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It's easy to forget that docking stations themselves require power just like all of the other devices at your desk. If you can't seem to get your docking station to do anything, quickly check to make sure that its power cord is securely connected to an outlet. Many modern docking stations will also have a small light to indicate they are receiving power. In cases where some of the peripherals attached to a docking station seem to work but others don't, the problem may be with the malfunctioning device's connections. Check to make sure each peripheral is firmly plugged into the proper port on the docking station.  In rare cases where your devices' plugs have accumulated too much dust to register with the docking station, you may need to gently clean. Try using compressed air or a computer-safe cloth to clean away any dust or gunk and reconnecting.  You may also want to try using a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol or commercial electronics cleaning solution for clearing external plugs. Usually, when you connect a new device (like a docking station) to your computer, it will automatically be detected and the computer will install drivers (files that allow the computer to use the device properly). However, in rare cases, the computer may have difficulty finding or installing drivers on its own. If this happens, your docking station may not function, so you'll need to download and install the appropriate drivers yourself. Drivers are usually available for free download from the manufacturer's website. Most modern computers also have the ability to locate drivers online on their own (see our article on installing drivers for more information.) As a very general rule, if your docking station physically connects to your laptop, there's a good chance that it will be compatible. However, this isn't always the case. If you can't seem to get your laptop to interact with your docking station, there's a chance that it simply isn't built to be compatible. Try looking up the model name of your docking station on its manufacturer's website — you should be able to find compatibility information on its product page. If you don't have a model name for your docking station, try looking for the product number on the device. Usually, this is on a service tag sticker somewhere on the back or bottom. While other charging cords may fit into the plug on your docking station, it's not advisable to use them in place of the original cord. Different cords are rated for different amounts of electric current — using the wrong charger can potentially damage your docking station's circuitry (either over time or immediately.) If you lose your original charging cord, try talking to the staff at a local electronics store before buying a replacement. Most trained electronics professionals will be able to help you find a charger that's safe to use with your docking station. If all else fails, you can still usually get much of the same functionality that you'd get from a docking station by simply connecting all of your peripherals to the laptop itself. Unfortunately, this method has two disadvantages:  It can lead to a disorderly bunch of cords that takes time and effort to untangle every time you connect or disconnect the laptop (this is the situation that the docking station is designed to prevent.) Not all laptops will have the proper ports for every peripheral.
Ensure the docking station is receiving power. If peripheral devices don't work, check their connections. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your docking station. Check with the manufacturer to ensure you're using a compatible station. Use only the charging cable that came with your docking station. If you can't get the station to work, connect the peripherals to the laptop.