machine unless the quote was cheap I'd either
1) Live with it
2) Dig up a service manual which shows the ABCs of taking it apart. Be prepared for disaster or success.
I had an old IBM thinkpad and needed the service manual to get to the CMOS battery! It was easy after I knew you had to disassemble the keyboard first!

 

[gregrocker]

Agreed: Acer Support is abysmal. You'll get much better help here or via Google. Their free Support isn't even worth that.

Run through these basic troubleshooting steps to see if anything is revealed in logs or using system resources.

I concur it is likely a hardware issue and would be googling for system schematics, videos for opening/dissassembling your model or a close match, and access to replacement part(s).

You can also call around to try to find an inexpensive computer repair shop or expert to ask for their opinion, learning more for DIY or finding someone you trust to take it to.

 

[Ignatius]

Solved

I downloaded the system schematics for my ACER and found out where the WLAN card was, luckily it was very easy to access. I unplugged the wired connections and reattached them after making sure the card was properly secured. Then proceeded to make sure the RAM (which was in the same panel removal) was properly attached. So far so good. Seems like the problem is solved and I really didn't have to go into much risk with it. (Though at one point I almost lost one of the tiny screws when it fell into the case while trying to screw it back it) My problem was trying to figure out where the problem was...and while I solved it with a small cocktail of solutions, I wasn't able to figure out the true source. Though my intuition tells me I could've just reattached the wires on the WLAN and gotten the same results. Thank you. I'll proceed to find where this "solved button" is