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AlphaSmart Pro will not turn on
Nothing appears on the AlphaSmart screen when I turn it on.
Empty file
If the power switch is in the "on" position, and the screen is blank except for a blinking cursor in the upper left corner, this means you are in an empty file. You can start typing on the keyboard and the appropriate characters should appear on the screen.
Drained batteries
Always turn off the AlphaSmart when changing batteries or inserting the AC adaptor into the jack. Plug the AlphaSmart into the AC adaptor — if it turns on, your batteries may be the problem. The AlphaSmart Pro's "AA" batteries might be discharged or improperly inserted. Make sure the batteries are not loose, and are oriented properly as indicated in the battery cavity (with the positive (+) end of the battery matching the positive (+) side of the cavity, and the same goes for the negative (-) ends).
Defective lithium coin battery
Although it is unlikely for the internal lithium coin battery to have drained, it may cause the AlphaSmart Pro to not turn on. To replace the internal lithium coin battery, refer to the corresponding replacement guide. AlphaSmart Pro Lithium Coin Battery Replacement
Display screen is dysfunctional
The display screen may be damaged in such a way that makes further use of the AlphaSmart device more difficult or impossible. You may need to replace the screen. Please refer to this guide for detailed instructions. AlphaSmart Pro Display Screen Replacement
Unresponsive or missing key
One or more keys are unresponsive or have come off from the main keyboard.
Device is turned off
First, you should check to make sure that the AlphaSmart Pro is turned on. The on/off switch is located in the back right of the device. If you are able to see text or a cursor flashing on the screen, then the device is turned on.
Restart the device
If you notice that certain keys do not produce a letter on the display when pressed, then you may have an unresponsive key. Turn your AlphaSmart off and back on, and attempt to press the key again.
Use compressed air
Following the directions on the label, compressed air can remove any dirt hidden underneath the keys. After the key has become loosened, attempt to press the key again.
Replace a key
If the key is still unresponsive or is missing completely, please refer to the detailed instructions on replacing or reattaching a key in this guide. AlphaSmart Pro Individual Key Replacement
Replace entire keyboard
You may have spilled a drink over your keyboard, causing several or all of the keys are unresponsive. If this is the case, it may be necessary to replace the entire keyboard. Visit the following link to learn the proper way to do so. AlphaSmart Pro Keyboard Replacement
Files won't transfer to a computer
When using the proper connection cables, the files will not transfer from your AlphaSmart Pro to your computer.
Incorrect cable connection
If you are attempting to transfer files from your AlphaSmart Pro to a Macintosh computer, be sure that the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) cable is properly connected to the port on the AlphaSmart Pro as well as to the port on your Macintosh computer. Then, press the "Send" key in the upper right of the AlphaSmart Pro keyboard to transfer the current file.
If you are attempting to transfer files from your AlphaSmart Pro to a PC, be sure that the PC Dual cable is properly connected to the port on the AlphaSmart Pro as well as to the port on your PC. Then, press the "Send" key in the upper right of the AlphaSmart Pro keyboard to transfer the current file.
Defective cables
In the case that either the Apple Desktop Bus cable (for your Macintosh computer) or the PC Dual cable (for your PC) is broken, defective, or just simply not working correctly, you should replace the cable in order to transfer files from your AlphaSmart Pro to your computer.
Front panel is broken
The front panel of the AlphaSmart is cracked, broken, or missing.
Front panel replacement
Although the AlphaSmart Pro is still fully functional with slight damage or a small crack in the panel, you may still want to replace it. Please refer to this guide for detailed instructions. AlphaSmart Pro Front Panel Replacement
Rear panel is broken
The rear panel of the AlphaSmart is cracked, broken, or missing.
Rear panel replacement
Although the AlphaSmart Pro is still fully functional with slight damage or a small crack in the panel, you may still want to replace it. Please refer to this guide for detailed instructions. AlphaSmart Pro Rear Panel Replacement
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Clemson, Team 1-1, Benson Fall 2014 crwdns2935289:0Clemson, Team 1-1, Benson Fall 2014crwdne2935289:0
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This troubleshooting page has been tremendously helpful in diagnosing and correcting the problems that I have had with my AlphaSmart Pro. Thank you so much!
Nathan Smith - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Right side of keyboard not working diagonal at 8 I k etc
Stephanie Lang - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
My Neo quit working several years ago (it was brand new in 2011). When I took it out of the bag tonight (Sept 2022) to see if I could get it running, I decided to try changing the batteries even though I remember they shouldn't have been "old" when the machine quit years ago. After I had done this and replaced the battery panel cover, the machine turned on right away. However, there was a message that asked if I had recently changed the lithium battery. When I said No, it said "return the Neo immediately for repair." I turned the machine on and off and got the message again. This time, I experimentally said Yes and it said, "Turn the machine off and on and you shouldn't get this message again." So I did and it is working normally now. What do you suppose happened, and do I need to worry that something is going to explode or some other terrible thing will happen if I lied about not having changed the lithium battery?
Barbara Bell - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Thanks Barbara. I was getting the same error message. After reading your comment, I also tried lying, and the Alphasmart rebooted itself and appears to be working again. All my date is gone, but that doesn't matter, since everything I wanted to keep is already backed up on my computer.
Vivian Unger - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I have been getting this error message constantly to where I don't want to use my Neo 2 in fear of its files being constantly wiped. Any suggestions for fixing the problem?
musearrives 2pm - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Have you tried changing the coin battery? That's what the problem turned out to be in my case. The coin battery keeps the memory alive. To change it, you have to open up the case, and you need two sizes of special screw star-shaped screw heads. Good luck.
Vivian Unger - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Hey guys - I would sure appreciate some advice regarding my Alpha Smart 3000. When I turn it on the 'Low Battery Warning' comes on, but I can then still hit a file number and go to that file (and the warning disappears) Okay, everything seems normal again, however, after just a couple minutes of typing the 'Battery warning' comes on again. So I then can hit the file number again and can keep typing for a couple more minutes, then the messahe comes back. This cycle repeats over and over. I have replaced the batteries 3 times (using different packs), but still the warning comes up. I have checked the lithium coin battery and it seems okay too (holds the memory). THANK YOU for your help! I love this little guy and would hate to part with it.
Tod C. Steele - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Sounds annoying. Have you tried replacing the battery pack with ordinary AA batteries?
Vivian Unger - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0