Resolved laptop won't power w/adaptor

Son dropped off his laptop and said "Mom, it doesn't work ". Didn't give me any specifics, so can't offer what might have happened.

Originally had a problem getting the laptop to even boot up (a missing file error) but have since resolved that issue.

The laptop (Dell Inspiron 600M, WinXP Home SP3 w/IE8) will not operate using the ac adaptor. (I knew of this problem even prior to correcting the booting issue, but wanted to make sure the computer was even functional before I continued further.)

Doesn't matter if the computer is off the charging/power light comes on briefly and goes off when the power adaptor is plugged in. If the computer is on and running, as soon as the power adaptor is plugged in the computer immediately shuts off (doesn't power down, just shuts off).

There isn't a problem with the adaptor itself (have borrowed another Dell 600M and it works fine on that one, as well as the batteries working ok on either). So I'm guessing it's something on my son's laptop? Is this even fixable? Sure makes it difficult to use if you can't use the adaptor/charger and we can't borrow the other laptop forever (just to charge the battery!)

Any suggestions? I'm thinking this one will be waaaay over my head to fix (if it's even fixable!!)

~Vicki

 

Sounds like the power jack on the laptop needs to be resoldered and/or replaced. This sometimes requires completely tearing down the laptop and removing the motherboard.

 

Yep, I agree 100%.

 

I agree too. However, these jacks break all the time. So, any good, reputable repair shop should be able to fix it easily (once the correct part is ordered, if not on hand). The part is not expensive, and there should be no more than 1 hour of labor charges. In fact, you may be able call around to various shops and get an estimate.

Have the shop do a professional cleaning of the interior while they have it open (a good shop would do this automatically).

 

Thanks all for your replies! I had a feeling this was going to be something that I couldn't handle or worse, that it couldn't be fixed!

I did find it encouraging to hear that it IS fixable and

Hopefully, I'll be able to find a computer repair shop to do this (living in a rural small town community is going to be a disadvantage I think).

Thanks again!
~Vicki

 

I guess I should clarify something. Typically, it is just the plastic jack that breaks, causing the metal contacts within it to come out of alignment, or lose tension so there is no good "mechanical" connection, a prerequisite for a good electrical connection. This typically occurs when the cable is plugged in and then gets knocked about somehow. But in some cases at the location where the jack is soldered to the main board, the motherboard is actually damaged. Those are rare in my experience, but, it has happened. And in those situations, repair (replacement of the motherboard) may not be cost effective. Not trying to scare - just want you to be aware.