I have an 18 month old dell 5150 laptop that was loaded for its day. On the back of computer, the port where the power cord plugs in has a crack in it (black plastic) and it will no longer get power. I called dell, and they say the mother board needs replaced ($400). I know pretty much nothing about computers, but it seems to me the "plug in" part can just be removed and a new one re-soldered. SO Do I need a new motherboard? and if so, who wants to install it and make some $$?
You are correct that the power adaptor port can be replaced but Dell won't do that. If your laptop is still in warranty they shouldnt be charging you anything for it because it is a "known" issue. That is how it worked when I was with Gateway....even if the laptop was out of warrranty and it was a known issue that occurs alot on a specific modem or system they would replace it for you under a courtesy warranty deal. But if Dell wont help you then DDRDAN would be your guy. I try to stay away from soldering. Not one of my specialties. lol Good Luck Randy
OK guys, I installed a new motherboard, took me a couple hours but wasn't too bad. Now the bad news. I hit the power button and the lights light up and the CD whiiiirs but nothing ever comes on the screen, in fact it doesn't even seem to power up. I double checked the connection to the LCD and still nothing. I have an updated bios to install, but without anything coming up I'm literally in the dark. Suggestions?? thanks
Wish I wasn't on vacation. I could have saved you that expsense on the new mobo. I fix power plugs on laptop mobo's for $40. It's a common problem on all laptops. That darn power cord gets jerked all the time and breaks the mobo connection. If you used it in that condition or wiggled it to get the unit to start you may need the new mobo. This could also be the problem your having now, that condition may have shorted the video card. mobo = motherboard 1. Make sure you don't have the mobo grounded. If you have a meter, set it to "continuity", remove all power sources, hold down the power button for 10 seconds, and then check if the (+) is grounded. If you not sure of this process don't do it. You could do more damage. If you get a signal R&R the mobo again. 2. You said you checked the "display-feed flex cable" but do it again for good measure and check for bent pins. Pull the 2 screws holding the video card and remove it. Reseat the card and take you time being sure it's aligned properly. Before putting the screws back give it a slight push (where it says "push", 2 spots) to be sure it's seated. Put the flex cable and screws back in. 3. Remove the EMI shield from the top of the cooler. Check the cooler power lead to make shure it's oriented correctly for power. If it's ok ... 4. Remove the cooler. Release the CPU with the Cam Screw. Lift the CPU and look for bent pins. If none put it back in and hold it down with one finger while you turn the Cam Screw. If you have bent pins you can take a magnifyer and re-bend them, slowwwwwly!!! Put the cooler & EMI shield back on and make sure those EMI screws are tight. They are your ground. 5. Remove the hard drive and check for bent pins. If the mobo was installed just slightly off that removable type hard drive will bend the pins when you re-install it. If none of these help you may need to get another video card just to check it out, and thats costly too. If you want that old mobo repaired for a spare let me know. DDRdan
