Resolved Laptop will not Power On

Hello,
My friend has this old Gateway Laptop Computer, Model #M520. It is running Windows XP. She hasn't used it for quite some time and was going to lend it to a sick friend in the hospital to play games while recuperating.

She had asked me to look at it and bring it up-to-date so it is running ok before she brings it to her friend.

Well, I hooked up the power cord and pressed the power button but nothing happened. It is as dead as a doornail.

My problem is that I don't know first if it is worth taking it to a computer shop because I'm not sure how much it would cost to be repaired and if it is worth it.

Is there anything you can suggest that I can do to check out this laptop. Could it be the power cord, the power supply, or the battery? I'm just not sure what the problem could be since I have never experienced this on a laptop.

Any help you can give me would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Jean

 

First thing to try is to remove the battery, disconnect the power supply then press and hold the power on button for around 30 seconds. reconnect battery and mains and try to power up...

Let us know what happens.

 

Hi,
Thanks for responding so rapidly. I know how to remove the battery but not sure how to disconnect the power supply. I'll try to find a manual so I can learn how to do this unless you can guide me on how to disconnect the power supply.

Thank you.

 

Just unplug the cord, then follow wildfire's suggestions.

 

OK, I removed the battery and power cord. Held the power key down for 40 seconds, put the battery back in and power cord. Pressed the power button but still nothing at all. Any other suggestions. Thank you.

 

Hi Jean,

If there's no life at all (not even an LED?) then I'd suspect the power connector in the laptop, these often get broken.

You could try a different power supply but I'd guess a visit to a computer service centre would be your best bet.

 

OK, I wil take it to the computer store because I don't know what the type of power connector I should use.

I'll let you know how I make out.

Jean

Thanks for the help.