Resolved HP TC4400 Tablet power supply is chirping.

My daughter has an HP TC4400 Tablet PC that has a strange power supply problem.

Specifically, the power supply makes a faint chirping sound at the rectangular plastic housing where the AC cord goes in and the DC cord comes out. When it is chirping it is not charging and the PC will eventually shut down due to low battery voltage.

I checked the power supply output voltage and it was within specs. The cords showed no evidence of stress or damage. I plugged the PC power supply direct to a wall receptacle and it worked and recharged the battery. So I thought she had a bad power bar/surge suppressor. But the problem appeared again today even though the power bar/surge suppressor wasn't being used. I don't have access to the PC just now (she lives in another town) and I'm trying to make sense of the situation.

I know it's a stab in the dark, but do any of you see something in this scenario that can help identify the problem?

 

The receiver part where you plug that charger into the PC at has broken loose from the MOBO. Common problem. Problem is you have to take the PC apart and replace it. Haven't seen but a couple that could be fixed by re soldering. Just replace it and be done with it. They are cheap but the labor is what eats you up.

 

Thanks Mr Bill!
She is coming over tomorrow and is bringing the computer.
I will have a look then. I'm hoping it can be re-soldered since that sounds like the best possible outcome.
I'll post my findings here asap.

Thanks again!

 

The problem was the power supply, a new one cleared up the problem.