Armed Polite Society

Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Jamisjockey on July 17, 2009, 08:44:30 AM

Title: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Jamisjockey on July 17, 2009, 08:44:30 AM

Dell Laptop, windows XP.  Brand new battery. 
Suddenly yesterday, when I unplugged it from the wall so I could use it in my, uh, "office"....it died.  Unless it's plugged into shore power, it won't run.   Its instant, as soon as I pull the power plug, black screen, no power or battery power lights.  Just death.
Thoughts?

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: LadySmith on July 17, 2009, 08:51:34 AM

You shocked it into incoherency.  :O  :x

 :laugh:

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Harold Tuttle on July 17, 2009, 09:07:27 AM

thats odd with a new battery

can you confirm what the voltage output is from the battery?

volt ohm meter/tongue across terminals...

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Regolith on July 17, 2009, 09:08:52 AM

Sounds like a bad battery.  It happens.  Alternatively, it could be installed incorrectly.

...

You did charge the battery before trying to run the laptop on it, right?

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: mtnbkr on July 17, 2009, 09:55:07 AM

How does it operate with the old battery?  Could be the new battery doesn't quite fit and isn't making contact, the internal charging system is bad, or you just suck.

Chris

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Jamisjockey on July 17, 2009, 10:29:29 AM

Old battery went tango uniform over a couple months, to where it wouldn't hold a charge.
This one isn't brand brand new, about 3 months old.  Has been running fine and holding a 2.5 hour charge just fine.

HT, I don't have a volt meter.

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Nick1911 on July 17, 2009, 10:32:45 AM

Quote from: JamisJockey on July 17, 2009, 10:29:29 AM

HT, I don't have a volt meter.

Really?  That's one of my primary staples in fixing... about anything.

Recommendation (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899)

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Jamisjockey on July 17, 2009, 10:34:29 AM

I don't actually fix things, as that usually makes it worse.  I either replace, or pay someone else to fix. 

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Nick1911 on July 17, 2009, 10:39:12 AM

Quote from: JamisJockey on July 17, 2009, 10:34:29 AM

I don't actually fix things, as that usually makes it worse.  I either replace, or pay someone else to fix. 

Huh.  I would not have guessed that.

So, take it to a computer shop?  =D

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Jamisjockey on July 17, 2009, 10:47:25 AM

Quote from: Nick1911 on July 17, 2009, 10:39:12 AM

Huh.  I would not have guessed that.

So, take it to a computer shop?  =D

If it sounds like hardware, and not software, to you guys, then yeah...that'll end up being the answer.
 :laugh:

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: mtnbkr on July 17, 2009, 10:50:13 AM

JJ, I have two voltmeters if you want to borrow one or bring the battery by my place.

Wanna hit Fountainhead with me tomorrow morning?  We're doing a Casual+ skills ride (stopping to practice on log crossings, teeters, rockgardens, etc).  Bring your battery and I'll bring my multimeter.

8:30am start time. 

Chris

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Jamisjockey on July 17, 2009, 10:54:58 AM

Quote from: mtnbkr on July 17, 2009, 10:50:13 AM

JJ, I have two voltmeters if you want to borrow one or bring the battery by my place.

Wanna hit Fountainhead with me tomorrow morning?  We're doing a Casual+ skills ride (stopping to practice on log crossings, teeters, rockgardens, etc).  Bring your battery and I'll bring my multimeter.

8:30am start time. 

Chris

I should be launching the boat about that time, otherwise I would.

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: mtnbkr on July 17, 2009, 11:05:38 AM

Oh yeah, I forgot.

Well, you can bring the battery by tonight or come by and get a multimeter.

Chris

Title: Re: Halp!! Computer problem
Post by: Jamisjockey on July 17, 2009, 12:35:52 PM

Quote from: mtnbkr on July 17, 2009, 11:05:38 AM

Oh yeah, I forgot.

Well, you can bring the battery by tonight or come by and get a multimeter.

Chris

Today is out for me I could probably bring it by next week.  Thanks for the offer to help my inept ass out.
 =D