Getting To The Bottom Of Laptop Power Problems

The first step to getting to the bottom of laptop power problems is looking at the various components that power a laptop. Let’s tackle the AC adapter first.

First make sure that the AC power adapter’s light is on. This is usually on the adapter box itself although some laptops have the LED on the side of the computer.

In some cases, laptop power problems are caused by the circuit breaker or overload detection circuit being tripped such as during a power fluctuation. When this happens, unplugging it for a few minutes and then reconnecting it will generally reset the adapter.

If you suspect that your laptop power problems are the result of a dead adapter, try borrowing a similar one and seeing if that works.

Short circuits are also common causes of laptop power problems. These could be caused by anything from physical to electrical damage anywhere in your laptop. A short circuit will actually use up all the power available power, resulting in your laptop being unable to turn on. If the adapter comes on when plugged into the wall socket, but turns off when the laptop is plugged in, you likely have a short circuit on your hands.

One way to isolate laptop power problems caused by a short circuit is to remove anything that could potentially be the culprit. This would include the battery, the hard drive, the DVD drive, the floppy drive, and other removable storage media, and USB devices. After you have removed all of them, try to see if your laptop will go on.

In some cases, laptop power problems may be caused by a spill. If only a small amount of liquid has been spilled, your laptop may still be easily repairable. Spills can cause all sorts of laptop power problems due to the following factors:

• Short circuits resulting from liquid
• Short circuits resulting from liquid residue
• Corrosion caused by sugared drinks
• Electronic components damage caused by short circuits

In cases of laptop power problems caused by spills, your best option is to turn off your laptop, turn it upside down and dry it for at least 48 hours. If that doesn’t work, you may have to bring your laptop in for servicing.

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