Overview

Electronic Safe Handling Procedures

For the purposes of this document, any electronic devices, components, logic boards, daughter boards, motherboards and any electrical components that are not contained within the device container or are exposed to the environment shall be defined as parts. For example, a Chromebook with the bottom cover, logic board, SSD, or memory cards that have been removed from the original device shall be considered parts. This also includes any parts that may, or do, contain electronic components such as keyboards, touchpads, speakers, and other small components contained, or previously contained, within it.

Any and all electronic equipment, including complete devices, parts and components must be placed into anti­static bags. Logic boards, daughter boards, motherboards and any other principle component parts must be individually bagged within anti­static bags when the component(s) are not directly or immediately in use. When in use or set down, the component should be placed on an ESD safe mat or similar item.

When transferring any electrical component from one person to another, place the device onto an anti­static mat first. ​DO NOT TRANSFER DIRECTLY FROM ONE HAND TO ANOTHER​, this can cause a static discharge and damage the electrical devices and components.

Note: ​Even broken or otherwise damaged electronic devices are valuable.

The parts themselves as well as individual electronic components contained within and on those parts are valuable in the repair process as replacement parts. Resistors, Inductors, Transistors, IC chips, etc. can be removed from components and reused to repair other devices. It is imperative that the devices and components are handled properly so they are not damaged and can be reused.

How To Perform A Powerwash On Your Chromebook

A 'Powerwash' is a Factory Reset that is used prior to performing a system recovery. Performing a Powerwash will resolve most software issues and does not require the creation of Recovery Media. There are two methods of performing a Powerwash; while signed in and when not signed in. Both methods are shown below.

Warning: Performing a Powerwash will erase all local data. Prior to performing a Powerwash it is recommended that you backup any important data using a USB drive, SD card, or Google drive.

Perform A Powerwash When Not Signed In

1. Shutdown the power completely by holding down the power button for 5 seconds.

2. Press the power button to turn the Chromebook on.

3. On the sign in screen, press the Ctrl + Shift + Alt + R keys simultaneously.

A window will appear with the message 'Your device will be reset into its original factory state. All local files and media will be erased. Would you like to continue?' Click Reset.

4. The Chromebook will reboot with a screen that says 'Powerwash in progress...'

5. After the Powerwash is complete, the Chromebook will reboot.

6. Your Chromebook is now set to factory settings again and you will be guided through initial setup.

a. Note:​Once the Chromebook has finished booting, ensure you do not log in.

a. Note:​If the device reboots and shows the original Reset screen again, click Reset a second time.

Perform A Powerwash When Signed In

1. Click on the status area in the lower right corner of your display and click Settings.

2. Scroll down in the Settings screen until you see 'Show Advanced Settings' and then click on this option.

3. Scroll down until you see Powerwash. Click on Powerwash.

4. A window appear that states 'A restart is required before your device can be reset with Powerwash.' Click on Restart.

5. After your Chromebook restarts, a window will appear with the message 'Your device will be reset into its original factory state. All local files and media will be erased. Would you like to continue?' Click Reset.

6. The Chromebook will reboot with a screen that says 'Powerwash in progress...'

7. After the Powerwash is complete, the Chromebook will reboot.

8. Your Chromebook is now set to factory settings again and you will be guided through initial setup.

a. Note:​If the device reboots and shows the original Reset screen again, click Reset a second time.

Creating the Recovery Media

Follow the steps below to create your USB Recovery Media.

1. Go to the Chrome Webstore or chrome.google.com/webstore and search for 'recovery'.

a. Note: ​This can be done on any Chromebook, Windows, Mac, or Linux PC with the Chrome Browser.

2. Download or launch the Chromebook Recovery Utility.

3. Click on 'Get started' once the Chromebook Recovery Utility has launched.

4. Click on 'Select a model from a list' unless you already have the model number of your Chromebook that is provided on the Recovery Screen of your Chromebook.

5. Select 'Samsung' in the first field and then your Chromebook Model in the second field.

6. Insert your USB Flash Drive into your PC, select it, then press 'Continue'.

7. Select 'Create now'. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 25 minutes.

8. Select 'Done' once the process is complete and remove your USB flash drive.