Fixing Common Problems on MSI Gaming Laptops

Intro

Welcome to our guide on fixing common problems on MSI gaming laptops! Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, encountering issues with your laptop can be frustrating. But fear not, as we're here to help you troubleshoot and resolve those problems. In this guide, we'll cover various common issues that you may come across while using your MSI gaming laptop. From software glitches to hardware malfunctions, we've got you covered!

Table of Contents

1. Overheating Issues

1.1 Cleaning the Vents and Fans

1.2 Adjusting Power Settings

1.3 Using Cooling Pads

2. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

2.1 Updating Drivers

2.2 Running System File Checker

2.3 Checking Hardware Compatibility

3. Keyboard and Touchpad Issues

3.1 Cleaning the Keyboard

3.2 Updating Drivers

3.3 Adjusting Touchpad Settings

1. Overheating Issues

One common problem faced by many MSI gaming laptop users is overheating. When your laptop overheats, it can lead to performance degradation and even system crashes. Here are a few steps you can take to tackle this issue:

1.1 Cleaning the Vents and Fans

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your laptop's vents and fans, obstructing the airflow and causing overheating. To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Shut down your laptop and unplug the power cord.
2. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from the vents.
3. Gently clean the fan blades using a soft brush or cotton swabs.
4. Plug in the power cord and turn on your laptop. Check if the overheating issue persists.

1.2 Adjusting Power Settings

Another way to mitigate overheating is by adjusting your laptop's power settings:

1. Go to the Start menu, search for "Power & Sleep Settings," and open it.
2. Click on the "Additional Power Settings" link.
3. Choose the "High-Performance" power plan.
4. Click on "Change Plan Settings" and then "Change Advanced Power Settings."
5. Scroll down to the "Processor Power Management" section and set the "Maximum Processor State" to 90% or lower.
6. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.

1.3 Using Cooling Pads

If the previous steps didn't resolve the overheating issue, consider using cooling pads. Cooling pads provide additional airflow to keep your laptop cool. They are affordable and easy to use. Simply place the cooling pad beneath your laptop and connect it to a USB port for power.

2. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

The infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can occur due to various reasons, such as driver conflicts or hardware issues. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to fix this problem:

2.1 Updating Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can often cause BSOD errors. To update your drivers, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Start menu, search for "Device Manager," and open it.
2. Expand the categories and locate the devices with a yellow triangle or exclamation mark.
3. Right-click on the device and select "Update Driver."
4. Choose the option to automatically search for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.

2.2 Running System File Checker

Corrupted system files can also trigger BSOD errors. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can help fix this issue:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Type the command "sfc /scannow" and hit Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete, and if any corrupted files are found, they will be automatically repaired.
4. Restart your laptop and check if the BSOD errors persist.

2.3 Checking Hardware Compatibility

If the BSOD errors continue, it's worth checking if any recently installed hardware is causing the issue:

1. Remove any recently installed hardware and check if the BSOD errors stop.
2. If the errors cease, the new hardware may be incompatible or faulty. Consider replacing it or seeking assistance from the manufacturer.
3. If the errors persist, it's recommended to contact MSI technical support for further assistance.

3. Keyboard and Touchpad Issues

Keyboard and touchpad problems can be highly frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of an intense gaming session. Let's explore some solutions for these common issues:

3.1 Cleaning the Keyboard

Dirt, dust, and food particles can accumulate beneath the keys, causing them to stick or become unresponsive. Here's how you can clean your keyboard:

1. Turn off your laptop and unplug it from the power source.
2. Gently tilt your laptop and use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris from the keyboard.
3. If there are sticky keys, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the affected keys.
4. Allow the keys to dry completely before turning on your laptop.

3.2 Updating Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard and touchpad drivers can cause functionality issues. Follow these steps to update the drivers:

1. Open the Start menu, search for "Device Manager," and open it.
2. Expand the "Keyboards" and "Mice and other pointing devices" categories.
3. Right-click on the keyboard and touchpad devices and select "Update Driver."
4. Choose the option to automatically search for updated driver software.
5. Restart your laptop and check if the keyboard and touchpad issues are resolved.

3.3 Adjusting Touchpad Settings

If your touchpad is not working as expected, adjusting the settings may help:

1. Go to the Start menu, search for "Mouse Settings," and open it.
2. Under the "Touchpad" section, adjust the sensitivity, scroll speed, and other settings according to your preference.
3. Test the touchpad to see if the changes have resolved the issue.

FAQ

Q: My laptop still overheats after cleaning the vents and adjusting power settings. What else can I do?

A: If the overheating issue persists, you can try using a laptop cooling pad or contact MSI technical support for further assistance. Additionally, ensure that you're using your laptop on a hard, flat surface to allow proper ventilation.

Q: What should I do if the BSOD errors continue even after updating drivers and running system file checker?

A: In such cases, it's recommended to contact MSI technical support or seek assistance from a professional technician. They can diagnose the problem and provide you with the best solution.

Q: My keyboard and touchpad are still not working properly after cleaning and updating drivers. What should I do?

A: If the issues persist, it's advisable to contact MSI technical support for further guidance. They can help troubleshoot the problem and provide you with the necessary steps to resolve it.

We hope this guide has helped you resolve the common issues you may encounter with your MSI gaming laptop. Remember, troubleshooting can sometimes require trial and error, but with a little patience and our handy guide, you'll be back to gaming in no time. Happy gaming!