Gateway Parts

Why won't my laptop remain on?

I have a Gateway notebook and I’ve had some problems with it before. I sent it in because the screen would go black unexpectedly, then it was under warranty and they fixed it. When they sent it back to me the laptop worked fine, but the battery didn't work and all they did was slap a sticker on it saying "bad part" (thanks a lot guys!). At that time it wasn't a big deal, I just removed the battery and used AC power but not too long after that when I was in the middle of something my computer would shut off unexpectedly thus losing what I was working on. I did find out that if I sat a certain way or moved the cord around I would be able to use it, until I shifted and/or the cord moved and it would turn off & wouldn’t turn on unless I wiggled the cord just right. Now I'm not sure but is there something wrong with the power connection in the back of the laptop? Or is there something wrong with the cord? I'm assuming the earlier although hoping for the latter. Thanks in advance! I do remember that not too long before having a problem with the screen I had taken my laptop to class and then it was running on battery power (since I was in a lecture hall) and the battery would run out of power and shut my computer off. Looking back it seems that the battery wouldn't charge properly. Because there were a few instances when i was using battery power it would run out and shut off. I then would bring my AC cord and sit WAY in the back of the auditorium so I could use my laptop on AC power instead. I don't know if that makes any sense or helps, but thought you should know. Once again your help is GREATLY appreciated since I'd like to correct this whereas I NEED a laptop and don't have the money for one at the moment. Thanks so much!! :) Oh and another thing I noticed, after I posted this I was playing around with the cord. When I plug the cord into an outlet I notice that the green light lights up, like it’s supposed to. So I guess everything in the cord is fine up until that point. It’s the end that connects into the computer that’s concerning me.

Public Comments

1. First problem: Gateway. Now that is out of the way, I does sound like a power issue. It could be the power supply that is embedded in the middle of the cord. You can try to get a new PS and cord to see if this illevates the problem. This is a double edged sword. If it is not, then the problem lies within the PC and needs to be opened up and repaired. Now you are stuck with 2 PS.
2. it sounds like your battery is shot, and your chord only works in a certain position because you bent it too many times, all the chord is, is metal, if metal bends too much it becomes brittle and breaks - also due to the heat of electricity. bring in your laptop and battery to either they store manufacturer (dell store if its a dell), or bring it to best buy and ask em to test your battery. also get a new chord
3. if you're thinking of buying a laptop you should check out this site first. they give you a sony vaio laptop for FREE! all you need to do is complete a few quick tasks for them.
4. For those of you how think you are tecnicians please quit answering questions. ok you have what we technicians call a cold solder joint on the power connection on the motherboard of your laptop. please send it in and they shoild replace your laptop. or if it out of warrenty then please take it to a computer repair shop to let them know it has a wobbly power connection and it is a bad power port on the computer not the cord.