Answer:
1. Best way is to get the manual from the manufacturer. Each manufacturer places the laptop components in different locations and have different methods of securing the components. Dell does a great job in publishing a manual for repair of each component with detailed locations and step-by-step instructions.
2.. You can use an external monitor to test this - assuming the laptop has a external connection (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA). If the external monitor works, you know the laptop's monitor is the problem. If the external monitor does not work it is likely the display adapter.
3. Failed internal input components can be substituted using external devices. The laptop will have USB connections that can be used for mice, keyboards, network cards, sound cards, and monitors.
4. The main thing to ensure for compatibility is the I/O bus type. SATA / ATA / IDE (older) must be matched to ensure the new drive will work. Look on the label of the old drive to see the specifications. Most modern laptops will user SATA as the I/O connection - both solid state drives and traditional platter based. As long as the I/O bus connection works, you can modify the speed and capacity of the drive with no major issues.
5. It depends on the model, but the majority of the internal components will require removal of the keyboard for access. This includes the system board, video card, network card, sound card, and hard drive. Memory is the one component that the manufacturer will often allow for replacement / addition through an access port on the bottom (but not every manufacturer does this - i.e. Apple)
6. Touchpad problems can be the result of foreign material on the pad (grease, oil, etc), or damage to the pad surface. If cleaning the pad thoroughly or rebooting the computer does not help then you might be looking at a component replacement. Resetting the device drivers can also be attempted.
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