Charger Problems....

[DuskShark]

I have a problem regarding my laptop. It just happened now. My laptop isn't recognizing the battery charger. Like it's plugged in but nothing is happening. I tried plugging it in from somewhere else and checked the charger and nothing worked. What should I do? Should I buy another laptop charger?

[Takel]

There are a number of possible reasons.

First off, take the battery out and see if the laptop can run with the AC adaptor only. If it can, then the charger is fine and the battery may be a bit wonky.

If that's a no go, then the possibilities narrow down to a mobo problem or a charger problem. This is where things get difficult since the way to test these problems require being well supplied. This is because not everyone has a second charger to use as a test, and there is no guarantee that a new charger will actually fix your problem.

You might need to fork out a bit for a generic laptop charger (one that has variable output voltages and plugs) for a backup and to do the initial testing. The alternative is to see if you can find some small computer shop that does repairs and stuff and see if they can spot you a few minutes to test using their chargers.

If the new charge does work, then that's pretty much it, the charger is not working properly. If that doesn't work, then you've most likely got a motherboard issue which means, back to the manufacturer or the thing is a looming paper weight.

[Shawn]

If you have a volt meter handy (or know someone that knows how to use one), check to see if the power is coming out the other end.

I had to test mine using that method and found out I needed to replace it after it crapped out.

[DuskShark]

(I'd quote you, Takel but my PS3 is being an ass.)

 Anyway, the laptop can run fine without the AC adapter. I think it's a charger problem but then again I'm stupid when it comes to technical stuff.

[Takel]

(I'd quote you, Takel but my PS3 is being an ass.)

 Anyway, the laptop can run fine without the AC adapter. I think it's a charger problem but then again I'm stupid when it comes to technical stuff.

Wait, but can it run without the battery?
Using a volt meter wasn't something I'd think of... nice idea... pity they still cost a bit and are really 'specialist' equipment....

[DuskShark]

Wait, but can it run without the battery?
Using a volt meter wasn't something I'd think of... nice idea... pity they still cost a bit and are really 'specialist' equipment....

I'd test that but then my laptop wouldn't have anything to get power from.

[Takel]

So your battery is completely and utterly dead at the moment?

[DuskShark]

So your battery is completely and utterly dead at the moment?

No..,but almost. Like 17% left.

[Takel]

I'd test that but then my laptop wouldn't have anything to get power from.

And that is the entire point of running the test. You do not currently know for absolute certainty if the adaptor is the actual cause of the problem.

The purpose of attempting to run the laptop without the battery connected, and only the AC adaptor is to see if the adaptor is actually providing power.

Some faults with the motherboard prevent the adaptor from actually providing power to the battery's charging circuits, which obviously means the battery won't charge. The charger is otherwise able to function, but the fault lies with the motherboard, or maybe even the battery in that the battery cannot receive power to charge any more for its own internal fault.

Troubleshooting is all about testing isolating suspects until you figure out the most likely cause of the problem. No battery testing isolates the adaptor as the cause of the problem as a successful test absolves the adaptor as being the cause of the fault while an unsuccessful test leads to other possibilities.
A follow up test with a different adaptor will prove without a doubt that the adaptor is at fault on a successful test, while another unsuccessful test will point towards a motherboard fault.

[DuskShark]

Good news, I checked and it turns out it was the charger. New one's here and everything is peachy. Thank you for helping me.