Member Avatar for Dad1722

I have a Gateway M320 laptop which I recently replaced the motherboard on due to bad USB ports.
The laptop is reassembled, but now all I get is a flashing power light. There seems to be no control of the power button. The power comes on as soon as it is plugged in, (no need to push power button).
The fan is working normally, I have reseated the memory and hard drive and have gone as far as replacing the processor, all with no results.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

  • 3 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 180 Views
  • 2 Weeks Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by locking

Dani AI

Generated

Update and focused troubleshooting notes (built on ’s follow-up and the suggestions from and ):

The most telling facts from the thread are: the machine now boots after reseating parts, it powers on immediately when the AC adapter is plugged in, and it “will not keep time.” Those three symptoms point to two independent but related issues to check: the CMOS/RTC backup battery (time and BIOS defaults) and either a stuck/shorted power switch or a BIOS “power on with AC” setting.

Practical diagnostic steps

  1. Power-reset and isolate: remove the main battery and AC, then press-and-hold the power button 15–30 seconds to discharge caps. Reconnect AC only. If the laptop still powers on as soon as AC is attached, that narrows the cause to a BIOS default or a hardware short on the board (not the main battery).

  2. CMOS/RTC battery: the “won’t keep time” strongly suggests the small backup battery is dead. Replace the internal CMOS/RTC battery (the small coin cell or wired module used on laptops). A fresh RTC battery prevents BIOS resets and often restores the expected default for AC behavior.

  3. BIOS setting check: enter BIOS setup and look for options named like “Restore on AC Power Loss,” “AC power on,” or “Wake on AC/Attach.” If present, set to “Power Off” (or equivalent). If CMOS keeps resetting this setting won’t persist until the RTC battery is replaced.

  4. Power-button / top-case hardware check: with all power removed, unplug the power-button cable from the motherboard. Reconnect AC only. If the system no longer auto-powers, the button assembly or its cable is shorted or mechanically stuck (alignment/cover issue as suggested). Inspect the microswitch, cable, and case alignment; test the header briefly by shorting the two power-switch pins with a nonconductive tool tip only if comfortable doing so.

Notes and cautions

  • Replace the RTC battery before doing more invasive repairs; it is inexpensive and often resolves multiple quirks.
  • Take ESD precautions and avoid forcing connectors. If blink codes reappear, consult the Gateway service manual or a repair shop for the model-specific POST blink-code meanings.
Member Avatar for mechbas

Some laptops have a power on switch which is activated when the machine is opened, others have a seperate switch for that function, some may have both.
Off hand I'd say that there is an alignment problem with your switch that probably occured when you replaced the cover, etc., either that or the switch itself is defective.

Member Avatar for Dad1722

I removed and reseated the motherboard, processor, memory, hard drive. The laptop boots and runs fine.
The only problem I have encountered is that it powers up as soon as the power cord/adapter is plugged in and the laptop will not keep time., which I suspect is a battery issue.
As for the power up problem, I have no clue.

Member Avatar for locking

I think you should replace battery, or use just adapter.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.