Laptop Issue, Not charging, how do I fix?

[Stormfeather]

Ive got a old laptop, its an Acer, maybe 4 years old, I think that the connection that you plug into the laptop itself to charge it is faulty. Is there any way to fix this? Got alot of good information/links/pics on this and would love to recover it if possible! Any laptop gurus out there want to possibly walk me thru disassembly and fix if possible?
Thanks guys!

[Ricky-Ray]

When you plug in the A/C adapter is it loose? If so then most likely the connecting pins to the motherboard have broken off. Most big computer places will tell you it will require a motherboard replacement and if the laptop is 4 years old, more than likely your better off just buying a new one.

You could try some of the smaller mom and pop type computer repair stores and see if maybe they can resolder it or maybe if you or you know someone that can solder could give it a try.

As for copying the data off the drive it's pretty easy. You can get a ide/sata to usb cable and just plug the laptop's hard drive to another computer and it will read it as another drive and you can just copy the data off of it. Something like this is what you will need. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-001-_-Product

[smird]

Does the laptop run when it's plugged in? Or is the battery not charging up? if it's the second you probably just need to replace the battery.

[Flyin Brian]

I just had this same issue with 2 laptops; one belongs to my wife and the other is my daughter's. I found this place online called Pomeroy Computing in Minnesota and spoke to the owner Steve. I shipped both laptops to him and he called back about 10 days later and they were both repaired. I think the whole thing cost me around $100 each including the $15 each to ship them to him. They did a great job and both of my girls are happy now!!

Here is the website: http://pcrepairhelp.net/contact/

[Stormfeather]

It runs when it can charge the battery, the problem im having is the connection that plugs into the laptop itself is really "wiggly" and so the screen flickers quite constantly to the point where it wont charge. Im thinking its what RickyRay was saying that the connecting pins themselves may be broken and/or loose.

[Coded-Dude]

you could always just recover the data off the hard drive.

[orchard]

Unplug the charger from the connection. With a pencile, see if the pin in the center of the laptop power connector wiggles. if so the connector will need replacing. If the pin is discolored there is a heat buildup that makes the connection worse.

It's probably a multilayer PC board, tools will cost more than having the connector replaced. It's a lott of screws and little parts, and there is a sequence for diassembly/reassembly. Back up the drive, and send it off.
Or trade it in.

it's a common occurance, the power connections were not well engineered.

[JDay]

If the laptop is getting power from the ac cable the battery likely cannot hold a charge anymore since it is 4 years old.

[JDay]

It runs when it can charge the battery, the problem im having is the connection that plugs into the laptop itself is really "wiggly" and so the screen flickers quite constantly to the point where it wont charge. Im thinking its what RickyRay was saying that the connecting pins themselves may be broken and/or loose.

Do you know how to use a soldering iron? You should be able to find the service manual with Google, once you have that you can open the laptop and solder the jack back into place.