Member Avatar for pilbers999

hi my laptop has started stutting down straight away, when i switch it on the start and battery light flashes then it shuts down

its a compac c300ea

thanks for your help in advance

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reported that the mains lead was chewed while plugged in and a replacement adapter did not stop the laptop from powering on briefly then cutting out. is right that overheating can cause shutdowns, but an immediate cut at power-on more commonly points at the DC input, adapter, or the motherboard power rails rather than a thermal fault.

Try these diagnostic steps in order (basic hand tools and a multimeter are useful; power down and unplug before any internal work):

  1. Verify the adapter with a multimeter (DC volts): read the center tip vs. outer sleeve and compare to the adapter label. Check the voltage both unloaded and while connected to the laptop — a large drop under load means a bad adapter even if the label looks correct.
  2. Inspect the DC jack and cable for frayed wires, melted insulation, bent pins or burn marks. A broken internal conductor or short at the jack will cause instant shutdowns.
  3. Remove nonessential internal parts (HDD/optical, wireless card) and try powering with only the motherboard, screen and CPU connected — if it stays on longer the removed part or its connector may be shorting.
  4. Smell and visual check for burnt components or swollen capacitors near the power input; if present, stop applying power.

If the adapter and jack test good but the problem persists, likely causes are a blown SMD fuse, damaged power MOSFETs/regulators or a failed motherboard — repairs range from an inexpensive jack/fuse replacement to a costly board swap. For data safety, the hard drive can be removed and read via a USB adapter/enclosure. Independent repair shops usually offer a low-cost diagnostic to confirm next steps.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

possible heat issue ,caused by dirty cooling heatsinc and fan! but then again it could be a new laptop as you didn't give much info on the laptop !

also did you try booting up with the battery out or with it in a nd the power cord out

Member Avatar for pilbers999

Hi i have tried turning it on without the battery in and only pluged in to electric but the same thing happens.

it statrted after my puppy bit the wire so i ordered a new one (not from compaq) but this did not help.
sorry i have not supplied much info dont know what you need to know

many thanks

Member Avatar for caperjack

dont know what you need to know
/QUOTE]
anything that you already tried ,so that posters don't offer help that you already tried .
all i can say is because its not from Compaq ,then you really need to make sure its compatible with the laptop!
also was it plugged in when the dog chewed the cord!

Member Avatar for pilbers999

hi yes it was plugged in when she chewed it

when i ordered lead it did say its compatable with my laptop

i have taken back off and took what i think is the memory cards out and tried without them and the same thing happens.

i dont really know alot about laptops but cant really afford to go to pc world

many thanks

Member Avatar for caperjack

hi yes it was plugged in when she chewed it

Possible then that it shorted out your motherboard ! and it may never work again in its present state !

Member Avatar for pilbers999

can i test this ?
if so how?

How much will it cost to repair?

Member Avatar for caperjack

can i test this ?
if so how?

How much will it cost to repair?

cant test it on a help forum that for sure ,you will need to have a tech look at it . ,and as far as cost goes that depends on the severity of he problem, and what the local computer rate is in you area !.

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