Member Avatar for ucadam

I have a Gateway Laptop Model# M350CRV. Running Windows XP.. 1 gig memory 30 Gig Hd. The computer has been running hot...but I started using a cooling pad that has 2 fans... usb connection. This laptop was super fast without ever missing a beat... 2 days ago...I was using it and it froze up.... Tried to turn it off, but nothing so I unplugged...! Now it will not come back on... NO lights with battery in, nor when it is plugged in. The battery lhas always lasted 1.5 hours...

I took the case off, everything looks Normal was some dust I used compressed air for that stuff. Does not smell...Nothing..

Any ideas.....

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by coolraj003

Dani AI

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Good troubleshooting so far — getting power back and pointing toward a residual‑charge clear are consistent with a common class of laptop faults, and is right to flag heat as a likely contributing factor. The short explanation: a laptop’s embedded power controller can latch into a no‑power state after a freeze or protective thermal event. A hardware reset or draining stored charge clears that latch, but it does not guarantee the underlying cause is fixed.

Practical next checks (non‑redundant with earlier steps): verify the AC adapter output with a multimeter to confirm correct voltage and polarity; inspect the DC jack for looseness or burn marks; watch fan spin behavior and listen for bearing noise; run a S.M.A.R.T. check on the disk to catch heat‑related failures; and capture any thermal or shutdown events from the system logs if possible. If the machine still sporadically dies, intermittent DC jack or failing power regulation on the motherboard is a likely culprit.

Preventive and repair guidance: keep intake/exhaust vents clear, restore or replace degraded thermal paste and fan assemblies if temps remain high, and install any BIOS/firmware updates that address power‑management bugs. For a recurring fault that points at board components (jack, MOSFETs, caps), factory‑level repairs or a reputable local repair shop are safer than repeated home fixes. Always image important data once the laptop is stable.

If the issue returns, document conditions (AC vs battery, ambient temperature, whether any LEDs blink, any smells or noises). That information helps diagnose whether this is a one‑time EC latch or a symptom of failing hardware that needs replacement.

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Member Avatar for HoustonIT

Pull the battery and ac power for @ 10-15 minutes. Then try to power it up on ac, don't reinstall the battery until you have brought it up and shut it down properly.

Member Avatar for ucadam

I got it... I read another threat on the same thing, they said to look for the reset button on the bottom of the laptop... pulled battery off, hit the button with a paper clip..walla...light action.... shut down laptop, replaced battery..started right up....

Member Avatar for coolraj003

It did sound as a result of overheating though. Doesn't give any other obvious reasons for it. Maybe change the fans to an AC unit...lol.

Raj

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