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moogvo · 07-14-2008, 04:30 PM

I have a Gateway Profile 3 which is not a laptop, but it does use a laptop power adapter.

So here's the issue... I plug the power adapter in and hit the power button and nothing happens. If I play with the connector while holding down the power button, it will start up after a few seconds of fiddling.

So far, it sounds like the power connector is loose on the board, or the connector on the adapter is loose. BUT...

When you disconnect the other end of the cable (the end that plugs into the AC Mains) it will not reboot. The computer, once booted will run for days at a time with no problems. I can "jiggle" the connectors while the computer is running and nothing happens. Even if you just turn the switch off on the power strip and then turn it back on, you have to fool with the connector on the computer end to get it to boot.

I have taken the case apart and checked the solder joints on the board. They are all solid and making a good connection. The connector doesn't show any signs of wear, and you can turn the computer on and off all you want and it will start back up as long as you don't remove the AC power. Once you disconnect the AC power, it doesn't re-start properly.

Is this most likely a power adapter issue?!

Thanks in advance for your help!

07-14-2008, 04:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
moogvo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1 OS: Windows XP SP2	Bad power adapter??? I have a Gateway Profile 3 which is not a laptop, but it does use a laptop power adapter. So here's the issue... I plug the power adapter in and hit the power button and nothing happens. If I play with the connector while holding down the power button, it will start up after a few seconds of fiddling. So far, it sounds like the power connector is loose on the board, or the connector on the adapter is loose. BUT... When you disconnect the other end of the cable (the end that plugs into the AC Mains) it will not reboot. The computer, once booted will run for days at a time with no problems. I can "jiggle" the connectors while the computer is running and nothing happens. Even if you just turn the switch off on the power strip and then turn it back on, you have to fool with the connector on the computer end to get it to boot. I have taken the case apart and checked the solder joints on the board. They are all solid and making a good connection. The connector doesn't show any signs of wear, and you can turn the computer on and off all you want and it will start back up as long as you don't remove the AC power. Once you disconnect the AC power, it doesn't re-start properly. Is this most likely a power adapter issue?! Thanks in advance for your help!