ReadyToGo
Minnesota
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Joined: 11/17/2002
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My laptop is switching between battery and the power supply. Since I have two power supplies, I know that the problem is on the computer. I have read on the net that this is a common problem. The problem usually lies on the motherboard and the solution is to either replace the motherboard (no way, the laptop is almost 4 years old and a new one should be here by Monday) or to resoder the connection on the laptop.
So the question. Has anyone done this and is it easy to do the sodering? Also, there are 12 screws to take out, will that allow me to get to the motherboard? Or is there something else to take out? I have never sodered, but I can probably find someone with the small soder gun? to use. Would there be a special kind of soder to use?
Thanks for any reply.
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lotust
Long Island NY
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Joined: 03/02/2008
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I would not do it yourself if you have never soldered before. get a friend to do it. Every laptop is different too.
2000 23' Flagstaff forest River
2008 toyota tundra 5.7L w/tow
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Road Runners
Tampa Bay, Florida
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Joined: 12/19/2001
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I have had two laptops with this problem. I had the dc socket resoldered, but it never lasted very long. I broke down and bought a Panasonic Tough book. Haven't had the dc socket problem with it.
'05' F-250 Power Stroke
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trnfla
Tampa
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I bet it is a HP laptop? I replaced my jack and it solved the problem. Would I do it again... NO it was extremely difficult to access the jack.
Good luck...
Have a great time camping,
Terry
Please visit my Photos and Blog NiceCamps.com
New (2 me) 2004 Winnie 31C
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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I have two laptops and 4 power supplies, Both laptops and all 4 supplies are the same VOLTAGE however one of the laptops and two of the power supplies are a higher current.
If I use the low-current supply with the high current laptop..
That is exactly what happens.as the computer calls for MORE power, the supply overloads, limits and the computer switches to battery
As the computer's needs are reduced... IT switches back to the power supply
Most annoying. I plug in the other power supply and ... Problem goes away.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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Fatbob
el paso tx
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Joined: 12/24/2007
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I replaced the dc socket on my HP laptop. It was VERY difficult to access the socket, as many boards need to be removed and also the lcd monitor. Many screws to remove and it's very easy to overlook one.
I wouldn't want to do it again! Once the board was accessed, the soldering is also difficult because the etched contact on the board is tiny, and full of varnish. it's been over a year since the repair, and once it goes, I'm done with that laptop.
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Retired_nuke_ET
Carrollton Va.
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Joined: 12/20/2005
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It would not be an easy task. Laptops are notoriously hard to get into. They're made to pack a lot into a small volume so everything is very tightly fit in just the right place.
Google is your friend. I would google your laptop name and model and other words like broken, connector, power... if this is a common problem there's bound to either be more detailed discussion at a real geek forum or if you're in luck some geek has had the same problem and made a web page detailing how to take it apart and fix it.
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Retired_nuke_ET
Carrollton Va.
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Sorry just reread your post and it looks like you already did some research. Let me just add this:
DO NOT USE A SOLDERING GUN Who ever does solder this for you should at least be using a temperature controlled fine tipped soldering iron. If you don't like your laptop and are going to get rid of it soon a plain Radio Shack plug it straight into the wall soldering iron if very carefully used could work. But space is going to be tight. A Radio Shack size iron will likely do some melting damage to surrounding plastic unless you are very careful, a soldering GUN definitely will cause damage. Any "resin core/flux" 60/40ish solder should do fine. You don't want to use anything used to solder pipes.
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ReadyToGo
Minnesota
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Thanks for all the replies. It's a Dell. My fourth or fifth one. I only used the word GUN as that is the only word I knew. As you can see, I couldn't even spell Solder right.
I will not do this myself no matter what.
I guess I will have to rethink the issue. I could call a bunch of repair places and see what they would charge to do it, but only if they have done it before with a contract in case they screw it up. I should be getting my new Toshiba any day now.
Thanks again.
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Road Runners
Tampa Bay, Florida
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Joined: 12/19/2001
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Perhaps the lap top maker should redesign their laptop computers and make a flexible coupling to the mother board from the dc recepticle. I have been told by lots of computer repair men that this is a common problem with all laptops, especially if you put them on your lap or use them in your vehicles. I guess they are designed to be a small desk top computer.
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