stuff to look out for when buying a used laptop?

S

skateforjondoe

banned
i want to buy a used laptop off craigs list and i am not sure all what to look for to make sure everything is working well and so i don't get screwed on the deal, or like a suddenly the working laptop dies the next day.

so far i came up with


Run msinfo32 to see if he's selling what he says he is
Plug in my USB flash drive to check if the USB ports work
Try internet i guess

and my buddy was saying that there is a thing in windows where you can see if anything is wrong phsyically wrong with the hardware and he doesn't remember how to and i don't either
so what i am wondering is, is there anything else i should i look for so i don't get screwed?
 
Original documentation with the manufacturer's serial number on it. Match that to the ID on the casing itself. Take a good close look all around to see the overall condition. Look for any deep scratches, cracks in the casing or display screen housing. or broken out areas along all sides. That will be a good indication of rough treatment if any damage is found.

Check keys on the keyboard along with all keyboard functions such as the "F" keys to insure none of them are bad. Depending on age you may have to replace the battery or ac adapter at some point. What make and model is this?
 
you said
Original documentation with the manufacturer's serial number on it. Match that to the ID on the casing itself.
what does that do??? just to insure it's not some ripoff?

and what about this diagnostic thing i mentioned in my first post does anyone know?
 
In the Windows Help+Support center you simply go to the "pick a task" links and selec the "use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems". You go to that right by double clicking on the icon seen on the Start menu. Here's an example of the typical status screen when going into the "My Computer Information" section and choosing the "view the status of My computer hardware and software".

Obsolete Application and Device
Drivers App/DeviceDriver File Name Manufacturer Help
None
System Software
System Software Date Created Help
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Saturday, July 08, 2006 12:00:00 AM Windows Update BIOS Friday, November 25, 2005 12:00:00 AM View Help Topic
Hardware
Component Status Update Help
Video Card Supported Not Required Troubleshooter Network Card Not Supported Recommended Look for driver Sound Card Supported Not Required Troubleshooter USB Controller Supported Not Required Troubleshooter Hard Disk

Random Access Memory (RAM)
Memory (RAM) Detected Minimum RequirementHelp
 
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