Member Avatar for Kimberly_2

My computer was working fine until today I opened it up and clicked the power button then I realized that it was not working. I then proceeded to hold it after a while I can hear the fan start up but nothing else when I let go of the power button it stops I have one light on the lightbulb light so I guess it's still on but when I plug in the charger it doesn't charge it's been like this for a while now help

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Short, practical diagnostic notes that extend the replies from , , , and . The symptom set — fan spins only while the power button is held, a single LED lit, and the charger not charging — usually points to one of: the external adapter, the battery or an internal power fault (DC jack, power-switch circuit or motherboard). Safe Mode (F8) is only reachable after the system completes POST, so it is not useful until power/POST is confirmed.

Useful checks and quick tests:

  1. Check the adapter label and measure its output with a multimeter (DC volts at the barrel). The measured voltage should match the label within a few percent; 0V or a very low reading indicates a bad adapter.
  2. Confirm any adapter LED is lit and try a different wall outlet.
  3. For a removable battery: remove it and attempt to boot on AC only. For a sealed battery: perform a power-drain (disconnect AC, hold the power button 15–30 seconds, then plug AC back in and try powering on).
  4. Inspect the DC jack for looseness, wobble, burn marks or a hot plug — intermittent contact strongly suggests jack or motherboard repair.
  5. With the unit powered down and discharged, reseat memory and storage (one RAM stick at a time) if the model allows; listen for POST beeps or note LED blink patterns and record them.
  6. Connect an external monitor to rule out a display-only failure.

Cautions and likely interpretations: opening the chassis can void warranty and risks ESD damage; stop and use manufacturer support if under warranty. If the adapter tests good but the laptop only runs while holding the button, the power switch or board is suspect. If adapter is dead, replacement is inexpensive; if motherboard or jack is faulty, professional repair may be needed. Smoke, burning smell or visible damage calls for immediate power-off and service.

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

Take a moment to consider this is like telling a car repair shop your car won't start but you don't tell make, model and much else. It matters.

Without that I can't tell what you mean by the lightbulb.

Member Avatar for KushMishra

Hi, is this a laptop and have you tried starting that with another battery? Also, you can try inserting the windows DVD and see if that works, but yes, it would be helpful if you could tell us the exact make-model of the computer.

Member Avatar for mechbas

While this is undoubtably a laptop, most problems of this description are either the power adapter that you plug into the wall, or, more than likely, a dead battery. The only fix for either is replacement. A laptop batt. will zero out in capacity if left plugged in for a long time.
Power adapters do have their problems but usually don't unless they are moved around a lot such as being moved from one location to another. The "lightbulb", it is assumed, is an LED pilot lamp, sometimes referred to as a "idiot light" which is familiar jargon to most technicians.
Many stores that cater to the computer trade usually have both parts available or to be ordered whichever is needed. It is not always necessary to look for a dealer that handles your specific make.

Member Avatar for Damhart

Perhaps the battery is the problem, change out the battery and try again. They can be quite expensive though, it depends on which model you have

Member Avatar for Pcdoctor_1

Try to press F8 and go to save mode.

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