Member Avatar for Jourdysmom

My DH's laptop will not turn on. He says that when he plugs it in, it shows no power to the machine and that the cord gets very hot.

First he tried to tell me that he just needs a whole new laptop...UMMMM let me think ...NO!

Now he wants me to buy all new cords, and a battery, and...and...and...He has ZERO mechanical ability, even less computer knowledge and I fear that this will go south VERY quickly if I allow him to try to do anything to it. LOL

Please advise! Thanks!

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A few focused, safe checks that clarify whether this is a simple adapter problem or something that needs a repair shop.

First, safety: an adapter that gets unusually hot is a fire risk — unplug it and stop using it until diagnosed. Smell or visible melting around the plug or inlet usually means a bad connector or a short drawing too much current.

A short diagnostic sequence to follow (low cost and doable before buying parts):

  • Locate the adapter label and read the rated DC output (voltage and polarity). If a digital multimeter is available, measure the adapter volt output with it plugged in but unloaded; place the red probe on the center pin and the black on the sleeve. The measured voltage should be near the rated value (within roughly 5–10%). Also check the cable for breaks or exposed wiring.
  • Remove the laptop battery and try to power the laptop from mains only. That rules out a failing battery dragging the supply down.
  • If possible, borrow a known-good compatible adapter (matching voltage and polarity, equal or higher current rating) and see whether the laptop powers on. If the spare adapter also overheats, the fault is likely inside the laptop.
  • Inspect the laptop inlet for wobble, scorch marks, or a loose center pin. Intermittent contact or a damaged jack often needs board-level repair.

Replacement and repair notes: a correct-match adapter is a cheap first test; use only an adapter with the exact voltage/polarity and adequate current rating. Repairing or replacing the DC jack typically requires solder work and may be more than the laptop is worth, so compare repair cost to replacement. For data safety, consider removing the hard drive for backup before any repair.

Acknowledging and : trying a replacement adapter as an inexpensive first step makes sense, but stop if heat or smoke recur and get a technician to inspect the jack and internal board.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

take it to a computer repair shop!

Member Avatar for Jourdysmom

I am not gonna pay a fortune to be told I need a new cord...was looking for a "it sounds like the cord" or "you need a new power source" etc...

Member Avatar for caperjack

it sound like the power cord , maybe the power jack that connects to the motherboard ,you know the place where the adapter plugs into the laptop ,you will need to buy a new power cord ,or have a power jack soldered to the motherboard ,that better !
also whats a DH.
also i have a laptop that burnt the power cord tip[adapter got hot also ] and it was the power jack

Member Avatar for Jourdysmom

ThanksY Caperjack, I will try a new power cord first .

(DH= Dear Husband)

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