problem with Dell laptop

Hi all

Got a Dell Latitude laptop I need to reinstall and sort out for its next owner. Problem is it doesn't charge the battery when I plug in the AC adaptor. I'm certain it's the correct adaptor for that model of laptop but it just stays on battery power when connected to the mains, after a fresh install. I tried a replacement battery and that doesn't charge either. I tried a different AC adaptor but that was the same so I don't think it's the adaptor but where it plugs into the back of the laptop - the cable goes in okay but when it's in you can wiggle the whole socket about a little bit which I'm sure it shouldn't. I'm thinking that maybe it's taken a knock and something is busted inside, like where the power socket connects to the motherboard. Is that 'part' even replaceable or does that mean a new motherboard or something equally tricky/expensive? I've never opened a laptop before but would be willing to give it a try, as long as it's not a suicide mission!

Needless to say the previous owner (no longer with the company) didn't report any problem.

cheers,
Iain
.

Relevant Pages

  • Strange AC adaptor recognition problem on Panasonic Toughbook CF-71
    ... laptop that I have, and I'm wondering if anyone has ever seen anything ... A little while ago my AC adaptor went bad. ... meter and found that the AC adaptor's voltage and/or amperage were ... whenever the battery is inserted. ...
    (comp.sys.laptops)
  • Pull the Battery for freeze up on laptops
    ... The GD battery pack in the laptop was causing ... I was already running for couple years mainly using the AC plug ... Once I get the Logon screen I can FINALLY move the cursor ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: [OT] Blown my PC Laptop?
    ... if the laptop 'get's warm' then I guess electricity is getting ... the battery and leave it like that for a few mins. Plug ... the power in on it's own (no battery) and see what happens. ... Failing any life and assuming it's not a recent / high spec machine ...
    (uk.comp.sys.mac)
  • Re: Is this a bad practice
    ... When I want to recharge the battery, ... I just plug the chord into the back of the laptop. ... the cord into the electrical outlet on the wall last. ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: Help with Sony Laptop power issue
    ... date/time and plug in the ... out the AC Adapter while the laptop is on, ... The laptop is a *Sony Vaio, ... Your CMOS battery is dead, and most likely the main battery is worn ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)