Troubleshoot Your Laptop Power Cord

If your laptop won't turn on, chances are it is one of two things: the power cable or the battery. Isolating the problem can save you a lot of grief and money. Following this simple guide will help you determine what your actual issue is.

Test the Power Outlet

You'd be surprised how many "computer problems" aren't actually computer problems at all. In this case, it could appear that your laptop's power cord isn't working properly, when in fact you are using a bad electrical outlet. To test this, either plug another device in this plug to test it, or try plugging your laptop into another outlet.

Inspect the Power Cord

Like anything, power cords are susceptible to all kinds of damage. Take a look at the entire power cord, and check for nicks, bite marks, etc. Also, bend the cord in several areas to see if you can feel a break in the wires inside the cord. Any interruption in the wires will render the cord inoperable, in which case, purchasing a new power cord should get you taken care of. Remember to check places such as Craigslist and Froogle to get the best prices.

Check Your Connections

Another common mistake made by users is not testing their connections. It is important to first verify that there is no debris in either the cable or the connector on the computer. Also, make sure that all connections are secure, to include where the power cord plugs into the laptop, a transformer box in the middle of the cord if there is one, and the wall plug.

Take Out the Battery

Lastly, remove your battery. Once the battery is removed, plug in the power cord and see if that makes a difference. Occasionally, a faulty battery can have more adverse affects than simply not holding a charge. If your laptop will power on with the power cord plugged in and the battery removed, odds are the battery is your problem. Buying a replacement can be relatively cheap, especially through used outlets such as eBay.

Call the Manufacturer

After you have taken these steps, call the manufacturer unless you were able to resolve the issue. Being armed with this extra information can help the technical support agent to better assist you, and can often speed up the call drastically.

Remember to relax while troubleshooting, as no one needs extra stress in their lives. Be polite to technical support agents, and they'll respond in kind usually. Good luck getting to the bottom of your laptop woes!

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