 |
A project to make businesses more aware of their customer experience, and how to fix it. By Mark Hurst. |
| About Mark Hurst | Mark's Gel Conference | New York Times Story on This Is Broken | Newsletter: Subscribe | RSS Feed |
Search this site:
Categories:
- Advertising
- Current Affairs
- Customer Service
- Fixed
- Food and Drink
- Just for Fun
- Misc
- Not broken
- Place
- Product Design
- Signs
- Travel
- Web/Tech
Previous: Gillette.com contact form | Main | Next: Store entrance sign
March 10, 2004 12:30 AM
Broken: Compaq laptop power plug
Michael Boyink writes:
This is my new Compaq Presario 2100 laptop. They equipped the AC power supply with a right-angle plug at the laptop end. The plug extends past the body of the computer, which puts the computer at risk when setting it down. A simple straight plug would have sufficed and probably cost a penny or two less.
I agree with Aaron. The right angle plugs have several advantages, including a flatter profile. It's not exactly difficult to plug it in so that the long part is parallel to the surface.
This a a very common design, found in headphones, power cords, and many other things. It works well.
Power plugs to laptops do take a beating-- the plug on the Apple iBook was not very well made (originally at least). After gluing mine back together a few times, and attempting to solder it when the contacts actually broke, I finally had to call support and wait on hold for 198175 hours to get a new one. Then that one broke and I just bought a new one. So far it's been OK though.
The problem is that when sitting cross-legged and using it in my lap, the plug is in the way, often taking much of the laptop's weight. The CD-ROM tray is right there too.
I too have a Presario 2100...I understand that the bend is probably to ensure the plug doesn't get pulled out, but it sure gets in the way sometimes; when you are carrying the laptop around the room, you have to tuck the plug in (i.e. rotate it 90 degrees) everytime you set it back down. I prefer the straight-on AC plug in my ThinkPad.
Sorry....I use the laptop mostly on my...uhh..lap. ;) Maybe that isn't average?
I don't work at a desk, I work in a chair...and often set the laptop down on the floor when I get up to to get coffee or whatever - and I always have to worry about that dang plug. I don't want to have to find out what consititutes "considerable downward force".
All in all I'd still rather have straight plug that pulled out by accident once in a while than have the circuit board break.
FWIW, I had an older Compaq Presario with that plug design. I can't say if it was a problem with the plug or with the cheap socket inside, but when eventually the socket broke loose from the board, I had no problem finding a web page where someone else had had the same problem and described how to fix it.
Then, a few years later, my wife's HP (with, again, the same plug design) also needed its socket replaced, for the same reason.
The right angle plug is moronic. The jack should be indented inside the chassis. If you bend anything it should only be wire. The engineers who designed this have their head way up there bazooka. It's intended to break. Believe me.
BTW - ever see a usb port break on one? I havent and repair 10 or so of these things a month. the power receptacle inside is 1/2 the depth of the usb recept. hmmmmmm da
My AC jack broke completely off the main/mother board and i had a buddy of mine put it back on for me and it worked for a while but it got loose agian and now has alot of play to the left and the right and alot of the time wont power the computer unless possitioned to the correct angle
if you can think of any ways to fix this problem please contact me
®
seriph~
I've been through 2 of these laptops the first I returned to the stor because the second time I used it with the power cord nothign happened. I got another one and the same thing when I plugged it in to recharge it didn't recognize or take power from the cord. It's currently being Fed-Ex'd to a repair facility.
Have to agree with Tim and part of what Aaron said. Keep the right angle, but either recess it or put a key in it so it only fits one way. Of course, maybe the engineer(s)had reasons beyond his control, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a bad design.
The design is CRAP! The jack broke off my board, and after some hack tried to fix it at Radio Hack (My dumb idea, I know) now it doesn't work at all. HP's solution? Replace board (which costs more than a new computer)... I know the engineers had some reasons for that bend. Its called designed obsolescence... A month after the warranty ran out, the useful life of the laptop ran out. Coincidence? I don't think so.
That's not broken. To those who dislike this design for any reason - they should probably go buy another AC adapter with your desired design, and stop bitching that they had a poor design with what was included in what THEY purchased in the first place.
I actually believe this product design is more ergonomic and convenient anyway. It saves space in the rear, and allows the cord to go to the left or right very easily (because it rotates). This is very functional because not all applications require wires to go directly behind the computer (for convenience), even though they may bend. Someone said earlier that wires were intended to bend, so it need not be at a right angle... yeah, so bend them if they are directed improperly by a permanent right angle. I find this post moronic, because it's obviously not broken OR poorly designed. It's just a design that can only be disputed by user preference, and even then, they should go buy another one and stop bitching if they don't like it.
well I think that you guys don't really know how many of these have to be replaced. I have the same problem. I travel alot and have had the AC jack brake. When talked to a tech concerning this he responded that it happens all the time. That have at least 20 laptops in each week with the same problem. So that is alot of laptops with the same design and the same problem. Think they might change it a little.
I own an HP 1175 notebook with this same design and I've got the same problem - the right-angle plug gets bumped a lot when the laptop is used - amazingly - on someone's lap. As frequently as this problem apparently occurs, I don't think it can be heralded as a mark of design genius.
(And, no, you can't even blame me for buying it - it was a very nice gift). But the adapter design is still poor.
-intrepid
How is the plug not getting pulled out a big advantage? If someone walks by and trips on my cord, I'd rather have the plug come out then have my entire laptop pulled onto the floor. X-Box controller plugs actually have a little hitch in them to keep it from doing just that.
Sure you might lose some data, but that's why you save periodically.
Yup, it's broken alright. I've fixed it once, and it worked for a while, but all the pressure from the plug being moved around, and me trying to adjust the plug to get power has farked it again. I'm not sure whether it's so much the design of the adapter at the right angle, or the fact that there is the ability for the adapter to "move" the input attached to the mother board, but either way, it's broken.
Mark
Well... now that we can all hate the plug together... what is the website you found with instructions on reconnecting AC jack... becuase in the year that ive owned my lovely HP ive gone through 3 powercords and twice shipped it to HP to have it reconnected... now that the warrenty is gone i have the choice of paying 289 for a shipment to HP or buying a new comp or doing it myself... soo i choose doing it myself...
I Have read all the posts in here, sorry etM but your way out of line or maybe you type with your tongue and cant move your laptop, perhaps you dont use it at all. poor design is an understatement! I can think of many designs that work much better...including my electric razor ac adapter plug. Hey there's an idea! While i like my COMPAQ 2100 it should have been built with durability in mind. not some plastic part attached to the motherboard. I'm sure there could have been another way than to plug it in, than to dangle a machine by its mother board. I wont pay anyone to fix it, besides what's a thousand dollars a year ago? I'm sure i got my use out of it. (RIGHT)...any one know of a site that shows how to fix it? or should i just buy a battry charger? I figure with a few batteries i could type a least one more post.
I've had a fair number of people posting comments on my livejournal and otherwise asking for details about how I did the repairs that I mentioned upthread.
Unfortunately, for quite a while, I couldn't find the website again. But one of the people who contacted me was kind enough to tell me what they'd found so far, and there it was. So. The original link I referred to is here:
http://www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.html
Meanwhile, I did a somewhat different repair on my wife's HP Pavilion xf235 laptop, and given the number of questions I've been getting, I decided I should go ahead and write that up along with my comments on the Compaq repair. So here's that:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/brooksmoses/40396.html
(Sorry I can't make those clickable links; this forum doesn't allow links in posts.)
Mine broke too! #$*?!, now to replace the motherboard is $801 (excluding core credit). Yeah, I bought it. Yeah, I'm whinning. No, I'm not omnipotent and didn't have a crystal ball. It is a bad design. Any reasonable person with 20/20 hinesight and an ounce of common sense should come to that conclusion.
my 2100 is about a 1.5 yrs old and the power jack broke on it too. thanks for posting the repair, i think i'll give it a shot. poor design
I too have a 2100, and it's a poor design. Not just for the fact that the plug can break the board, but the 2 USB cables are right next to the power connector, so the stupid right angle plug is always conflicting with those ports. If they would have put the power plug in a different place, it would be fine. The other poor design of this is the keyboard/mouse connector. It's right next to the CD tray so it's always bumping the connector. Go HP - you're carrying on Compaq's long tradition of poor product design and proprietary systems.
I had a dell with a broken power jack, Dell wanted $700 to replace the motherboard.. a friend of mine heard about this company:
www.tech4home.net\powerjacksinfo.html
they did the job in one day. I really don't understand why HP and Dell charge so much money for new motherboards..
I agree with the initial writer and concern.
This design is so great that my right angle plug snapped in the unit while using/relocating it.
I found your message board and info while trying to source a replacement part for it.
hi every one
i need help
the pin that the power cord connects to inside my laptop is broken.!
does any body know i can get that fix for cheap?
thank you
Not even two years old, and my 2100 is wobbling at the umbilical chord. Kristen's link charges $200 to change the power jack, but $12 for the part! (http://www.tech4home.net/products.html)
Also, go to ebay for cheap parts! (http://stores.ebay.com/SMALLVOLTAGE)
Anyone seen a how-to manual on this stuff?
I have an HP laptop and my ac plug has seemed "loose" for the past few weeks. Last Friday I took it home from work and found it wouldn't stay in at all. The battery ran out and the thing seems dead. I was able to plug it in one more time and the blue light indicates that it's getting AC power, but it won't turn on. I would have thought the battery would charge enough for it to turn on by now, but no dice yet. I took it back to Frys where I bought it less than a year ago and they told me they don't fix it and would charge me $90 just to send it to HP. This is the first laptop I've owned and this defect sucks.
I'm not sure why one has to buy a electrical receptacle part when it seems likely that all that is needed is a good soldering job to get it back onto the motherboard.
The problem I am having is removing the backside. After I remove all the screws from the bottom and 2 from the backside, it still does'nt open and I don't want to force it. Anyone have any clues? Email me at oakland1000@cox.net.
This is to funny. I was having a problem with the jack 2 months after I got it. Thought it was just not in all the way. now 2 weeks after my warranty is up the plug is loose and the power keeps going on and off. I see everyone is having a problem with it. Anyone have a link to how to replace the power socket?
My gf's HP just broke. The inside power source is smashed. It's pretty much the same thing all of you are talking about, I called HP, they want about $260 for me to send it to them. Are you serious? Or is this my only solution??? Please let me know.
Hi thought I would add a line to this discussion considering I fix laptops,,, and yes I am experienced, over 20 years of component level experience. I charge on average $220 to fix any laptop power problems with your connector. Contact me and I will give you info to ship to me.
Thanks
Last night my AC power adapter got stepped on and the metal end that goes into the laptop is broken off. Is there somewhere I cna buy just the end? Or do I need to buy the entire power assembly?
Thanks
I have the same problem!! I'm so ticked off. It's not that I plug my computer in the way that the picture shows, but when I set down my computer sometimes the cord gets caught. Now it wont even work.
Different notebook, same problem. So we're saying the choice of two solutions to what is clearly a design fault are:
a) Pay someone (manufacturer or not) upwards of $200 to fix it until the next time it breaks.
b) Start choosing songs for the funeral service.
Screw that. Can anyone recommend a laptop/notebook that's of reasonable specs that DOESN'T suffer from this in-built rip off? Do email me, please, law@lawlore.com
Wee... this just happened to mine, so I'm using tape until I can backup the contents of my files and take it into Circuit to see if they will do anything considering I payed a bit over $350 for the 3 yr. warranty.
I have 2 more of these jacks if anyone wants them I ordered afew to fix a few of mine and I never used 2 of them. E-mail me if you want em, if you can solder at all its easy to fix
hey bg. thx you for posting the links. the young guy in the link you provided on ebay actually repaired 3 out of 4 of my laptops which we all dead srap. a presario 2100, 2700 & a preasrio 700 whose motherboard caught fire and went in flames on that power connection. Seems like sharp intelligent guy.
Ditto, Ditto, Ditto. Crapiest design I've ever had the misfortune to come across, EVER. I agree. I have a laptop because it is portable, because I spend many hours using it and I need to take it with me... in the car, other rooms of the house and not be tied to a table and chair. This design is not fit for someone who actually uses a portable computer in the manner it was intended to be used. If I wanted to be tied to my house, my desk and my chair, I'd just use one of my PCs.
In the two years I've owned this Presario 2100, I have torn it down 8-10 times to solder the power connector to the motherboard. Any minor jolt can dislodge it or break the connector off the board and it is a royal bear to take apart. It requires a complete dismantle to get the board out to access the connector as well as the points that need to be soldered on the underside of the motherboard.
For those still needing assistance, I would be happy to email anyone with the sequence things need to be undone to gain access and remove the board. You must be careful at the time you have the top of the case unscrewed and ready for removal or you can damage the keyboard and touchpad cables as well as stress the onboard connectors for the display (there is precious little length to work with on those cables, so it takes some small hands to unplug them before the top of the case can be free for removal.)
While I am at it, I'd like to say I am not pleased with the fan design on this machine either. I have to crack the case and take the fan apart and clean it periodically because dust bunnies gather inside the enclosure and will eventually stop the fan.
Lori
This same thing happened to me on a Compaq Presario 1200. And its not even my system. I was reformatting the hard drive for a friend and I usually work with desktops. I need help trying to open up the case on this laptop. I remove the screws and it has resistence. I don't want to force it open & break anything, as I am not familiar with laptops. Anything on desktops, regular PC's I can deal with. Please help!!!!!!
The power receptacle on my wife's Presario 1275 broke off a few months ago. I was able to get a used system board on Ebay for about $25 and successfully installed it. Low and behold, yesterday the one of the connectors from the receptacle to the solder on the board broke a few millimeters above the solder. Given the board configuration, it was nearly impossible to solder it back together, but I somehow managed to do so. That lasted through one adapter plug removal and insertion, when of course my soldering job broke.
I removed what was left of the receptacle from the original board, so I think I'm going to try the speaker wire fix on that board and see how that goes. I can't believe that Compaq used such a shoddy design for the power receptacle. Why they couldn't have used a design with a receptacle attached to the case with a wired connection to the board is beyond me. That should solve the problem of solder eventually breaking.
Thank you to who ever gave the pictures and step by step on using speaker wires to fix the DC power jack problem. This weekend I tore open the Compaq Presario 1200 and the two prongs were still in the motherboard. The DC jack was in two pieces but also had the one prong at the bottom. I tried epoxy glue and then electrical tape. Each time it worked for about 10 seconds and broke apart again.
I did finally get speaker wire and another power adapter that was compatable to the compaq power adapter at radio shack. I also got a cheap soldering tool & soldered the two speaker wires to the prongs on the motherboard. IT WORKED. I just wrapped black electrical tape on the speaker wire outside the system so it wouldn't look to odd. Thanks again to the person who gave the sites....
Yes this is a design problem. The primary problem here is that the only physical support for the power jack is the solder which holds the electrical pins in the mainboard.
Mine got loose and the power went on and off then completely quit. I took apart the laptop (pain in the ass, missing screws, ugh!), and re-soldered the jack on. Now a couple months later the same problem occurred. I guess I'll take it apart again, and fix it again. This time, however, I have some epoxy and I'm going to add some support besides the power pins. ANYONE in hardware engineering can tell you this is a defective design.
Maybe we should collect a list of names for some class action action. ;)
I have the same problem with the AC Jack being lose. Could someone provide me with directions on how to remove the old problem jack and solder the new replacement part? Thank you. I have a Presario 2100.
I need some info on how to take my Compaq Pres 1200 apart to install a new ac jack. The old one has been tripped over by my kids three times and I am attempting to fix it myself this time I bought the jack on ebay, now I need specific instruction on how to take the notebook apart. The most I have done in this type of repair was install a new drive on my HP desktop and that was a bear because I just couldn't fit my hands where I need to put them to eliminate taking other parts out!! I opted to put only two screws; rather than the four necessary and asked my family not to move the drive!!! Anyone need two screws for a HP drive? If anyone can help; please email or post.
Thanks
Cyndi
I'll try and post directions when I get around to fixing my CRAPPY HP LAPTOP AGAIN. ;)
I can't remember all the details.. i think removing the keyboard in particular was tricky.
Hi guys. I am updating my above post. I gave up on continuously replacing the original connector. It only lasts until the next time it is bumped.
I opted for the "speaker wire" fix, however I used a little fine wire and then used a two part epoxy to encapsulate the wires as they passed through the hole in the case, making sure to key it in good to the hole in the case. The inside connection is virtually immobile and very safe from external forces such as tugging, pushing, and jolts.
I did receive a call from Compaq after a very hateful email I sent to them explaining how disappointed I was with the design, the fact that no resolutions or concessions were made for those of us who were stuck with an ongoing and expensive problem (expensive if you can't fix it yourself).
I told them I'd had to repair the connector at least 10 times. Does anyone want to take a guess at what the first question they asked me was?
"Well, Ma'am, did you take the laptop apart?"
DUH!@ How do you think I fixed it.
Not only do they lack all common sense when it comes to design, they cannot read either.
These people will never touch this machine. I don't care if they offer me a new board installed at their expense. I wouldn't have another one with the original connector on it. I am happy with the current fix. It is finally a reliable machine after 2 years of fighting this problem.
Lori
I am so ridiculously pissed. This is the second compaq laptop I have owned, and they have been nothing but garbage. I thought my AC adapter was broken but it turns out the computer itself is just built with flaws. If someone, who has gotten it fixed through compaq while the laptop was till under warranty, could tell me if it cost anything I would appreciate it. Sadly my college student budget can't afford to pay to get it fixed otherwise. Thank you!
FYI for folks looking for comaq & hp service manuals (the steps required for disassembly/reassembly)...
my hp laptop's service manual was available from hp's support site in the manuals section (or use a search on 'service manual' within the product of interest). e.g: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/bph08402.pdf
I've been having problems with my Compaq for about a month. At first it was mostly okay and if the AC power crapped out, I'd just have to wiggle it a little and it was okay. Then it got to the point where i'd spend 15 minutes trying to get the cord in a position that it'd work. And now I don't get anything hardly ever. I found this looking to see if other people had this problem with compaqs... and dang.. if there's so many people with this problem, its obviously a defect. Why not start a class action law suit? Email me if you're interested..
Rachel,
You need to get it opened up and taken care of. That connector can break in any number of places, but typically it is one of the posts that passes through the motherboard. One or both are probably broken apart. Your being able to wiggle it into a position that it starts charging means you have torqued the connector enough to allow the broken pieces to make contact. Depending on where it broke, you could damage your motherboard or components with the wiggling should it touch something it shouldn't.
Eventually the wiggling will cause one or more of the other posts to break and then it won't work at all. There is no escaping the repair, best to do it sooner than later rather than risk damage to the board with lose metal parts inside. The connector can be fixed and you will still have a useful machine. If you burn out the board, you have nothing but a very expensive paperweight.
Just my two cents. Hope it helps.
Lori
In my mind it already IS a really expensive paperweight. I just want to get my files off that thing, put them on a new computer, print off a compaq logo, tape it to my wall, and throw darts at it. I do plan to fix it, but i'll leave that to my brother because if I touch it i'll break it. Every once in a while, if I actually try to, I'll get it to charge (when its turned off) if i turn it on, the light on it instantly turns off and it quits charging. why does it do that?! I have no idea how my pushing the power button could effect the amount of electricity that it receives ::sigh::
I am having the same fault with the compaq presario 2100. Can anyone walk me through how to open the case up and repair this so that I can get my files off the darn thing before I chuck it out :)
Much appreciated!!!
I have a gateway 400vtx and an old Presario,
bought the parts from www.tech4home.net/products.html.
Thank you for those who posted the links.
I need mainboard for laptop compaq presario 1200, prosesor AMD K6-2 450/475/500 MHz (socket 7). I live in Indonesia, who want supplies this mainboard?
I can transfer my money via bank of indonesia. How much price and delivery cost from your country to Indonesia. Thank you
Bambang
bambangsyah@yahoo.com
I too have sufffered the same fate as all the rest. My HP ze4600 laptop had the dc input socket crack internally and sufferered with the sporadic loose connector that also caused the battery to not recharge and when the whole piece broke off the motherboard and rattled around inside the unit i unbeknownst to myself used the wretched thing for a couple of hours draining the battery for good. Havent used it now since Aug 2004 and i just yesterday contacted the retailer i purchased it from in March 2003 where I paid an extra $300.00 for a 3 year ESP plan that would have replaced the entire unit had the cracked socket remained attached to the motherboard but because it broke off and actually fell out of the hole in the case it rendered this esp plan useless and now im looking for an external battery charger so i can use something out of it. HP should stand for How Petty!
After reading this thread I wonder if this is related to my dad's problem. His Compaq Presario 2100's battery won't charge. From what I can tell, apparently it ran down rather quickly and quit working. He bought another battery and the same thing happened to it.
Now I'm borrowing this laptop for a trip. So can anyone tell me if there's any way to recharge the battery, or do I have to buy another one?
I have not noticed the right-angle plug on the AC adapter being loose or broken, but I have to use it any time I want to turn the computer on.
My connector just broke for the third time! I've had it.
Can we all band together for a class action suit? Or at least demand a recall?
I have the speaker wire and everything else, but I don't know which connector to get to replace to broken socket in the machine. I went to Radio Shack and they said they didn't have anything that fit.
Where do I get a connector to fit the HP AC adapter? Is there a size spec I should be looking for? Is there an ohms/watts/volts spec.
Please help an idiot out.
i had the same thing happen to mine also, but it was my fault, it fell off of my bed when it was plugged in right on the power cord. cracked it to pieces. i can fix that because i can find a new one but the headphone jack broke to, but for the life of me i can't find a new one of those. also this laptop is so cheapy made comapred to my other one. compaq armada e500. i left that one on the back of my truck then drove away. nothing but a couple of minor cracks. works as new. but if anyone can tell me where to get the headphone jack or has a dead mother board i would be very thankfull.
ok i have a compaq 1200 XL 126and it wont power on when i plug it it the power light comes on but nothing the cpu is good the cd rom is good and the modem is good speekers are good hard drive is good floopy drive is good but i dont know if the Motherboard is good or the charger connector the bat. will charge in lap top but will not power on what do i do please help
ok i have a compaq 1200 XL 126and it wont power on when i plug it it the power light comes on but nothing the cpu is good the cd rom is good and the modem is good speekers are good hard drive is good floopy drive is good but i dont know if the Motherboard is good or the charger connector the bat. will charge in lap top but will not power on what do i do please help
and also when i tryed to turn on the lap top it tryed to turn on but then sat there and started to idel but it wouldnt turn off then quit
Same thing here. I've got to wiggle the connector for it to charge. It almost sounds like something is shorting inside of it.
HP Pavillion zx5000
my compaq presario 2100 just broke on me a week ago. after a couple weeks of wiggling around the back of the power cord, it decided to completely not work. i'm not a hardware kind of person, so i'm very very reluctant to take it apart and try to fix it. this laptop's only worth 500 at most now, what's the point in spending 200 in fixing it? i went ahead and bought a dell inspiron 700m instead, with a 3 year warranty. i've learned my lesson in buying compaq/hp now.
if anyone is actually putting together a class action suit against hp for this ridiculous issue, i'm definitely up for it.
Happened upon this site looking for some info for my laptop. I actually have two 2100's. The older one had all the symptoms of a bad plug. I kept fiddlin with it to get it to charge and next thing I know, smoke is rollin out the back! Long story short, the board was fryed. Had good service from www.sparepartswarehouse.com costed about 300 for board and labor. A good deal indeed. I did end up with an HP ze4145 board, but it works just fine..
I actually have another problem now. Recently it fell off my couch, right on the wireless card.....well, now there's no power to the card or any card. I am planning on tearing it apart to see what is wrong. Would appreciate any tips.
Question for Lori- when you tear it apart did you need to make a utilities disk as stated in service manual? I don't have a floppy and that is the only way to make one or use one, and the manual says that if you replace the display or board, you will need one.
Here is the link to the service manual with all the details on disassembly. http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/bph08402.pdf
I still have an "apple llc" on the shelf without any problem other than it's old.... okay I've got the "power plug" problem too on my (just out of warranty) Compaq 3050 and I purchased 2 of em... still working at pulling the case apart here.... (hours). wish me luck.....
My power connector on Compaq Presario 2133 just broke a week ago after 3 months off giving me grief. Was told that even if I had bought it in straight away that it was not covered under warranty (and extended one that the sales person nagged me to be becuase of the things that could go wrong with laptops) and they would have to replace the mainboard at my cost. Really the same complaint as every one else. The thing is if you went to your Insurance company they would say it is wear and tear. Everyone knows that it should be the manafacturer who should fix this so Compaq own up.
I too am having similar problems in a New Zealand bought Presario 2100. Only had it 1.5 years and it constantly says it's charging - the power shuts off completely when doing a restart - or any start.
I had to hit reset button because I thought it was due to new software. But, nope, it appears to be related to the power source (or lack of).
The little blue light flashes slowly, and if you're lucky the power light glows - then....nothing.
Boy, am I glad to know I am not alone!
I purchased my Compaq Presario 2100 in December 2003 and opted out of extending the warranty. I had (what I thought was) power cord problems throught the warranty period, even getting two new AC adapters and still having problems. Of course, about a week after the warranty ran out, I realized what was going on. I am so tired of having to "hold my mouth the right way" to get the cord to work. What crappy design! I'm not very graceful when it comes to these type of repairs, though. Has anyone had a successful resolution to this problem through Compaq, or are you all dying laughing now?
What can we do? Do I have an expensive paperweight on my hands?
i just fixed mine the other day. not a big deal at all, was easy. i can do anyone elses for 100. cbrstunta@hotmail.com.
While fiddling with my HP xf335 (a gift--don't hassle me about my computer choice) after its power jack broke, I think I shorted out my motherboard. Oops. Can someone please reccommend an economical fix?
A while back, I found a link for a company in Washington that would replace a motherboard for less than $300, but since have been unable to locate that company.
I might be up for replacing it myself if someone could direct me to diagrams.
Just had the power jack break in my HP / Compaq 2100US. Going to see if there is a better quality jack available at digikey parts house. I figured i I had to take apart the unit to replace the power jack, why not upgrade. It should be simple to swap the end of the ac adapter to fit the new jack. As for a class action suit count me in if someone decides to go forward with it.
BTW since a short circuiting jack might pose a fire hazard, has anyone thought of forcing a recall.
I just got mine back from sending it off to Compaq. It cost $20 to send it off and $4.95 for the DC Jack and $95 labor, which wasn't bad, but when I called Compaq to complain about their lousy design they said I should leave it on a desk and NOT put it on my lap... Yeah, that's what they said!! When I asked the obvious question she said they are now calling them NOTEBOOKS not LAPTOPS. I guess if you don't want to change the design, you change the wording!! I think it's time for a class action suit. Any ideas how to go about it?
I was just reviewing this site as I searched for "my laptop won't power on". I don't know if its the plug or what but my 2 month old compac r3000 just quit working. Doesn't even make an attempt to turn on. who knows what the reason is I guess I'll find out tomorrow when as I pray that the warranty covers whatever broke.
I have the same problem with the AC Jack being lose. Could someone provide me with directions on how to remove the case so I could make the repair. Thank you. I have a Presario 2100.
Jake, look up above I posted a link to the service manual that gives detailed instructions.
Good luck!
I don't know I always had a problem with my laptops power jack ( mostly IBMs). I can suggest only one THING! Do not BUY new mother board! I bought 3 mother boards before I found the company who fix it for around $100 and I got it back within 2-3 days! + they have free online tech support chat! I'm using there services for my company and I'm in love with them! So try it http://www.800tech.com
I too have an intermittent power supply problem but also a USB port problem. My mouse is plugged in there and goes off and on. Any solutions?
I run a computer company in Winchester, VA, and we see lots of laptops. Out of the last 30 laptops we've serviced for hardware issues, 24 had broken power connectors. Of those 24, we spent no less than 4 hours each. We warn our customers that, when it's a power connector break, and the power cord is either a right angle plug or one of those awkward 3-pin plugs, it's usually not worth attempting to repair the break. The main problem that we find is that the right angle plug not only stresses the board unevenly, but it also drags and pulls the center tip when pulled out by the cord. To top it off, the solder joints are NOT good at all. (They often use just about as much solder as they do on their SMT's, despite the joints being much bigger. The power connectors are then held on by a thin film of solder.) They also often don't secure the connector tightly with a jacket or even epoxy, so every time the laptop is plugged in or unplugged it puts stress on these tiny joints.
Oddly, the reason it's usually not fixable is that there are small cracks in the circuit board, probably from the angular stress on the board. ...oh yeah, and the plug may be accessible from the corner of the laptop, but it's the single hardest part in the laptop to reach, so complete disassembly is required. *grumble*
Ironically, before I read this thread (found it on Google), I had made a few "repairs" by simply chopping off the connectors they use and attaching the straight connectors.
On a side note, I have to make a recommendation to anyone looking to buy a new laptop. We've seen no laptop anywhere near as sturdy in design and high in build quality as Gateway. They often use screws to hold anything that takes stress, double or triple secure it with the chassis, and make the chassis out of solid aluminum instead of plastic. They're as if the AMC car company engineered them.
HP pavilion ze1210, I'm on my third ac adapter
problem: the plastic at the end of the connector melts, causing the ad adapter plug to wiggle, causing the connector to loosen from the circuit board
current status: can't even turn on my laptop, out of warranty so in the same boat as everyone else
I think a class action law suit is a great idea. I contacted Rachel at xoxrachoxo@aol.com (see posting above from rachel regarding class action law suit). HP/Compaq should take responsibility for their design flaws, not extort money from those who purchased their product. You can email me as well regarding a class action law suit. HP/Compaq won't change unless they're forced to.
I agree with Benjamin Vander Jagt...
Go Gateway! I had a Gateway laptop that lasted forever. Dropped it out of a backpack/laptop case onto cement. Worked for years after that...still works now. It just got too slow (outdated techonology).
I will NEVER buy another HP/Compaq product!!!!! Not because of poor design, but because they don't take responsibility for the poor design....and rude customer service reps.
It was comforting to know I'm not alone in the problem with the AC power connection. I've had a Compaq Presario 2100 and for the past several months it would go into hibernation for no apparent reason -- and then the battery wouldn't charge properly. It finally quit -- it won't charge and neither will it run off AC power. I had a friend who works in the IT department of our local hospital look at it, and he said it is the power connection and said I would need a new mother board. I also would be interested in taking part in a class action suit against Compaq!!!
Hey,
I live in Arizona. Currently own DELL LATITUDE LAPTOP. My power jack stopped working and I went to local laptop repair shop. They told that only DELLS have that kind of problem and that I need to replace my mother board for $390 + $150 Labor. Then I decide to try that 800tech and they fix it for $100.00 and its working for now. I guess I’m not the only one with that problem :(
Hi All,
I am in London. I bought a compaq pressario r3000 note book in March 2004. Since then I have had 3 replacement power cables which HP kindly sent me. The last one was received two days ago. But hey presto! the problem is still there. Like you have all identified it looks like i have dc jack problems too, because the contact keeps going from dc power to battery and then finally conks out. I am actually holding the cable in place as i type...very uncomfortable. Is ther anyone out there hopefully in london who can help a damsel who is getting increasing distressed and angry.How can I solve this problem once and for all without stabbing out my own eyes.
I am going to join the power jack problem. I own a compaq 4365. I had to replace my power jack after 2 years. Now a year later, its going out again. I see all brands of laptops have the same problem. I use my laptop on my lap. is'nt that what it was made for? But the constant pull or slight tug on the cord weakens the crappy jack. I found Radio Shack repairs the plug for a mere fee of 100.00. I wish the power cord had a short removeable connector about a inch from the main connector. This way the ware and tear would be much cheaper.
It could also be your AC adaptor, i have been through 2 of them. the first died, 2nd the Plug that goes into the laptop shorted. I did not have the $ to replace it. so i chopped the plug of the 1st and attached it to the 2nd adaptor.
presario 2100.. dead.. powerjack..
I was wondering about alternatives to taking apart my new paperweight or paying compaq. I see there is a port replicator for this model (also works with HP pavilions). It has a place on it to run the power cord to. Has anyone tried bypassing the faulty jack completely like this? If it works seems like a fairly cheap way to fix this without potentially doing more damage myself.
I lucked out and found an ebay store located about a mile from my house. i went over and asked the guy if the port replicatior would bypass the broken jack and he said it should so i paid, brought it home and it works!!
WWW.GETPARTSONLINE.COM i didnt see it listed in the store but they had em on ebay so you can call them and ask if they have more, i paid $45 for it. The ebay name is compaqparts. The part number is f4808 or f4811
I've just now sent my Presario 2100 back to Compaq for the second time in 3 months with jack/adaptor problems.
I had the same problem as you Zina - I had to hold the jack in place before it finally just conked out on me. Unfortunately, I just sent my machine back to Compaq.
Hi,
I have a zx5000us, I spent close to 5 hours to dismantle, solder speaker wires and assemble. but I still have the problem. The battery charges when the machine is off. But the moment I bring it up, poof!! the charging led turns off. Is there anything that I have missed ?
Also without battery when on mains.. the machine shuts off the moment the bootloader starts!! Am confused.. is the board really beyond salvage now :|
Hi CB,
Further to my posting of April 20th, I wait with baited breath to see what compaq will say and do now you have returned the laptop to them. keep me posted!!!!.
Meanwhie, Mike I read with interest your port replicator solution . As I am no expert in hardware, how does this work? ie how do you do a "port replicatior bypass"? I would be eternally grateful if you could please give me a breakdown in simple idiot language what steps I need to take to do this delicate surgical op. ( my stupid presario r3000 jack/ac problem has turned this very competent IT project manager into a neurotic idiotic woman) Once i get your full instructions I too will contact WWW.GETPARTSONLINE.COM or ebay and buy this f4808 or f4811 part, being in London I will have to pay for shipping as it does'nt look as if I can visit the shop like you did. Will it be compatible with my laptop?
I really appreciate all your help in this.
Very confused, frustrated compaq laptop owner running amok somewhere in London :-(
A port replicator is basically just a docking station. The purpose of a replicator is to make the laptop function like a desktop. You just "dock" your laptop onto the replicator and presto all your peripherals are connected.
Now I am not sure how the power thing works. The auctions say that power cord is not included and that the standard laptop AC cord will work. So I am guessing that the AC cord would plug into the replicator and then you would just "dock" the laptop to get power and charge.
If this is true, it is a pretty cheap solution to the above problems. You could use it on AC at the desk or you could charge for a few hours and just "undock" it to go portable.
Here is an example auction.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31526&item=6738140604&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V
Just got my Presario 2100 report from HP. It is my fault the AC Jack Broke off inside and it is not covered by the warranty. It's only $298 to repair to original which will probably only last another six months. I just ordered an external charger from http://store.shopdedoo.com/info.html I'll run the laptop on battery power from now on. (costs about 1/2 for a external charger and spare battery than what HP wanted) All done with that company though. Screw me once shame on you, screw me twice shame on me!
I to have a Compaq Laptop with a broken power connector.Where can I buy the parts needed to repair the broken power jack? The speaker wire looks like the best way to go for me. I have a Presario 700. Help Please.
I have HP zv5000 with broken power jack. I have a estimate $99.95 from www.800tech.com
Can any one beat this price ?
i repaired my broken jack with one that i removed from a power injector to a wireless system.when i closed up the unit ,i took some silicone glue and covered the whole jack up.it holds the jack firmly in place.i use it every day while i work installing systems,up and down a ladder all day good luck mike
most of you that have problems that it scharges when it is off and the charge lights goes of when you trun the laptop on is probably because the AC Adaptor is either under wattage or dying so it can not provide enough power to power you laptop.
To sum up this discussion:
PROBLEM: a laptop with broken power jack and/or doesn't charge the battery.
OPTION 1: get it fixed for $100 at http://www.800tech.com/
OPTION 2: buy a port replicator and plug power into it, and it into laptop.
(e.g. for $90 for presario 2100 at http://www.getpartsonline.com/poreforhppaz.html)
Hey,
I got my Sony fixed at http://www.800tech.com I can say one thing OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND CHEAP PRICE! THANKS TO THIS MESSAGE BOARD AND 800TECH.COM!!!
I purchased an H/P Pavilion Ze 1210 Athlon and I am trying to find manuals and CD's to have the complete package of data for my laptop.
hey.
my compaq presario 2135 had the same problem. after weeks of finaggling, the socket on nthe motherboard finally broke. it apparently caused a short which fried my motherboard. now i'm looking for a decently priced motherboard.
one good thing to do though is this: when you notice your plug getting loose, disassemble the laptop and solder the part back to the motherboard. we did this, but afterwards the laptop didnt power up due to aformentioned fried motherboard.
luckily, the data on my hard drive is safe. Yay for us.
if anyone has or knows where to get a motherboard, please email me or somethin.
Howlz,
Amber
Dear sir,
I have a laptop named SOTEC Model: e-note M270tx3. Recently inside motherboard power jack input section,i noticed one smd capacitor badly burn & fuse gone. i repair fuse & power come but problem is after post it just shut off. can u tell me what should i do??? this is immergency so PLEASE let me know..... Thanks
I have a hp pavilion zx5000 with the same problem. After calling HP's technical support, I am extremely frustrated because it's only two weeks past the warranty expiration and they want approx $250 to fix it. I've had the problem for about a month but was dealing with it, fiddling with the plug until it just became too annoying. This is definitely a design flaw and HP should fix the defective connectors without cost!
I have an old Compaq Presario 1245 laptop with the same problem. The power connector was loose for a long time, but now has broken completely off. I think I'm going to try the speaker wire fix, but putting it back together after taking it apart will be a nightmare.
I don't understand why they couldn't have designed these so they are reinforced to the case with a screw or nut instead of just being supported by the MB.
I agree. They probably designed these to break, just so they could force you to buy a new machine.
Hello:
Im also having the same problem with the 2100,the pin goes and I cannot start my computer cause it wears the battery down,I would be most inclined to join with all others in a class action.
Mike
I am also having the same problem with my Presario 2100US as everyone else -- ac jack is loose and needs to be replaced. I purchased an HP f4808/f4811 docking station because you can run the power through it, but my piece of junk laptop doesn't have the connector that extends from the motherboard to snap into the dock. Everything else on the bottom of the laptop appears to support a docking station, but I didn't peel back the strip on the bottom of my laptop beforehand to be sure that it wasn't one of the 1% of this particular model that wouldn't fit a docking station!!!! There's another thing I'd like to complain to Compaq about!!!
If anyone would like to go the docking station route, I have a brand new one for this model that I will sell for $39.95 (free shipping and insurance). Just be sure that your laptop model will connect to a docking station!!!
This might be cheaper than having it repaired, and it would hopefully be a permanent fix (I don't know of anyone having the same power problems with the docking stations). I will be going the route of the 800tech.com guys and paying the $100 to have mine repaired.
No it's not poor design. It's a highly profitable design.
An old friend of mine who is a chemical engineer used to work at a company that manufactures panty hose. A brilliant innovation had been suggested that would increase the durability of the product by preventing runs. The competitive advantage of having a better product was weighed against the projected loss of replacement sales. Of course they rejected the improvement.
Apparently instead of improving the plugs, laptop manufactures have generally chosen to make sure they don't have adequate warranty coverage, so people end up just buying a new laptop.
Has anyone seen any coverage of this problem in magazines? It would be really nice to see some hard data on the relative reliability of the power systems (everything from the plug to the battery) of all the different laptops (instead of just listing the nominal battery life that you can expect to see for the first week or two).
I've lost two laptops to this problem, and I don't abuse my laptops.
- Ken
My current problem is with my HP Pavilion zv5000. I have a somewhat intermittent problem with my power connector or maybe the charging system. Three weeks later, Frys was unable to reproduce the problem (they just did the standard 1hour stress test checking memory, ports, etc which had nothing to do with the reported problem). They wanted to charge me $90 for their efforts, but when I demonstrated the problem in front of them, they let me have my laptop back free of charge (but unrepaired), suggesting that I try doing a full charging cycle to see if that fixes the problem.
They also said that most power related problems are not covered by the warranty. Not surprising. It makes perfect sense to me to exclude anything particulary likely to break due to poor design (ooops, I mean profitable design) from the warranty. I suspect this kind of practice is not legal, but I am not a lawyer.
Anyone else out there interested in a class action? Count me in.
- Ken
My Presario 2100 is running into a similar problem. After about a year of use, the pin connector is loose and I have to wiggle it in order to get power from the AC Adapter to my laptop. This sucks.
I have the same problem on my old-and-busted PowerBook 540C. The power plug is a barrel with a groove so it doesn't go in the wrong way and a metal circle-type thing. The plug is fine. The jack is made of soft plastic and is worn down by the metal on the plug, and the "go in the right way" key wears down as well. Over time one has to resort to duct tape to make the barrel bigger so it doesn't fall out.
This exact same problem is happening to my Dell Inspiron 4000 as well. The plug on that one king of "snaps" in, and it doesn't snap anymore. It also falls out at random.
why REPAIR WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT...
What seemed laughable about the right angle plug problem faded as I read each of your points and considered what might be happening.
Laptop out of warranty? You may as well try and fix it yourself or find a more able aquaintance.
Right angle plug? OK rotating it to a flat orientation could prove tiresome - but if the plug is fretting on its socket attached to the motherboard thats another problem. Should you have real grief with the right angle design, simply cut it off and solder on a straight one.
The crux of the matter is the movement the plug may have in relation to it's socket. When you've gone to the trouble of opening the laptop case, why not fill the hole the plug goes through in the case with epoxy resin - apply tape to inside of hole - with hole blanked, stand upright fill with resin and let set - if possible thicken the case at same time, external side may be best.
Repair/resolder the wonky socket to the motherboard - if there is clearance above or below this socket and the inside of the case, pack with suitable material so that once case is reassembled there can be no possible lateral movement. or superglue the socket to the wall of the laptop case.
Back to the hole in the case ... now that youve sealed the hole (and if possible thickened the case in this area) carefully redrill the hole as close a tolerance as possible to the diameter of the plug. The whole point here is the transfer any loads the plug may exert from levering on the motherboard to levering on the case hole (which should now be an extreme snug fit to the plug). My suggestions FWTW
Can anyone let me know if using the port replicator also charges the battery? Many thanks in advance.
i need help. my power jack broke on my gateway laptop. i went to the local shop and they fixed my power jack for $190.00 After that I can only see that battery light is on but I still can't turn it on!!! PLEASE HELP! They told me that I need a new BOARD!
IN REPLY TO: I need help. my power jack broke on my gateway laptop. i went to the local shop and they fixed my power jack for $190.00 After that I can only see that battery light is on but I still can't turn it on!!! PLEASE HELP! They told me that I need a new BOARD!
---
Hello Aleksey P.
Last month I had the same problem but with my DELL laptop. Power jack was repaired by local "COMPUTER SHOP" and then only status lights was working but still I wasn’t able to turn it on, the shop was claiming on the power button. Then I decide to try some one else, and I found online this wonderful company http://www.800tech.com they specifically repair laptops, they easily determine the problem and repaired for $117.00 (labor + resistors)
Great and fast service. So I suggest you Aleksey give it a try! Because I think your resistors must be replaced!
Hey Aleksey P,
John is right I think its a capacitor problem... I also use 800tech.com to repair all of my laptops.
I had the exact same thing happen to my Compaq 2100. After heavy use the socket disconnected from the board, and so I was left with a machine that couldn't power up.
I solved my problem (at least for the short term) by using a port replicator. Not very portable, but it charged the battery via another port.
I wrote about it here:
http://trainque.com/index.php/2005/03/21/laptop-power-issues-solved-using-a-port-replicator/
OK- my father and I just spent several hours ripping apart my old, very broken compaq so that I could look at the power port.
I have an HPzx5000 that has a power problem. No power most of the time, intermittent power here and there when the cord is in a PERFECT placement. But even in perfect placement and not moving at all, the power will still stop charging the battery after 2, 3, minutes, or maybe 10 seconds.
My other computer, a Compaq Presario was repaired last September while it was still under warantee. For the SAME EXACT PROBLEM. As they are essentially the same exact computer this doesn't surprise me.
Back to what we determined tonight-my dad is an electrical contractor. We literally ripped the very old broken compaq apart to get to the power port and see the underside where the soder is. We couldn't even budge that thing with major force with fingers. It didn't budge when we wedged a screwdriver in there and applied pressure. In order to get it to break off, we had to grab it with pliers and twist like hell.
We took the back of the HP zx5000. Got to the power port, and wiggled. It didn't budge, at ALL. Could it still be broken? I mean, it is on there very, very solid.
So since my alternate power cord from the new compaq laptop which is the twin of the zx5000 didn't resolve this issue, we determined that the problem had to be in the port, not the plug. We theorized that perhaps the connection to ground isn't being made, and we wrapped the barrel of the cord with tin foil to wedge it in there and makre sure there was a connection. Didn't work.
In the end, my father said "It's getting hot, expanding, and kicking off." Meaning that the inside of the barrel, the female part, must be getting hot for some reason and expanding, which then makes it too wide for the pin in the port to connect.
Now, my dad's not a laptop repair guy, he is an electrician. So does this make sense to anyone who works on computers, and if so, what would be causing the cord to heat up and expand?
If 100 dollars is all it would take to fix this, it's worth it to me, but I need to know that this problem is the same as what others are experiencing.
Hi,
If you are in the UK, we repair laptop power sockets on most makes of laptops. The biggest problems are cables getting snagged and putting the laptop in a carry case without disconnecting the adapter. If you don't like the L-shaped connector then it is possible to get straight version - check voltage and amps required.
Call us on 020 8863 2225 or visit http://www.techno-mart.co.uk
I have an inspiron 8000 with one of those ridiculous 3 pin connectors...whoever came up with this abomination should be awarded the nobel prise for stupidity. The damn thing just wont plug in any longer (wont go in all the way as it is catching somewhere), and it's virtually impossible to damage the pins or the plug. What the hell???
This is after Dell did a recall of the power packs because of a potential fire hazard - just several months ago!!
NEVER BUY DELL!!!!!! MY DELL WAS FIXED BY WWW.800TECH.COM BUT I STILL WILL NEVER BUY DELL LAPTOP AGAIN! DISCUSSING SUPPORT! OVERHEATING ALL THE TIME - POWER FAILURES - JUNK!
The port replicator solution worked for me. My HP laptop's power plug was making a buzzing sound and working intermittently. I was worried it was about to fail, making the laptop unusable.
I got the replicator (part # F4811A) for my HP ze4100 on eBay for $35 total. It charges the battery just fine. It is fairly small and light, so I can still use the laptop anywhere around the house with it attached.
I have read all these complaints about the compaq 2100. i just had the same thing happen to me. mine is 2 1/2 years old. first i bought a new adapter, didnt work. thought it was a bad adapter, then bought another one, still didn't work. then took it to best buy. they came back and told me that it would cost 1200.00 to fix. new motherboard is what they said i needed. just picked it up from there on 6-17-05. not fixed of course. i think we should all get together and file a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT agains compaq and hp. only way this will never happen again. they took our hard earned money and we got a piece of crap... I AM GOING TO DO IT, IF ANYONE ELSE WANTS TO LET ME KNOW. I am so glad i found this site. thought i just had this problem.
Hey Janet,
I work in university (Albany) we have more then 300 hp laptops and most of them was fixed by http://www.800tech.com for very reasonable price! STRONGLY SUGGEST THIS COMPANY AS A LAPTOP REPAIR SOURCE!
Tks Miller
All ready called them on the 18th. they will fix it for a flat charge of 100.00 with a six month warranty. I just can't understand why compaq is trying to rip everyone off by saying they need a new motherboard. Still going with the class action suit. will give lawyer this site, so he can get everyones names.
Count me in as one of the consumers duped by Compaq! My pc is a little over a year and the power jack is so lose the 2188CL is not usable. I even wrote them telling them how I believe they should recall their defective notebooks and they disregarded everything I wrote and offered a phone number for tech help which wants to charge me 5 dollars just for calling.
hp ze4600 here, mine came out of the box with this problem, had to take it back to BestBuy. The smarmy sales girl said "be careful with it this time"
Moving the laptop at all always causes the damn cord to come out. Everytime I reach back there to push it back in I wince, waiting for the final crunch.
Thats only the top of the list for this piece of human engineering nightmare. The USB port on the back is blocked by the power! The phone plug won't hold a phone cord in. Buttons for volume? Volume on louder than crap by default and no way to turn the volume down till you're booted into windows? Ugh. Worst money /ever/ spent. Period.
Same problem here with an HP zx5180us. Put me down for the class action lawsuit. Called HP and they gave me the same $300 song and dance. I may try the 800Tech, but I am skeptical.
Please email me if the lawsuit gets going. My warranty expired May15th, the problem started June 1st.
I also have connector problems "again" and I want to repair it myself. I found the connectors I need on ebay. Is there anything that I need to be aware of on a compaq 2100 that might give me problems once I attempt to open the case to get at the power connector?
Ive had this problem with my 2100 but it isnt too hard to fix. Just take the computer apart and superglue the plastic piece back being sure the metal points are where they need to be to make the right connections ect.. the job does take a couple hours but i think its worth saving the hundreds of dollars ur gonna spend to fix it.
Guys please don't waste time on law suits and everything else! EACH AND EVERY!!!!!!!!! LAPTOP HAS THE SAME POWER JACK PROBLEM!
I repair them every day TRUST ME! IM ON YOUR SIDE BUT IT'S JUST A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!
REPLY TO:
"Ive had this problem with my 2100 but it isnt too hard to fix. Just take the computer apart and superglue the plastic piece back being sure the metal points are where they need to be to make the right connections ect.. the job does take a couple hours but i think its worth saving the hundreds of dollars ur gonna spend to fix it"
1 more thing! sorry Tim but your idea is very bad and you shouldnt even post it here! NEVER USE CRAZY GLUE ON CIRCIUIT BOARDS!
I also have a compaq 2100 ( 2199-US)
I noticed the battery alarm would go off because the plug wouldnt stay in.
I also noticed when I added WiFi PCMCIA that the modem would not work correct for faxes. Hangups, drops, poor quality, weird graphics. Remove the PCMCIA (DLink WiFi) and Fax/Modem OK,
I feel Compaq built these power supplies to small to handle much. If you note it may appear you can place 2 pcmcia cards in your compaq but YOU CAN NOT it only fits in one jack. The reason? I feel they realized during production after many units died that they could lessen cost of warranty if they made one of the pcmcia slots not usable.
My unit was still under warranty. They said I spilled liquid into keyboard and wouldnt fix a total dead unit.
The blue on lights got for about 7 seconds, you hear the speaker make a slight sound, you can open dvd drive during this 7 sconds then nothing. Onviously 1/2 of the power supply has gone dead.
Comapq DOES NOT DO BOARD REPAIR!!!!. If it is a board they look for a excuse to blame it on customer. No one should have to pay for the poor quality plug they use.
A free moidification is the least they can do. For all I know this intermittent plug might have caused my power supply ( not adapter) to die. Now I need a motherboard and this thing is useless.
If anyone has a messed up display panel but wants to sell their unit ( since the mothrboard is still good let me know) Coley 305-620-7111 ( June 2005)
PS if anyone knows where I can test to isolate power supply whereby the motherboard takes the 18.5 volts and brings it down to Plus5 and Minus 5 let me know. Maybe it is just a power transistor or the like? Maybe a cheap diode.
I dont even get the charge light anymore but the adapter works fine and it gets power to the plug ( I took the lid off and plug is good and solid, just poorly designed)
thanks
I went through 2 ac adapters in less than a year, each one lasted an average of 6 months adapter wont charge and computer is no longer under warranty, all ive been told by the worthless tech support is to take it in to some place to run a hardware diagnostics which i shouldnt have to if they built a decent laptop
Hi, i own a compaq presario 2500 that has the same problem, just stopped working completely today. Im 16, bought this notebook for 1100 bucks and im not even done paying it back yet... I dont have the money to buy a new computer, ive read this WHOLE page and have come to the following conclusion but would like some help as to which is the best solution:
Port Replicator- Ive yet to do any research on this yet, haha, but it sounds like it just might fix the problem, now, this thing powers my notebook through a different port? which one? thats whats confusing me...
800tech.com- Im kind of scared to send something off to a company like this, is it a flat 100 bucks? i dont want them to give me a 100 dollar estimate and then charge more.
ive had this laptop for a year and half, the space bar is broken, the power thing is broken.. it sucks. Now, i havent owned any other laptop, but there seems to be a lack of posts about apple notebooks having this problem, so i might go with one of those next.. when i have the money for one. Ive used macs before and would like to see how one of those hold up compared to this piece of crap compaq ihave right now.. and to add to what someone was saying about the right angled power thing and the USB ports, i have an ipod and a digital camera that are constantly plugged into my laptop and that darn thing gets in the way all the time... As much as it pisses me off that compaq makes such a crappy and faulty product, i dont think a lawsuit is the way to go, how bout writing a letter? im sure if the company was aware of the problem theyd find a way to fix it.. dont be so paranoid that theyre made to fall apart after the warranty ends.. or that theyre made to last just as long as the warranty...
would LOVE some feedback, since i dont know too much about computers.. EMAIL me! sharpenedlight@gmail.com :)
I probably shouldn't give away this information, as I am in the PC repair business, however, this link may help a few, as it is a complete service manual for the 2100 and a few related models. Good luck, normal disclaimer applies, neither S.G. Bradley Computer Solutions or Steven Bradley will be held responsible for any damage which may arise from the use or misuse of the information found in this document:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/bph08402.pdf
It is especially useful for gaining entry to the 2100. Steven
Compaq Presario 2700
When I plug in my notebook with the original power adaptor (or a friend's with the same voltage, polarity, amperage), the plug indicator light and battery charge light illuminates but as soon as I press the power button, the caps lock, number lock, and scroll lock lights illuminate as well as the plug and battery charge lights for a split second and then they all go out. The power light never illuminates. Also just after this happens it takes about 30 seconds and an un-plug, plug-in secquence to get even the two original lights back on (plug and battery charge lights)
I'm considering a port replicator just to see if that works, but I cannot find one that's compatible with my unit. The jack seems to not have any problems as it's getting some sort of power but i could be wrong (hence the reason why i'm asking help here). I have not opened the case and I am hesitant to, as after reading the entire list of posts, it sounds like a 5 hour job...
Any help would be greatly appreatiated!
ATTN ALL HP/COMPAQ OWNERS. The newer R3k And similar HP units are coming in every day as the jacks are breaking internally. There are quite a few models this issue is common to and we repair these so the jack should not fail again. HP Started installing what they considered an upgraded jack and this made issue worse. It is a Thick wire style positive pin and this cannot desipate the heat efficiently so it basically produces a bad solder joint. If Any one needs help we have an excellent turn around time and the best in CS and future support.
www.ikenfixit.com
man, those asshats at compaq are about to piss me off, they want me to pay 40$ just to TALK to a person who might have a clue...
it's dishearting to get so screwed over by a corperation and they won't even accept it's a design flaw...
well, any advice on yanking my r3000 apart?
i'm not going to spend 3-400 on a simple solder joint...
and, uh, who'se up for a class action suit?
there is evidently enough of a porblem with these to cause a common problem, that should be enough for them to offer a free repair on it.
My AC jack for my Compaq Presario R3000 is broken and I have no clue what to do here. Is there some kind of product or way to get power to the damn thing bypassing the jack? I use it as a desktop, so I really don't care how big it is, as long as it works and I don't have to call geeksquad.
We get these in everyday and they will be a BIG issue in the next year.. You may see if they offer a docking station for the unit. Otherwise we'd be glad to repair it for you.
www.ikenfixit.com
Yet another victim of the compaq presario 2100 power cord issue. Luckily i bought an extended warranty and will be taking it in to get fixed n saturday. This is clearly a design flaw (although my cord is straight, not right angle). The cord has been loose since i bought it, always just falling out. now i have to hold it in to make it charge, and sometimes that doesnt work.
I have a Compaq Presario R3000, and I have the same problem, the DC jack dosn't work. I screw it up when I moved my Laptop from the Desk to my bed with the DC line pluged in. I work, but I habe to keep the plug in such an angle and with some presure on it (Im using my Digital Signal processing book to do the job).
I have tried to fix the porblem by myself because my laptop is out of waranty now (exactly 14 months after I bought it). It really hard to take all the parts off because the DC jack is under the fan supports and the processor heat sink.
I found this document that may be helpfull for those whom want to repair their computer as it is whown in http://www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.html
This is the Maintenance and Service
Guide for HP Pavilion zx5000, zv5000, Compaq Presario R3000 and nx9100 Series.
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00212209.pdf
have fun, take pictures in you digital camera before removing each part, it would be helpfull
Adios!
Carlos T.
I have a Compaq Presario 3200 series laptop and my plug is loose wiggling from left to right, sometimes it wont recognize the power adapter when connected to the back.
My laptop is still under warranty for another 2 weeks so I called HP and they arranged a 4 day return service thing with me where by they are sending a fed-ex box to my house, and i send the laptop to them minus the battery and the cord. They said that they will replace the jack free of charge. At first I was skeptical of whether to go through with the process beccause I am a soldier headed to a mobilization site next friday and i need the laptop for training. After reading all your posts Im sure my problem is only going to get worse if i have to plug it in a certain way to get it to work. I am glad its under warranty geeese just 2 weeks away from expiring lol ....
I have a Compaq Presario 3200 series laptop and my plug is loose wiggling from left to right, sometimes it wont recognize the power adapter when connected to the back.
My laptop is still under warranty for another 2 weeks so I called HP and they arranged a 4 day return service thing with me where by they are sending a fed-ex box to my house, and i send the laptop to them minus the battery and the cord. They said that they will replace the jack free of charge. At first I was skeptical of whether to go through with the process beccause I am a soldier headed to a mobilization site next friday and i need the laptop for training. After reading all your posts Im sure my problem is only going to get worse if i have to plug it in a certain way to get it to work. I am glad its under warranty geeese just 2 weeks away from expiring lol ....
Has anyone wired it with a dangle?? Just solder a pair of wires of any kind to the motherboard. Zip cord would do. Get 2 connectors you like from radio shack. Tie a knot in the wires inside the case and epoxy that down---or add a clip that holds it firmly. Put the fem clip on the laptop dangle wires and the male clip on your power supply. It may look goofy but it sure beats this 100 dollar stuff. "So what" if you have a laptop with a little cable hanging out--it saves the 1000 dollar investment. If you want to look really goofy use a edison plug from home depot. Steal the male plug from an old lamp and the fem from an extension cord. LOL.
I have a R3k with the same problem. The AC socket is just not very robust. I have had it apart but don't see any loose solder joint or a visable problem. The mother board is a bitch to get out and you have to be very careful with the ribbon cables. I would love a fix for this problem too. HP should do the right thing and recall the whole series of laptops.
I have a Sony VAIO with the exact same issue. I don't have the model number on hand right now but it is a three year old laptop and seing these stories I'm suprised the connector lasted this long.
I got my 3rd ac adapter from Compaq less than a week ago brand new.Thing wouldnt charge my laptop at all and the yellow on the top of the connector is completly gone and the thing is a week old. I've talked to the tech support and they are not helpful.I am not paying more for this laptop in just over a year than i have in 5 years for my home computer.I am never buying another compaq laptop and wouldnt have gotten this one but it was a graduation gift.
Hey PPL,
I got my power jack fixed at http://www.800tech.com like 7-8 month ago... It still works great! I'm surprised because after all this time the plug in the laptop is so secured that I can't even move it. I don't understand why HP is doing this to us? If 800tech can do such a great job with the laptop, why HP can't do the same thing in the beginning?
Hello I have Compaq Presario 2500 and have just this instant started suffering from this issue.
I am considering these options:
1. Sending it to 800tech to fix it for $99
2. Buying a power regulator for around ~$70
I am wondering if even if I do get it fixed @ 800tech if the power connector will break on me again. Of course I won't orient the power cord in the same manner as before. I am also wondering if the connector on the power regulator could break in the same way as the laptop itself. After all, it is made by the same company I presume.
My thanks to everyone who has posted information. I would've tried buying another power cord or even (gasp) sending it back to Compaq for repair.
I just wanted to add my problem to the list. I am having problems with my AC cord and have to play with it, plug it in and out and once I get it on AC not battery try not to breath.
I would like to point out though my HP Pavilion does not have the right angle AC cord so I'm not sure that that is the whole issue. The AC setup is definately a weak spot, directly plugging to the mother board seems to be the weak link.
My laptop is about 1 yr old. It is my work laptop so I'll see if the tech dept can fix it. Hope so.
Sue
my compaq presairo 2100 has broken down for a second time, same fault the connector on the motherboard wore out which meant it would not charge the battery and when i plugged it in to charge it would chuck sparks out the back through the connector.
We repair laptops at the board level. Including soldering of new DC Power Jacks, onboard RAM Resoldering, audio jack and PCMCIA Jack resoldering. Flat rate fees, any laptop. Email us with questions...
I have compaq presario 2100, it had to be sent back to the company last fall for the same thing, the tiny post on the inside broke where it was to be plugged in. it took 2 months to get it back!!! guess what...now my battery won't charge, my warranty is out and its shut itself off or just wont start whenever it feels like not receiving the power supply..i choose to call mine fickle and use it when it feels like working because i cant afford any of your suggestions until its paid off... just wanted to vent...
glad I'm not alone.
thanks for this site!
Wow, same exact problem as everyone else is describing here on this listing.... Someone here must know a lawyer that can start up a suit about this moronic design flaw. Contact me if this gets started.
Well I have also had the same problem with my HP xt155! After fixing it and working on five Vaio's and a second HP I think I have found a fix across the "Board"! I am deployed to Iraq and working as a network administrator. For a soldier this far away and no other form of entertainment mailing it out is a last resort. After learning how to solder and fix my own laptop I have repaired many others using the following method:
Disassembling any machine should be done only after obtaining an online manual describing the procedures as many of the plastic parts are fragile (as we've seen) and are suseptable to breaking if not correctly manipulated. One you get everything off and finally get down to the jack you will prabably see the poorness of design. I found a thin metal strip running along the side of my hp's jack and dabbed it with solder which repaired it temporarily but after any movement it of course was separated as solder is not meant for any stress. I then found the remedy in running a thin bead of crazy-glue along the edges where it contacts the motherboard careful not to glue over anything else and boy has it made a difference! That jack and goin nowhere! As a matter of fact I'm typing from the very laptop now. No wasted money. Something else to consider is swapping the battery or power supply out with a known good. I've had to solder a power supply connection also which turned out to be more trouble than it was worth. The end result is the 90 degree angle design is a terrible choice. Like the guy said above I also would rather my plug be pulled out than the laptop on the floor or as in most cases a dislodged jack! Fixing it is simple enough I learned how to do it myself! Good Luck!
OMG and I thought it was just me. Same problem. If my battery is not charged 99% or more on my R3000 my laptop will not accept any power from the main for more than 2 seconds before switching back to battery power. Total nightmare. I have also been through 3 power cords to fix the problem.
Have read another discussion elsewhere and they recommended buying port replicators whicih will feed power through a different part.
It's so annoying that Compaq are selling these with such a major design fault!
I too have had this same problem with my Compaq laptop, and have had it repaired twice now, along with MANY other problems (the laptop has been in service over 6 times).
I have contacted a lawyer who is reviewing the information and possibility of a class action lawsuit. If anyone is interested, please feel free to send me an email and I will get you on the list.
I wanted to add two comments. First, I'm a corporate lawyer, and have participated in class action suits both as an attorney and as a litigant, and the odds are heavily against you winning this one. I think it's abominable, but if it's really an issue, speak with your wallets and buy something else, and HP/Compaq should take the hint. Second, I am also an R3000 owner whose laptop no longer charges (as of yesterday), and your comments have given me several excellent places to look for help. Thanks to you all, and best of luck!
well after my 3rd resolder within the last 2 months i'm going to reach out and ask if any of you guys that do repairs would be willing to come off of a 'improved' socket for my r3000? (for a reasonable markup of course :D)
The design flaw of these sockects is that all the ALL THE SUPPORT IS PLACED ON SOLDER JOINTS!
how many guys with phds does it take to figure out
"solder is not meant for any stress"
Anyone with half a brain and a week of electronics expernice could tell you that.
There is NO WAY they can squeeze out of this as not being fault of thier designers.
i'm just dreading the day this thing becomes unusable once agian, and if i can't get a better socket, i'll be forced to go the route of superglue, which i know if there's (which i don't doubt) another problem will render my 2 thousand dollar laptop completely useless.
If there's this many people complaining about it on this single page, there's no doubt a few more thousand screaming silently.
Is it possible to connect a power supply (lower V) through battery connectors in battery compartment (with battery removed)?
Hi, I have a Armada E500 P3 650mhz and the caps, scroll, and numberlocks lights stay on when I power it up, but nothing else happens. Any suggestions.
Chris
Hi,
I'm needing to diagnose/repair my Compaq Presario 2700 laptop DC Socket. The links to the How To on the HP website are broken.
Does anybody know where else to find how to open a Presario 2700 laptop, repair the socket and where to buy a DC socket?
Thanks,
NewtonLoops
yup, presario 2100
i have to wiggle it around to get any sort of power. i think i have to take it apart and resolder some joints. greaaaat.
After hearing people replacing this part 2 and 3 times I went with the fix at this site http://www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.html .$2.59 radio shack jack and a few inches of black lamp cord and 4hrs work. Works great!Tip do a search and download the service manual.Picture of my fix at http://photos.yahoo.com/sjosiris
I fixed mine and it works fine now. There definitely wasn't enough solder to hold anything in place, let alone a power plug that experiences a lot of stress (from the right-angle power cable). It was the positive terminal of the jack that was loose on my motherboard. I tried plugging power into the mobo before soldering, and I was getting sparks!! because the connection wasn't good. With all that dust, my computer could have set on fire. Isn't that a fire hazard? Isn't that grounds for a recall??
Anyhow, if you need any help, feel free to ask. I used the manual on the hp website to find how to take my laptop apart. It took me 3 hours total, though I might have been able to do it in 1, if I knew what I was doing from the beginning.
Fed up with laptop. Got a Hp ze2000 a few years ago for £800, now after the power socket has been lose for about a year it's finally got unusable and no one will fix it. it broke just after i got it but i got it fixed on the warenty but now it's ran out. I've been told to go to HP and send it back but they are charging £200 and everywhere online tells me it is not economically viable to fix it. i wouldn't mind so much but I am only 16 and can't afford to fix it and need a computer for colledge. maybe i could solder it if i could just get the damn thing apart but last time i tried I got hundreds of screws out and I didn't even get anywhere close. Last time I was told that the damage was caused because I had the laptop plugged in white on my lap, in which case I argued that was what a laptop was for this time I have been using it as a desktop hardly ever unplugging it so how the hell did it happen.
I fixed my HP Pavilion zx5040us at http://www.800tech.com
extremly fast turnaround time + 6month warranty GOOD DEAL!
Does anyone know how to dismantle the touchpad on a Dell Latitude D505 Laptop? It's driving me crazy!
- JUSTIN
Another Compaq Presario 2100 with a BAD power problem. I've been through 3 AC adaptors. Would a docking station work with the Presario 2102????
i need help..with my presario 2100... the monitor cracked on the inside and i have no idea what to do.. please help!
My power cord kept coming loose on my Compaq 2500 (same cord design) and it sparked every time it barely moved, so I took it apart with this tiny screwdriver that I had to get just for it, but one of the screws got stripped, so I never could get it apart, so I have to plug my docking station in just to charge it. I think my right shift key just broke.
Are you kidding? So what you're telling me is that you do not posess enough energy to turn the plug sideways, so that your problem does not occur? Ok.
My power cord broke off too from the motherboard! This is the 2nd time, 2nd compaq laptop that this has happened to. I think it is a poor design and I notice all the other plugs that use this type of power source and they don't break, but the difference; they don't use the right angle on the power plug! Anyone know how to dissasemble the Compaq Presario 2155US? Got all the screws out, but can get it the bottom to come off!
This happened to my 2nd compaq laptop for a 2nd time! I think it is a poor design and I also think it's time for a class-action lawsuit against Compaq/HP for reoccuring, similar problems that have cost us money and time.
Anyone know how to dissasemble the compaq presario 2155US notebook? Got all the screws out, just can't get it to come apart...
What a relief to find this site. I have had two hp's where the pin in the power jack has broken. The first time it was under warranty and fixed. I figured it was my fault that it happened and got another hp notebook. IT HAPPENED AGAIN! This time the computer was not under warranty. And it happened to my sister's HP notebook as well. (She has a newer HP which has the straight cord and just moving the computer causes it to unplug from the back so neither design is good. So my notebook has sat for a year because HP wants over $800.00 to replace the motherboard. Money for them. My repair guy offered to soder it however I know it will not hold and refused. I am going to show him the solution on http://www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.html. It lookds sturdy. Any one had any problems with this solution?
I will never buy another HP or Compaq again. My friend has a dell notebook where the power cord locks into the case so that it can not be pulled and break the pin - sounds smart - HP should take notice!
What a relief to find this site. I have had two hp's where the pin in the power jack has broken. The first time it was under warranty and fixed. I figured it was my fault that it happened and got another hp notebook. It happened again.This time the computer was not under warranty. And it happened to my sister's HP notebook as well. (She has a newer HP which has the straight cord and just moving the computer causes it to unplug from the back so neither design is good. So my notebook has sat for a year because HP wants over $800.00 to replace the motherboard. Money for them. My repair guy offered to soder it however I know it will not hold and refused. I am going to show him the solution on http://www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.html. It lookds sturdy. Any one had any problems with this solution?
My friend has a dell notebook where the power cord locks into the case so that it can not be pulled and break the pin - sounds smart - HP should take notice!
Ok, I just learned from reading this page that I should not plug in my Compaq 1700 ever again because I cannot risk a complete failure and fried motherboard. I am living in South America for the next 9 months, where hardware is extra expensive and I won't take it it a local computer shop for what seems to be a delicate repair.
So, from the discussion above it seems that I can either buy a port replicator or an external battery charger. Does anyone have an informed opinion about which is better? Which is more reliable? Which is more effective? Which is more foolproof/less likely to have compatibility issues? I haven't started looking to see if either is easier to get here. Anyone have any tips on good places with international shipping?
Also, does anyone want to guess on the liklihood that my motherboard will short/fry anyway? The bad connection/hot running plug started happening about a month ago, soon after I had a crashed hard drive replaced. Coincidence? Related? Common source? Who knows.
My Compaq Presario 2155US was fixed by 800 Tech. I'm very happy now. It's been a while and the dc jack seems to be in place and fully operational. Pretty good price for such a great service $99.99 they also fixed few minor problems with my windows without charging me more. Thanks to them, I found them here so I decided to leave a comment!
Visit them at http://www.800tech.com
I have an HP zx5060us and the same problems. Power socket on the motherboard seems to have trouble getting AC power from the adapter. Wiggle it, and it gets better for a while. Eventually it wouldn't charge the battery at all, so I took it back to BestBuy and they had to send it to HP in Chicago to have the socket repaired. That was November. 10 months later and the problem is recurring, and now the battery is fried. When it DOES charge, it takes about 5 minutes to get to "full"... and only lasts about 10-15 minutes if I'm lucky. Fortunately for me, I still have about 18 months on my extended warranty, so I can just repeat this process a couple more times, but I'm annoyed by this repeat failure. I'm planning to try to get a free replacement battery out of my BB warranty and then just buy a Port Replicator. Has anyone answered the question about battery recharge through the replicator?
I own a COMPAQ PRESARIO R3030..i just fixed the power socket on the main board again. First time it got damaged about 4 months after I bought my computer. Compaq technician told me that it would be 2 months before i can have my computer back from the warranty service. So i fixed it myself. Anyway it is very interesting problem cuz it seems to me that it was designed to be a poor solution. The female socket is placed directly on a main board soldered with 3 (-) legs and 1 (+) pin to the main power paths. It is the same solution as for other parts on the main board but of course there is some force working directly on the socket while you are plugging and unplugging the cord or having the laptop on your lap and pressing against it. Anyway inside the socket there are 2 metal parts that suppose to keep the plug inside the socket preventing from random disconnections. Buutttt those 2 parts are so delicate and fragile that every plugging or unplugging the cord makes them more and more worn out and after some time they eventually break. My solution was to solder a insulated wire between motherboard and the socket that would give the socket a "safe move factor" so it can still move a little bit with the plug. The bad thing is that my solder doesn't work well and it needs fixing form time to time ..maybe because the socket is next to the CPU and heat sink and it gets really hot sometimes. The better design that i have seen in laptops like Sony or Fujitsu is to make a power socket a separate from the main board plastic cube that is placed very firmly to the main frame of the computer and connected to the main board with wires. That way it is strong like in a portable radio or blender and it is not mounted directly on a electronic very fragile parts.
Also i have to say that I will never ever buy any of the HP or Compaq laptops again. This one is my second one and i have to say that this problem has been on for couple years. I also noticed that after warranty expired almost right away the screen got a lot of dead pixels...mouse pad started to act weird...hard drive got very loud...and the poor quality paint on the top surface right where your wrists are when you are typing started to disappeared and show the original black plastic.
As for the laptop for $1500 back in 2004 i expected a lot more...higher quality design and make.
If you prefer good quality I don't recommend the HP and Compaq laptops.
This is ridiculous whining. The jack is a small post sticking into a socket. The fact that it is a plastic plug body is irrelevant since the plastic is not breaking (and what else should it be made of?) Anything sticking out of the side is going to get bumped unless you are careful. So ...hello?.. be careful. Anything sticking out is a lever arm. The more that sticks out the more power is applied to the socket to break the socket or the plug. There is nothing to do but not let that happen. Accidents do happen but to complain about what is obviously a hazard to the health of your laptop is childish. So suck it up and stop belly-aching. You bought a laptop knowing it was fragile so live with it.
Ok so maybe im bellyaching but I have had this same problem happen to three different computers.. I dont beat on the computers or anything I just use them alot. I'm to the point now that I can rip my computer apart and have it fixed in about an hour. So screw the $100 fees. I just feel that this is a problem that HP and Compaq both know about and really need to fix!
I have babied my Presario 2100 laptop and my power jack has become faulty too. There is no doubt this is a very weak link in an otherwise decent machine. Compaq should be recalling these computers for a free repair. My last 3 computers were Compaqs, my next one will not be.
I have the same power issue with an R-3000. Is there a compatible replicator for it? Couldn't find one at GETPARTSONLINE.
I am facing the same problem too . I have an r 3030 from compaq .
The battery fails to charge once the system is powered on .
I am really pissed off ..
Does anybody know any solu sution ..
A compaq technition said i would have to put 400 bucks on it to get it repaired ..
Compaq sucks maannn ...
I just replaced the power plug on my girlfriends 2100 laptop for her. I used the service manual someone above put up at
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/bph08402.pdf
I just followed the directions to take it apart and it was pretty simple to do. Once I got the motherboard out, I could see that on the power connector that was there it had gotten hot and melted the soder that held it in place. without the soder there, some corrosion built up and when the cord was moved around that actually was scraping the corrosion off and arcing it and getting power. I went to radio shack and got a soder on power plug (female size M I think) and installed it just like the page on
http://www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.html
I put a knot in the wire and a zip tie so it would not stress the soder points on the board and it's working great now!!
Thanks to everyone who put up information on here, it helped alot!!
My R 3000 was diagnosed dead at some HP location, Thanks to this blog I got it fixed at 800Tech.com within 3 day I got my laptop back fully working for one hundred something dollars. Nice! Thanks
I own a Compaq Armada m700, it is a usefull little thing and thanks to a fortuitous linux installation not unbearably slow anymore.
I'd been using it as a, ahem laptop, and mp3 player on subway trips downtown on commute.
The damage was done on the subway of course, some unpleasent individual attempting to enter a subway car shoved past me whilst I listened to my laptop sing and subsequintly pushed me into a wall hyperflexing my audio jack. The audio jack still works, sort of, but either the right or left jack is no longer connected and I'm getting some truely awsome cross-talk between channels. I tried to open up the laptop to see if it was a simple plug-in device I could replace with a similar unit from electrosonic or some such retailer but no-joy it appears to have some sort of manual by-pass for speaker-vs-headphones so they don't play simultaneously I've been as yet unable to locate on the parts market in the right size.
In addition to the above I seem to be missing progressively more and more structural screws about the case (its starting to get a little thread-bear if the allusion fits a laptop.).
One wonders if someone here can refer me to the appropriate retailer or if compaq sells refurbishment packages of some sort so I can listen to my laptop sing and screw it back together again? :)
G'day!
Psychoticus Rex, Owner
Psychotech
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
psychoticusrex@hotmail.com
Ok thanks to this thread I found the manula for my Compaq Presario 2500 or 2525US laptop..the deal is last year the power prong got bent on the cpu so we took it in while under warranty and they fixed it...so we go out of town for the Hurricane crap this weekend and come home and plug in the power cable becuz , the battery even after being repaired never held a charge, so anyways we plug it in and the light on the battery cable is on bright green so plug it into the CPU and the light starts to get dim and real faint and next thing the laptop has smoke come out the back of it...so tonight I took it apart and found out why the USB ports didnt work as they were damn near completely removed from the board itself and almost just fell off but my question is this...my power supply isnt loose at all on the board but it does appear that 2 of the little wires inside of it maybe cracked or not connected and Im no genius at all this power supply stuff so what should I do next...should I just remove the whole power supply or what and if so then what or should I try to take it somewhere already disassembled and see what they say as I ve already been told that I need a new motherboard but it seeems that everyone on here has been told that and it hasnt been true...lastly would buying a new power supply fix it or do you guys think it is the board please email me..thanks
I too am attempting to repair a bad jack on an HP laptop and have got as far as removing the broken jack from the motherboard however, I'm stuck. The jack I removed had a crack through the plastic part and one of the soldered tabs was obviously broken because it had a hairline crack completely around the joint. I "de-soldered" the jack to find that there were three, not two, tabs going through the board. I am going to go with the wire fix that several people posted about but I am confused as to which of the tabs is negative and which is positive. I'm also not able to find a new plug adapter to wire it to once I get the wire soldered on. I went to Radio Shack and they told me they don't carry any plugs or jacks rated for use on a power cord. All they had were the type rated for audio applications. I looked at them and found one identical in size to the one I removed but I didn't get it because of what the guy said. Is there anyone that can provide me with instructions on how go about actually wiring the internal part to the motherboard? If so, I would be most grateful to you.
My HP Laptop recently needed to have the power jack in the back repaired.
i contacted HP through the live chat on the website. I was connected and informed in detail in 15 minutes to what i was supposed to do to send in my laptop for repair.
fedex arrived the next morning at 1030 am to pick up my laptop for repair. Laptop arrived at hp that night and on the website was listed as arrived and waiting for repair.
the next evening i checked the staus and was SHOCKED to read that it was repaired and was waiting to be shipped.
The next day which was a friday the website said it was shipped and a tracking number was available. since this was a friday i had to wait till monday morning to receive the laptop. 10 am Monday morning laptop arrrived at my house repaired! if it wasnt a friday that it was mailed out i wouldve got the laptop back in 3 DAYS! thats incredible! my local computer store wasnt even able to do the reapair let alone in a day. i couldnt be more happy with the customer service i received from the quick and courteous live chat session to the 24 hour turn around (excluding shipping) repair.
Everything was under warranty so it was totally free of charge. im so glad i didnt open it up and try and fix it myself or take compusa's advice and replace the motherboard.
try the computers customer support first you might save alot of money and grief by trying to do it yourself
Hi everyone,
My notebook was fixed at http://www.800tech.com The service is cheap and fast. The dc jack is now solid and secured! Thanks to 800 Tech and this message board!
Thank You again!
Presario 2100... same problem, broke, fixed, broke, fixed, broke... I think this design is terrible.
I own a gateway notebook...it's less than a year old. For a while the jack would move, and the laptop would go to battery power eventhough it was plugged in. I would just move the jack a little, and it would be fine. About a week ago..I noticed that it was doing this more often, and the plug seemed to be getting pretty hot. Hot enough that the metal jack would burn you if you touched it. That day the AC plug topped working, it wouldn't charge the laptop at all, but the next morning, I plugged it in, it worked fine except the usual intermitent charging, and the occasional overheating. Finally..it was the last straw, a few days ago, to my suprise, the plug got hot enough that it actually started smoking, and a bit of the plastic melted. Fortunetly..my computer is still covered by warranty. Unfortunetly..I couldn't back up any data before sending it out, because I feared it would burn my house down. So now I'm anxiously awaiting its return hoping all of my documents are safe. :(
I remember someone posted a page that showed which of the 3 solder pads on the mother board are used (I believe it's only 2) and to what they are connect to using the $2.50 Radio Shack connector method. A picture or good description would be greatly appreciated.
Hi.. i have compaq presario 2100US got it in Circuit city 2 yrs back.. same problem with the power jack but currently i am in sydney so cant use 800tech. n HP service center is giving huge quote just for labour.. tyied to open laptop myself but no luck:(
does anyone know any person/company who does such kind of repairs in or around sydney? plz. mail me @ vaamit@yahoo.com
Dear Sir,
I need to buy new motherboard for my laptop HP Pavilion zd8000:
374709-001 - Compaq Motherboard - Integrated ATI Mobility Radeon X600 (M24P) graphics, 128 MB discrete graphics memory, with 1394, S-video, 6-in-1 media slot, and Expansion Port 2.
or
374711-001- Compaq Motherboard - Integrated ATI Mobility Radeon X600 (M24P) graphics, 256 MB discrete graphics memory, with 1394, S-video, 6-in-1 media slot, and Expansion Port 2.
If you can help me, send me all information about this as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely;
Savu Petre
Tel:13774392307
savupetre@yahoo.com
Well, it is interesting to see all the people who are having a problem with ac power jack on their laptop. My laptop is a lesser known system customized for small business.
I felt that I would be better off buying a more expensive system (thinking better quality and less problems - oops! was I wrong!)
Using my laptop as just that, a laptop, I've had to pay for the replacement of the motherboard twice by the manufacturer (still under 3 year warranty) for nearly $200 a pop.
Interestingly enough, they claim that this "problem is very rare" and they can't believe that I have done this to my laptop twice in 6 months. You notice, they blame me.
With respect to the original issue of the right angle adapter vs straight, my laptop uses the straight connector. Seems that moving it from my lap to the table and back again is too much for the connector on the mother board, thus breaking the solder connections.
Was wondering if anyone may have seen a right angle adapter that could be installed first and glued to the case? Then the adapter would plug into this, creating a sacraficial part that might cushion the ac jack on the motherboard.
If anyone knows where I might find one, I'd be happy to try it out and let everyone know how it works.
Best of luck, all!
I too was experiencing an infuriating AC power cord connection fault in my Presario 2100 laptop. Upon disassembly I was surprised to find that the socket was still firmly attached to the mother board. Further inspection revealed that the center pin inside the computer's AC adapter socket had become loose. This is the shiny pin that you see when you look inside the AC adapter socket on the computer. Mine was so loose you could wiggle it. This pin is pressed in place at the rear of the socket like a rivet. Over time it loosened up causing a faulty electrical connection. The bad news is, to make the repair I still had to completely disassemble the laptop. The good news is, I did not have to remove the mother board. With the top case removed and the mother board exposed I was able to solder the pin's loose attaching point at the rear of the socket. I'm happy to report my laptop is now as good as new. As an extra precaution against future problems I installed a 3/16" long piece of heat shrink tubing on the outside of the AC adapter plug. This enables it to fit tighter when plugged-in which places less stress on the socket from lateral movements.
I fixed my 2100US at 800tech.com place. Finally you can feel that you inserting the plug into something solid! Feels like it's going to last long. Time will tell.
I have a 2100 which decided to die in the middle of use. No LEDs come on in the front when I plug the AC adapter in. When the adapter is in, the brick makes a clicking/buzzing noise. The battery says it has a 100% charge, so do I need to just pop this sucker open and solder a part? Thanks.
I bought a Presario 2100-US notebook PC at Circuit City in Feb 03. I've had multiple problems with the AC supply hardware.
1. July 05. Conductor inside cable broke near plug. Easy diagnosis, easy fix.
2. August 05. Connection to DC output inside supply brick broke. Cracked open brick using sharp chisel. Resoldered. Taped brick together with filament packing tape - ugly but secure.
3. September 05. DC power socket solder connection to motherboard was intermittent then failed altogether. Carefully disassembled everything. The broken solder connection was grainy and dark - possibly bad from day one. Took about four hours, going slowly and carefully.
4. October 05. No response to DC input again. Opened unit and found center pin of connector socket was broken and not making contact. Unsoldered and discarded socket. Soldered two braided flexible wires to pads and installed external socket with a couple of inches of play. Soldered resistor and LED to input to assist in inevitable future troubleshooting. Took about 90 minutes, still being somewhat careful.
5. November 05. Nothing yet, but the month has just begun.
Opening one of these is moderately tricky. Trying to repair the power socket would be a really poor candidate for anybody's first electronics repair attempt. Experienced folks should be sure to make diagrams and keep notes of the order that screws and parts are removed.
The power socket solder pads are great heatsinks so be sure of good solder wetting when making the repair.
Really hard core hack rats might consider avoiding opening the case by just tearing away some of the plastic surrounding the socket and cutting the socket loose with dike pliers. Do this at your own risk - I haven't done it yet but I plan to the next time I see the same problem. Obviously I don't care how about how it looks.
Same problem here with my 2100. I definitely think this is a good case for a class action law suit. Count me in.
Jorge
This site has been quite informative.
My son has a Compaq Presario 2500 note book (2598US, actually) that became flaky on the power connection until it stopped working. The same experience that has apparently happened to hundreds of others with similar computers. He just stopped using it and used his roommate's computer. I asked him to look into fixing it, then finally after a few months of inaction I took back the computer to see what I could do.
To verify that it was the power connector, I had someone with a similar computer charge the battery for me so I could verify that it otherwise worked correctly. Then using the hints on this site I tracked down the PDF file for the repair manual for the computer. Without that manual I couldn't figure out how to get any of it open. It's clear that you're probably never going to be able to get it apart far enough to access the power connector without the steps in the manual.
I followed the steps and took it apart all the way to the motherboard. I could see right away that one of the three ground solder connections was broken, but it wasn't until closer examination that I could see the power connection was also broken. Since I work in the computer industry, I just had one of the technicions in the lab solder the two broken connections back together. I hope I can get it all back together correctly. I think I need a layout diagram with every screw numbered in the right order to put them back, but I'll have to hope my memory is good enough to get all of the screws back in the right place with my small amount of notes indicating how many screws came out at each step.
If this machine or my daughter's notebook need additional repair, I'll be more likely to send them to 800Tech for repair in the future. Too bad they don't have a repair depot on the west coast. You would think there would be something like that in Silicon Valley, but all of my internet searching only found places on the east coast. One local shop said they could do it for $160 plus parts, which might actually be a good deal after shipping costs are factored in. The local CompUSA where the machine was purchased claimed the only thing they could do was replace the motherboard. Those guy are worthless.
So in looking at this design, I see that the printer cable and the other smaller similar connector have all kinds of strain relief. Those are the ones not likely to be connected with any frequency. The one that will be used the most, the power connector, has only a few very small solder points supporting it. The keyboard and mouse connectors have slightly more support, but not much better. The USB plugs are about the same.
It seems that the connectors most likely to have strain placed on them are the weakest design and those that will be used the least are the strongest. Whoever designed this should be embarrassed. By increasing the cost by a few dollars they could have virtually elminated this power connector problem.
Is there anywhere at Compaq/Hewlett-Packard where I could send complaints about this stupid design?
AC POWER JACK SOLUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fix this thing once and for all. My story went something like this...
I bought the zv5000 about a year ago. The power jack broke about 3 months ago so I sent it in for repairs. They informed me that they did a complete motherboard swap. Yikes. Well now it's broken again. Clearly a design flaw. Well it is out of warranty at this point so they wouldn't touch it, and so the lap[top sat around collecting dust. I got to thinking the other day that maybe a docking station would power through the docking port in the side of the laptop.
(see here) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6985211&type=product&id=1112808792568
Well I bought that docking station, plugged it in, and it worked. Charges the battery through the docking port. So even though the problem isn't 'fixed', i'm still able to use the laptop and charge the batteries.
Total cost of repair: $200
Hi,
I've had this same problem with my dc power jack coming loose on my laptop. I sent it to a guy on the internet.
( blueddiamondd@harbornet.com ) and he fixed it up for me for just $89.99 . Here's his website:
http://www.doctorlaptop-repair-jack.com
Hopefully you can get your Laptops broken power jack fixed soon and my information can help you.
Thanks,
Jim
hey i have have a HP pavilion ze4500. And well my cord sucks too. My power supplycame off complety the 1st time. My friend soldeereda new one on. Then it messed up and i put in a new one again, and onece again i find myself having to work on it. But i will tell ya'll i got my part on EBAY for $5 and it is nothing to put in in, just takes time and effort.
My Presario 2500 is only a year old and it just died on me when I was trying to set it down on a table. There must be a flaw in the design of these compaq laptops. With all these similar complaints on this site, does anyone know if Compaq has addressed the customers of these models, with or without extended warranty?
Wow is amazing how so many people have the same problem, now I know that I'm not alone. I purchaded a Compaq Presario 2570us about 2 years ago but I started having power problems for the past 2 months. I had to wiggle the power cord for 15 minutes until it was in the "perfect" position to power my computer. Now my computer is not charging at all and I think that the power plug finally broke. I just took apart the computer today and I'm trying to fix it myself. Sign me up for the class action lawsuit.NEVER BUY COMPAQ NOTEBOOKS AGAIN.!!
I came across this webpage looking for diagrams of my laptop and i found all these posts by people that has the same problem that i had. I never knew my receptacle was broken until i took it in and had it fixed for $100. I was extremely frustrated trying to wiggle the cord to get a charge all the time. The power receptacle inside of my laptop was even making the tip of the power cord get so hot that it made the housing of the tip melt away by the shortage caused by the broken receptacle. I went about 8-10 months with this problem before i finally had it checked out, and when i sent it in, it had stopped getting a charge and i had already bought a new power cord to see if that was the problem (which wasn't). After i got it back the repairman handed me the broken receptacle (which is about the size of a sugarcube) along with my laptop and told me that the receptacle just needed soldered back on, but the type of labor required to fix that problem with my laptop normally requires you to send it in and have it fixed because of all the hundreds of little screws and other things that make the laptop so hard to repair for just the average technician (or some crap), but yeah. I know i seen someone on this webpage say something about a class action suit, well im interested. send me a private message on yahoo if anyone else is interested in a class act. my screenname is gitnkixonrt66.
HI,
AC POWER JACK
LCD SCREEN
PROCESSOR... ANY PART DAMAGED???
I CAN FIX YOUR LAPTOP!
ANY PROBLEM, ANY QUESTIONS
JUST CALL ME: (561)892-1413
HI,
AC POWER JACK
LCD SCREEN
PROCESSOR... ANY PART DAMAGED???
I CAN FIX YOUR LAPTOP!
ANY PROBLEM, ANY QUESTIONS
JUST CALL ME: (561)892-1413
soo pissed after searching the internet about my problem , I have 3 Dell notebook computers since I have 3 teenagers at home that need them for school.. 3 brand new Dell Inspiron's each one not a year old yet.. one by one power started acting funny.. guess what?!!! its the power jack connected to the motherboard! solder coming loose..I think there should be a recall for the power design on all laptops designed like this.. it is just wrong.. Dells answer was, um gotta replace motherboard for an ungodly some amount of money.. more than what the computer cost.. I think it is a design to make money..
i take it you guys havent seen this.. dont waste money or time buying and replacing the motherboard or soldering and braking your laptop// get one of this cables and problem solved.. cost? 21 dollars..
http://www.techexcess.net/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=XC1000-MINUS-RCA-SPLITTER
is the HP xc1000 Notebook All-in-One Media Cable (DV318A
Hi,
I fixed my R3000 at 800 Tech Corp
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL SERVICE! FAST, AFFORDABLE WITH 6-MONTH WARRANTY. THANK YOU. BTW I FOUND THEM HERE ON THIS BOARD.
Last week my buddy gave me his old broken hp presario 1692. I took it home and cleaned it off. Turns out that it had a broken power connector and the ribbon cable to the lcd was shorted out too. Also the left click button to the fingermouse didn't work. Also the battery wouldn't hold a charge. Well I opened the case took everything apart and spliced the lcd cable back together. Then i soldered the jack back onto the motherboard and encased it in quick set epoxy, i haven't fixed the touchpad yet but found the part for 22 bucks. That will be an easy repair. Also, now that i have a good power connector i've been re-calibrating the battery. First re-calibration it lasted about 10 minutes, second about twenty, now it's the third recalibration and it's been on battery for about an hour now, gonna try one more time and see if it's gonna get any better. I did notice evedence of a small fire at the connector prongs which was
I just posted a message about fixing the broken jack. Hope it got here because i don't wanna retype it
Rob again. Anyway the repair isn't that hard. getting the case apart takes a little patience but it will all come apart. I tried to find the repair manual at the above site but still can't find it. any help locating it would be nice because i can't find it on hp's site. Any body know what motherboards this model can upgrade to?? anyhow good luck with the repairs and have a good soldering iron
ROB---COPY & PASTE the following URL into your browsers address bar. It will take you to the download page for the Service Manuals for Presario 2100 Series Notebook (laptop).
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?dlc=en&lc=en&product=375243&cc=us&
I have mine apart now waiting for DC jack of some kind. Think I'm gonna opt for the speaker wire & external connector. I read the article at: www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.html
It doesn't look too good or to bad. It just sounds sturdier than what HP put into this laptop. If you have trouble with 'copy & paste' you can email me & I'll send you a link. My THANKS to everyone who posted info here, it's been a great help to me! My email:
sheez-shir@sbcglobal.net
Well I just replaced my power connector in my presario 2100, but doing so I caused another problem. The touchpad cable connector broke as I was taking it off. Is there anyway to replace it. Its the little white piece that pushes down when the cable is slide in. Worse case scenario I can just use a usb mouse, but the convenience of the touchpad is nice. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ski
Well I got the touchpad working. I just kinda wedge the little white piece in the connector. I hope it holds. BUT now not all my keys are working on my keyboard. Most of the number keys don't work and q,w,e,r,i don't work. Not sure why. I'm going to have to open her back up and see what's going on. Any info on the keyboard would be greatly appreciative. Oh the power connector is working well. I guess that's one good thing.
I found this company 800 tech, they fixed my R3060US while I was waiting 1hour
I live in NY - Highly recommended! THANKS TO THIS FORUM!!!
i have a compaq presario 1500 it's battery is only charge upto 59% n doesnt go beyond that please can someone help me and one more thing now i cant even use it on battery when i remove my AC power it just shuts down and doesnt turn back on it only works on AC power now.. please help me mail marco1987@gmail.com URGENT!!!
Have a HP pavalion zd 7000 notebook with a broken power jack.
Thanks to whoever suggested using a docking station as an alternate power source.
I found this to be the easiest, safest and cheapest($80 for my notebook) solution.
My laptop (rather a deskop now) is working fine.
When i came across this site, i knew that i wasnt crazy after all, even though compaq tried to make me feel like im losing my mind, and after dealing with them for FIVE years with the SAME PROBLEMS, i feel like i am! I could list all of my problems, but it would take too much time and space. Basically, i have had 4 compaq presarios, different ones, each one with THE SAME power supply problems you guys seem to have. I had one (700 series) where my daughter was on it doing homework, and the ac adapter, literally POPPED, and melted!! I took it in for repair they said they had never seen anything like it, after that was repaired a number of times, they replaced it with a 2500 series, i spent the next year shipping that back to compaq, because my battery would not charge, i could not get any power at all. Sometimes i could wiggle the ac cord but i had to be very carefull because it would cut off, so i couldnt use it often. After about 8 repairs on the power supply, they sent me a refurbished computer, presario, 1330, in Jan, of 2005, three months ago THE VERY SAME THING HAPPENED, it stopped charging, and getting any kind of power. Since it was a refurbished computer, it only had a 90 day warranty, so now its not covered, and compaq told me they will fix it but it will cost close to 300 dollars, if its only the power supply. I feel like, the computer has only been in my home for less than a year, i have only had a few months use of it, and basically, they replaced a crappy computer with another crappy computer, so they didnt really do me any favors. I feel like their so called "warranty" is void, and they should own up to my original purchase warranty..i have had 4 computers, each of which was in use for less than a year, for the last 5 yrs. I have stacks of repair papers, i feel like i have majorly been taken advantage of, not to mention, when the ac adapter melted, my daughter could have been injured and our apt could have burned down..they dont realize how serious these power issues are. Today, i called them and let them know i was going to get anyone who would listen to send documents of ALL similar problems to the CONSUMER SAFTY COMMISSION, and THE BETTER BUSSINESS BUREAU. I am going to get ALL of my repair records together and do that because if it will save someones child or someones home, then this 5 yrs of crap ive dealt with wont be for nothing. I will also come back online to this site and list the computers ive had and all of the problems, which so far have been all power supply. Be carefull because some of my problems were very serious, and were sparking, and the smell of something burning. take care and feel free to email me, if you would like to help in getting the attention of HP/compaq...Jeanne
beatricekelly@comcast.net
Can you believe it?
I have suffered with a flashing screen for a year now because of the seperation of the AC plug. I contacted Compaq tech services who advised me to click on one of the half a dozen links to get it repaired.
I contacted the BBB (took 10 mins. online) and opened a file. I received a call from Compaq and the lady stated "WE HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS CONCERN ON THE PRESARIO 2100" Oh come on.....were we all born yesterday?
Please contact the BBB and put your complaint in. Do you not think Compaq should be replacing/repairing the laptops free of charge?
My 2100us has the same problem, with a new connector installed still works loose. S i toook someones advice here and used a two part epoxy and glued the this in. Didn't use alot but just on where it is laying on the motherboard. lets see how long this will last.
Mark
Anybody can help me? I received from my friend notebook Compaq Armada E500 in which probably somebody plug incorrect power adapter...
Now is notebook working on battery only, is not working on correct power adapter...
I have notebook opened on the desk, no visual damage on area near power jack...
PLEASE HELP ME !!!! Service costs are unacceptable.
hi i have the broken power plug problem in my presario 3000 laptop and i cant get it apart somthing isnt coming apart around the cd drive do you need to take the drive out first and how im very good with mechanics but im stumped and dont want to break somthing any help would be greatly appreciated
i really need me laptop r3240us fixed like right now. does anyone live in atlanta that can fix it. i tried to take it apart to solder the wire connector fix but i couldnt get this metal thing off to get to the motherboard. so now i got a lapt op in a thousand pieces. i need someone who would be willin to fix the power connector and put it back together. jjbing3@yahoo.com (aim:jjbing3)(yim:jjbing3) i'll come anywhere but be generous on the price cause im broke at christmas!
I just purchased a port replicator for my Presario 2100 to try to bypass the AC Power Jack issue. I found it online at getpartsonline.com for $44.99 part number 317448-001. Hopefully this will bypass the power port entirely. I thought that price sounded much better than the $200+ it would have taken to get it fixed.
Hi All,
I just read all these comments from top to bottom. I have an HP/Compaq Presario 2100 and have been having problems for about 2 months. The computer is 1 year and 2 months old. I won't go into the gory details, but in the last 2 months I have had Compaq tell me I needed a new hard drive and Circuit City tell me I needed a new mother board. This has only cost me $40 so far, so I consider myself lucky, compared to what others on this site have experienced. I agree that HP/Compaq should take responsiblity for this disaster, but, unlike the pharma industry, HP doesn't threaten human life, just our wallets, so there is no organization or government agency that will come to our aid. I do intend to voice my complaints with the BBB. I will also contact Consumers' Report on this. I encourage anyone else with these problems to do the same. The only way we will get any action is to hurt HP in their wallet, the same way they have put a drain on our wallets.
Pat W-L
I fixed my 2100 at 800 TECH! My power jack is solid and stable! . THANK YOU 800 TECH for your great service and superb analysis.
DJ. Alan B
Help... I have a HP Pavilion dv1000, yes I have the power cord problem, but even more annoying is how the top screen, monitor part seems to loosen and fall forward or backward. Anyone know of a way to tighten the screen? After I returned my laptop for service regarding the power cord they tightened it, now just 3 months later power cord issues and falling screen again!!! AGH!!!!
My Compaq 3000 stopped charging the battery yesterday. The AC power adapter and the laptop battery both tested fine. I called compaq tech support and they said that since I am 3 month over my one year warranty, they will fix it for $318US ($400CAN). I felt sorry for myself because I need this laptop for our business and we can't afford the repair. I read all of the posts on this site, it really made me feel alot better...I read all the useful solutions and I will see if my local repair shop in B.C can guarantee the fix at the same price as...www.800tech.com...Thanks so much everyone.
I thought I would post a follow-up, since I get emails from no less than 10 or 15 people each month asking for dismantling instructions for the Presario 2100.
I hope I have not failed to respond to anyone who has emailed me. In an attempt to help people faster than I may be able to respond to an email, I put up a page with a copy of the same old email I copy/paste and send to everyone. It's just a quick and dirty explanation of the sequence to take apart the laptop to get to the jack.
http://www.lovemyoldhome.com/presario.htm
I hope this is helpful. People can say we are just bellyaching and whining all they want. I've repaired this jack 8 or 10 times now using different methods and I babied this thing every time I moved it. I was always careful to hold the cord when I moved the laptop to avoid pushing/pulling forces on the plug. I did everything humanly possible to keep it safe.
I've been going strong for many months now with the current and hopefully final repair using an external connector attached to wire leads soldered to the board. The trouble was any movement of those wires whatsoever would eventually release the solder, so I started trying various methods of immobilizing the wires. The first being a two part expoxy, which worked for a while, but started slumping when the laptop got warm. The current immobilization method is hot glue. I shot hot glue through the hole where the wires pass through the case, encased the wires with hot glue on the inside and outside of the case where they pass through the hole to immobilize them. The hot glue stays rigid even when the laptop gets warm as it takes a much higher temperature to soften it. It's as ugly as hell, but it does the job and I have not had one problem out of this machine for many months now.
Best of luck
Lori
My daughter's two year old Toshiba Satellite A35 had the pin break off inside the DC-IN port of the computer. Now the computer will not recharge. What a relief to read possible solutions on this site. I am grateful for the suggestion to use a port replicator because I agree a re-solder is an expensive and possibly temporary fix. I purchased a USB port replicator with power but it didn't work. The computer was completely dead when I installed it.
I suppose I could have a more serious problem like a damaged motherboard, but I wonder if it is something simpler. Does anyone know if I had to "install new hardware" for the port replicator to work? Since I have no battery power left and no way to get it, I am unable to get the computer to recognize the new hardware because I can't turn it on.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Hello there I need some help. Have a compac presario 1210 with the ac plug broken. Where can I buy a new one? I know I'm gonna have to sold it to the mainboard but it's ok, I think it worth to try. Thanks
Followup to my son's broken laptop and the note I posted on November 7.
I took it all the way apart using the manual referenced in other posts. I took the motherboard in to the electronics lab at the company where I work and talked the technician into soldering the power connector back on. He spent about three minutes at the job and it was definitely stronger than the original. I then took it home and put it all together that evening and it didn't run.
Because of other things going on, I was unable to take it back apart to see what I had missed until last night. There were two problems. I had plugged one connector to a small fan into the connector that was supposed to go to the speaker (last thing to put back) and had lost the speaker connector underneath all the other stuff. I figured no big deal on that one. The bigger problem was that I had assumed the massive heat sink/processor combination could just be pushed back into the ZIF socket. So the processor wasn't really in place properly.
After taking it all back apart last night and analyzing it more closely, plus reading the instructions more carefuly, I figured out that I needed to remove the processor from the heat sink, then open the ZIF socket to put the processor in place. You can't open the ZIF socket if the processor is still stuck to the heat sink. It was fairly easy to pop loose and it should still make a good thermal connection when put back together properly.
This time I even figured out where all of the short and long screws go and was able to get it all back together properly. Once I put the last piece in place, I turned it on and it worked.
My son now has a strong warning about how to treat that power connector. He will also not be loaning his computer to any of his friends as happened before.
I appreciate the other postings on this topic. I would have been lost without this help.
I still think an electronic technician in the San Francisco Bay Area could make a lot of money moonlighting just fixing power connectors on laptop computers. Someone who knows what they're doing should be able to do the whole job in about two hours. If you charge $100 for that, you would be doing alright. Doing one or two a night could bring in an extra $20K. (I'm too busy and too clumsy with a soldering iron to try something like that.)
I wanted to thank everyone for this thread. It doesn't save me much money or hassle, but it calms me since it vindicates me.
I have a Presario R3000 and have experienced just about all of the jack issues described here--loosening of connection, cutting out, not accepting AC power unless the battery is almost fully charged already. I too am on my third power adapter--this one an expensive Targus universal adapter that is still useful elsewhere, so the cost wasn't a complete waste.
I dropped almost $600CDN in October, and the problem recurred in a couple of months. I dawdled for a few weeks more (I wasn't using the computer as much), and when the connection stopped working outright this weekend I called HP. They magnanimously agreed to redo the repair for free, even though I was a few days over the 90 day warranty window. I actually felt embarrassed at their apparent generosity (I should've called weeks ago), but then I found this discussion thread.
I am told that HP will replace the MB--apparently this is the only option left if the original repair didn't "take". I expect I will get only a few months more use out of this, and then good riddance to HP/compaq notebooks.
I don't want to throw much more money at this, but I am still interested in the port replicator workaround. I just talked to a notebook specialty store and they told me forget it--the only option for the R3000 is a USB replicator, and you can't power or charge through a USB port. Am I getting the straight goods?
I have seen some of the innovative fixes of some folks, but I have no clue what to do with a soldering iron.
I will keep the thread posted about developments.
Any recommendation for other notebooks? Not HP/Compaq, obviously. What about Dell?
best,
Les
Gosh- I can't believe that after searching Yahoo, I came upon this chain of posts! An answer to my freaking prayers!!--well, sorta. I can't believe that HP had such a poor format on their laptops! HP-being such a well known and, might I add, popular brand.. urgghh.. one would never think that any intentional problems like this could result. I guess every freaking product marketer is a money-hungry company. I've had my HPPavillion ze4525 for a little over a year now.. and now that it's a few months past it's warranty.. "oh-oh" WTF!!?! I'm so upset. I spent the entire day calling computer shops for price quotes.. Some price quotes even reached 1200!!! The best one I came upon said 150-180.. not bad.. but what the heck? Why not just put that 200 bucks into another laptop or computer? My brother had a Sony Viao and it worked perfectly.. but HP and Compaq seem to be such sorry companies. I pity the people who manufacture these laptops, knowing that they will sooner or later fall apart. I hope they all get what's coming their way.. I will NEVER ever purchase anything from HP again!!!! I am definitely IN if there is ever a lawsuit filed against this company!!!!!!!!!
My daughter's Presario 2195US is two years old. About the time the extended warrantee expired, her power plug on the cord became burnt, as did the cord itself, right about two inches from the end that plugs into the computer. Of course we called the day after the warr. expired and COMPAQ will not do anything. At Best Buy a Geek Squad guy told me it was because the battery was bad (which is was) and it was (overcharging). We did as he recommended--got a new battery and an off market AC adaptor. I installed the new battery and plugged in the adapter. I noticed the cord had to be "just so" or it would stop charging. However, after the batter was charged I couldn't get the cord out! Eventually, having gotten it out I saw that the plug was all burnt. Fortunately Best Buy gave me the money back on the power supply. My question is, do you think this is caused by the same issue of the loose power connector on the mother board, or is there some other problem that is causing the adaptor cords and plugs to overheat. I am about ready to open it up myself. Any advice or comments would be appreciated!
We can repair most isssues that you might
have with your laptop.
Wether it be the AC Power Jack, LCD screen
Motherboard or Processor. We are able to
help you with most issues your laptop might
have.
We will be able to repair your laptop.
If you are having any issue with your
laptop call us: (209)824-0025
We can repair most issues that you might
have with your laptop.
Wether it be the AC Power Jack, LCD screen
Motherboard or Processor. We are able to
help you with most issues your laptop might
have.
We will be able to repair your laptop.
If you are having any issue with your
laptop call us: (209)824-0025
hello all, unfortunatly ive got a 2100 as well, think ill regrt the rest of my life but i need to clean the CPU fan any1 know how to open it. i unscrewed all the screws but doesnt open. NEED HELP DESPERATLY!!!.
My HP ZD7000 stopped charging the battery, I tried to fix it myself but unsuccessfully, I did even more damage then it was before. I used few different companies and none of them helped me. Because even after replacing the dc jack system was unable to turn on. The only solution was to replace the system board. I decided to try one more time and I shipped it to 800 TECH CORPORATION which I found it on this message board ( www.800tech.com ) I was ready to pay half price of the new motherboard and I clearly sad that to 800 Tech staff before the actual estimate was given. After a short period of time they called me with the estimate which was $99.99 for the labor + $39.80 for the parts and $20.00 S/H = $159.79
I was shocked! Within few days I got my laptop back fully operational and clean as new.
I hope with time they will be available locally in each state. Customers deserve to have this kind of service locally!
I just had the power jack on a year and a half old Compaq Presario R3100 repaired. It started giving me problems 3 months in but HP would never do anything about it, kept tell me it was the battery. This is a known issue with HP & Compaq (since they are the same company). ikenfixit.com has a permanent fix for this issue. HP/Compaq will repair it but the repair is to replace the motherboard with the same defective part and, guess what, it happens again. You want it fixed right and fixed for good.....send it to Ken. Word has it there is a Class Action suit in the works on this.
Hi I have a compaq laptop 1200 and it previously was runing win 98 I have format the hard drive and install xp pro. I have upgraded the memory but I think it could connect wireless on the internet before I install xp. I would like to know if I could connect to a wireless connection on the internet with xp. if so can you help me idewntifying the way to connect wirelessly or do I need a wirelss card or is that a basic feature with the 1200 compaq laptop
Does anybody know how to dismantle a compaq presario 2100? I've been trying to take it part but have had no luck. I'd appreciate any information you may have. Thanks,
Ian
To dismantle the compaq presario 2100 go to this site http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00246219.pdf
Hi guys. I have read through this message board and am so thankful but also sorry that this exists(HP should be ashamed of themselves for not fixing an obvious manufacturing problem). I have a Compaq Presario 2100 and am having similar problems with my charger. I am not sure if it is exact same issue and would like to know if anyone has any thoughts on it before I try to get it fixed. I have had the laptop for a year and a half (bought new). I have replaced 2 chargers in the last 5 months and now the 3rd one is going bad. I am once again experiencing times when having the laptop plugged in, it decides to stop using ac power and switchs to battery intermittently. This is what happened to my first 2 chargers. The plug doesn't seem to be loose, but wiggling the cord will make it switch back to ac. I was thinking that maybe the laptop was burning out the chargers somehow because the problem seems to be progressive. When I first got the new chargers they work fine with no problems for the first month or so and then later I have to wiggle more and more until wiggling finally no longer works. Another reason that i think it is a problem in the charger being burnt out is because 1 of these chargers had an indicator light on the charger pack to indicate that it was recieving power. When I am having the problem where the laptop switches from ac to battery, the indicator light on the charger goes off. If I unplug it from the laptop and then unplug it from the wall and replug it to the wall without plugging it into the laptop, the light comes back on but as soon as I plug it into the laptop it goes off again and the laptop will not charge. Later when wiggling no longer worked, I tried it on another Presario 2100 and it didn't work on that computer either. By the way the current charger that I have is a straight plug and this has happened to both types of plugs. I don't know anything about fixing computer hardware or much about computer lingo, but if you have any ideas or realize that this is in fact the same problem that everyone else is having, please tell me and I will try and decipher as best I can.
Iam looking for anyone that might know where I can get a repair made on a notebook. Oh cource its a POS Compaq Presario 700 series. What I have is a problem with the power on the motherboard. It has something blown. There was a guy on ebay that was doing the repair. But Iam unable to locate him. If anyone know where I can find him. I beleve he was from Texas.
Thanks a million Phillip
I have this laptop, and have had the same issues. After only a month past my warranty expired my battery began to leak. Having much problem with the power cable and conection as well, i beleive this may have been the issue. The power supply began to fail at slight touches(connection broke loose of internal board) and system would crash. The monitor finally bagan to work intermittantly and the entire system soon failed(i actually smelled burning electronics). I will never buy compaq again for this sorry excuse for a laptop. Also, besides salvaging RAM and the HDD, is there anything else on this machine that could be used?
I have a R3000 and i am about to take this thing apart for the 7th time to try to repair that power connector. The time before last time i did one of the cooling fans seems to have stopped working (connections ok).***** connector.I am going to try and fix this once and for all. But it seems like to do this i will have to live with a ugly cable hanging out of a £1,400 pound plastic box well done HP. Some companies would not accept such sloppy workmanship from a designer. HP may be to blame but the designer planted the seed. Any one Know the address, e-mail, mobile no., or any conntact details of a HP designer
I have a Compaq 2100US that suddenly decided that it didnt want to power up any more. The power cord is OK. It looks like the hard drive went south for a permanent vacation. Does anyone know how to install a new hard drive in a 2100US? I've removed the old HDD already. Will the computer power up without software installed for the new HDD? But how can I install new HDD software if the computer isnt powered up!%*@#! A classic example of the chicken before the egg question...
Also, is there anyway to save files from the old hard drive?
This site has been a great help for me.
I too had been wiggling my power supply for some time, but the situation was getting worse and worse. The area around the DC jack got so hot that it started melting and burning the tip of my adapter and my whole laptop started runninng extremely hot.
Then, I got a S.M.A.R.T. error message telling me that my HDD was almost . So, I put down my laptop, ordered a new HDD and AC adapter, but that didn't work. After installing my new HDD + adapter, I went to format my druve and left it for a little while. When I came back my computer was off and I couldn't get any power to it thru either the new or old adapter.
Maybe the bad DC connection wasn't sending the correct power to my original HDD causing the error, but all I know is that my laptop doesn't work and I already spent $100 trying to repair it myself before finding out about the poor design.
However, all this talk of a class action lawsuit is a little crazy. A better bet is contacting the BBB or the government agency that handles product recalls (IF ANYONE CAN REMEMBER IT PLEASE POST IT). If enough peop;e bother them, maybe they'll pay attention and we can force a recall.
I just completed a repair of my Compaq 2100 Laptop power plug with instructions sited previously in this forum for doing it with speaker wire. This is the 2nd time the plug broke. The first time I paid for an expensive motherboard replacement from Compaq.
For those wanting to find the helpful websites in one place for this type of repair, I will repeat them.
1)Site showing Speaker wire fix
http://www.delanoscientific.com/cpq1675.htm
I bought my DC power plug connector from Radio Shack. Package says Size M Coaxial DC Power Plug. Part is 274-1577.(cost less than $3)
2) Site for Service Manual with instructions on dismantling Compaq laptop.
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/bph08402.pdf
This was my first time dismantling a laptop and it was not too difficult. On my Compaq 2100, I did not need to take out speaker assembly, switchboard PCA or the display to get to the powerplug. I took off the the keyboard cover and keyboard to get to the screws holding down the top case. I also slipped off the cables for the keyboard and touchpad from the motherboard before taking off the topcase. Once I removed the topcase by removing screws under the keyboard, and on the bottom and sides of the laptop, I had access to the power plug. I also removed the battery and hard drive before starting.
3)I soldered the speaker wire to what remained of the broken power plug inside the laptop. I used a lowpower three prong grounded 15 watt soldering iron with a long narrow tip( cost about $8) recommended by radio shack for computer repairs. I tied a knot on the speaker wire inside laptop, pulled the wire outside through the hole where the power plug was and filled the outside of the hole with hot glue to keep tension off the inside soldered connection.
Hope this helps those considering doing same fix.
I have the same problem on my 2188 Presario. The connector was 'wobbly' when I bought it, but this being my first notebook it didn't worry me, and it was under warranty. So it finally died, and I sent it off to HP who fixed it in about a 3 day turnaround from my shipping to receiving the repaired notebook. Foolishly, I thought this was a one time fix. Well now the warranty has expired (wish I'd renewed darn it!) and I'm on my own. It's definitely a bad solder on the inside.
Thanks John for all the info, I plan on giving this a shot. Sigh.....
I need to replace display on Compaq 2100 AMD notebook. After replacement I need to reprogram the EEPROM per the manual. Anyone know where I can locate the files from the appropriate "Service Utilities floppy disk"?
Thanks in advance.
Lou
All this information is all fine and dandy, but can someone CONFIRM exactly which pins are which on the motherboard so that we make a proper solder?
A diagram or an image would be fantastic!
This is ALL I NEED AT THIS POINT.
Thanks.
To Angry
This is in answer to your question on where to solder on the mother board. I didn't see how to easily post a picture on the "This is Broken" website so I clicked on your name and voila I got your email address.
So I emailed you a picture of my repair. (hope you don't think it is spam or virus) I was fortunate that there was a sliver of the pin that goes to the mother board still sticking up for me to solder the silver speaker wire to. This is the connection for the center plug on the AC adapter. The red speaker wire I soldered on the metal that remained from the old plug. This will connect to the outside of the AC adapter. As you can see the top half and sides of the inside plug broke away.
Usually i am very bad at soldering and make a mess. I took some hints from elsewhere to coat the end of the speaker wire first with solder. This along with the recommneded soldering iron and solder from radio shack I was fortunate to get a drop of solder to stick to the broken pin and wire with none of my ususal mess. I made sure I soldered on the side of the pin away from where I was going to solder the red wire.
Hope this helps
I've been reading about your problems with the pressario 1200 not powering up. I had the same problem. My problem was in the power plug that goes to the back of the laptop. The wire inside the jack was broken. I used a single edge razer blade to cut the plastic coating of the jack and the problem presented itself. Now the AC is working and the battery is charging. Hope this helps some of you out.
I am currently going through the joys of a broken power pin on my Hi-Grade Laptop.
So it is not only a issue for just Compaq machines. I agree with most of the posters that their is an inherent flaw in the designs of almost all currently available machines.
I find it almost ridiculous that they can sell these machines in a ready to break down state. I am from the UK and have had to pay £100 to have a new power pin soldered to the motherboard.
John,
Can you also email that picture to me? I would really appreciate it. I need all the help I can get.
Thanks in advance!!
Shanna
shannalea at gmail dot com
My Compaq r3000 was diagnosed "bad motherboard" by 2 local repair shops. Well... just got my laptop back from 800 Tech! Laptop is in fully working condition for $149.99 ( 99.99 labor + parts )
They physically cleaned the laptop and now it's not only works as new it looks new too!
Sue Lee.
Sue Lee.
You can buy DC Jacks for Compaq 2100 series or HP ZE 4300 series here for less than 3 USD.
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&product%5Fid=27%2D2001
i am on my second power cord for my compaq presario r3000 and I have only had my computer about 18 months... Where can I get a new one without spending 80.00?
hah. i'm on my compaq presario 2100 right now as well. the plug might be a bit of a hassle when considering the position of it, but it just become ritualitic to check it. i'd prefer to have the angled plug though, since the cord is usually coming in from the side.
hah. i'm on my compaq presario 2100 right now as well. the plug might be a bit of a hassle when considering the position of it, but it just become ritualitic to check it. i'd prefer to have the angled plug though, since the cord is usually coming in from the side.
Replacing or repairing power socket is the easiest job in laptop. I have repaired/replaced near about 3000 power sockets of different laptops. Just one thing is important when you are repairing or replacing socket, you should know which motherboard's socket you are reparing or replacing. Means, some motherboard's ground is seperate and negative is seperate. Second important thing is you should know which soldring gun you are using and how much temporature that motherboard can bear, if your solder is hotter then it can burn ic 2032 and then motherboard dies, and you can not solder that ic back or you can not find that ic. Anyway, you can write me if you need any help. You are most welcome.
I read through this list...looks like I have a unique problem :)
The HP Pavilion zv5000 will shut off right in the middle of doing something. My battery died exactly a year after purchase and I have been running it through the AC adapter since then.
Possible defects :
Cables
Power Jack
Bad Power supply
I ruled cables and power jack for loose connection out since I have seen the laptop shut off while I am not even on it ( read - no movement ) so that leaves the power supply.
Is there a way to test for normal functionality ?
I am thinking of hooking up a multimeter and log the current readings to see if the power supply dies when the current requirement is higher..
Any ideas ?
Looking for someone with a similar issue or who had one like this..
Please mail me on williamtt@gmail.com
Thanks,
William
I used http://www.800tech.com to fix my Compaq Presario R3000 (same power jack issue as above - it would not charge). Instead of paying $99 like everyone indicated they charged me $199! The markup include $20 for shipping and some additional resistors. What was more annoying though was the bad customer service and prolonged repair time. It took four days from the time they received it and when I called (2x) about it I kept getting the same story. . .that it was being worked on by the tech right now. Imagine that, on two seperate days no less! Needless to say it was rather annoying. When you factor in the cost of shipping a laptop to them, it makes coughing up the money for a new laptop sound better and better. I'd recommend NOT using 800tech.
Yeah, me too. Toshiba M35X DC jack snapped completely off, and I am uncertain about where to get it repaired.... have heard that Toshiba makes things worse.
Yeah, me too. Toshiba M35X DC jack snapped completely off, and I am uncertain about where to get it repaired.... have heard that Toshiba makes things worse.
I am having the same problem with my compaq r3000. I am currently in the middle of replacing the dc adaptor. Can someone show exactly which wires are where on the r3000 motherboard, and on the radio shack adaptor. A diagram or pictures would be nice. Please, please, please.
Thanks,
Cherie
There is a comment from Brooks Moser regarding the repairing of a power socket on the motherboard. I have a compaq Presario 2500 (laptop) that is having the same issue however, I am having trouble removing the motherboard to repair it. The manual states that there are two screws in the motherboard by the CPU but there are not. Do you know how to remove this so that I can fix the power socket?
Thank you
I've got the same model laptop. The right angle of the plug is the least of anyone's worries with that p.o.s.
I got a zv5000. Same problem as everyone else, started happening like 3 months ago.thank god i found this forum.
wiggle power cord, hold at times, power dies frequently, no charge.
I rather buy the power jack and do it myself. I am stuck at taking it apart. I am able to take the bottom plastic frames and the cpu off. But the silver heavy metal frame is what i can get around. is there a manual somewhere i can look at to go farther?
thanks
SCREW HP and COMPAQ, I aint ever buying anything of theirs again.
Did anybody ever think that the fact that these things break is because they are portable and abused? Pick your poison. I've had keyed, straight, and angled connectors. They were on Toshibas, Compaqs, TRS-80's (for those that remember the model 100), and Dells. Fact is if you have a straight one that plugs in from behind you'll hate it when you don't have much room behind your computer or you're using it in bed. If you have an angled one, you'll hate it when you're using it to eat dinner off of with it propped on your knees in the living room watching TV. In five years of traveling, I had 3 Dells. 1 broken connector on the laptop. 3 broken plugs on the power cords. Numerous breaks on the old timey modem jacks, both PCMCIA card and internal. But the fact is STUFF BREAKS! Especially abused portable stuff.
Now, of course you're saying why is he writing this? It's so far down the thread that nobody will ever see it. He has to be a designer of this piece of junk.
No, I'm looking for dimensions for a replacement plug. So, yes, I am a victim of this horrible design flaw. My daughter's dog ate the end off of my wife's AC adapter.
Portable, abused stuff.
For those of you who have a HP Ze Series Laptop
with a broken dc jack, you can remove the old
one and purchase a replacement for 15.00 at http://www.fastlaptoprepair.com/parts/laptopdetails.asp?k=33. I purchased and re-soldered the replacement and it works like a champ.
OK - R3000 with the power jack probs. Straight plug - almost 90% of time it's plugged in on a table - so the knock that it's because of use and abuse is BS. It is a bad, bad design. Lack of support on the jack - lack of support for the plug housing with short engagement all makes for high torque on the connector - the jack internal spring connectors and the plug internal contact points. HP will fix it for 300 if you yell enough, but all they are probably doing is giving you a repaired motherboard they stole off the last sucker that sent theirs in for repair. Can somone resend the radio shack part numbers for the speaker wire repair? HP stands for Horse P*ss.
OK I see the replacement jack for the HP-but is it really that easy to get into it for replacement John? I have been trying today to take my husbands Compaq apart (same problem) to chek the wiring like Ive seen suggested here. But the printer and monitor ports in back are keeping me from opening it all the way. Any suggestions? The link above with insructions dosnt work anymore
I have run into the same problems - Compaq 2199 that runs with battery power, but not with the AC adapter (and thus battery doesnt charge). I thought it might be the external cords themselves, but upon reading these postings, i figure its the same internal power supply faulty connection. I am very interested in this port replicator fix - anyone have anymore info about it? I tried to check online at HP for compatibility of model numbers to find which one to purchase, but the list they show seems to have every 2100 series model number other than 2199! Are not all laptops capable of accepting a port replicator? How to you prepare the machine for replicator hook up? Right now there appears to be a plastic plate over the port on the bottom of the laptop - do I need to open the whole machine up just to get at it? any advice would be appreciated.
Has anyone seen a battery charger for the Presario 2100 (2170US)? I have the same broken socket pb. I have seen chargers for Toshiba batteries.
JB
Hi guys I have Compaq Presario 700, My battery works and powers up the laptop, but only for a few mins then tell me to change battery or use power source. Now my problem is pretty much same as u guys. When plugging in AC adaptor to in DC jack...it does not power up or charge the battery, However my adaptor's light flickers...Does this mean I need to replace my DC socket on the board?
Here is something i have found out. I have presario R3200. Everything works fine exept... you got it, AC power plug. This might sound kind of out landish but it worked for mine. I take the power corde and loop it over the top up the screen to provide tension to the top of the plug. Normally the tension is placed on the bottom of the plug due to the weight of the cord. I have to play with it for a little bit and i know sooner or later it will be totally screwed but it has been working now for about the past 6 months. Also I think charging the battery and running at the same time may place too much of a load on the system. So what also seems to work for me is, if by battery needs charged to turn the notebook off and let it charge. Once it is charged then turn it on and the battery (with the AC cord still in) should keep the charge and not place such an electronic load on the Power Supply. Any questions plese email me
Compaq Presario 2100 AC adapter Problems
I bought my notebook on Jan 2004 so it has been a while. What is the lifespan of this notebook?
Recently, the AC adapter's power jack, which is inserted into the the notebook burned. I bought a new AC adapter. The same thing happened.
I called Compaq they charge $45 bucks to get advise on how to fix the problem. ADVISE not including labor plus parts.
any advice is welcomed.
Just did the speaker wire fix on my compaq presario 2500. The power jack broke on mine twice before I decieded to fix it right. The speaker wire fix really is the best! AND CRAZY CHEAP! I guess I only fixed it with another jack the first time it broke because I didn't want the laptop to have that cord coming out of it, but now I don't even notice it. Actually I kind of like it. It's like it has tail.
Speaker wire fix... best way to go.
Few days ago I fixed my compaq at 800tech.com ! Simply the best service ever! Thank You all for pointing that out!
I also have a Compaq Presario 2100. As I type this it is disassembled right in front of me as I figure out how I'm goint to fix this. Any info on how to resolder the AC Jack?
A tip for laptop owners. After trashing two Toshiba laptops due to continual problems with the DC power plug connection, I discovered a quick, cheap ($6) fix that is being offered on ebay. It won't repair existing problems but it will prevent future problems by simply removing the stress put on the DC cord that eventually cracks the solder on the mother board or prevents good contact within the connector itself. Suggest that laptop owners consider this investment to prevent an expensive repair later. It is adaptable to any laptop/notebook and can be viewed at ebay by querying "DC power jack protector".
HP's and Compaq's are the highest on the list for repairs in our shop..Everything from Field Effect transistors, Shorting open or across, To DC jack's and the solder joints where the connect through-hole in the systembards. These are #1 For failure just to let you know upfront. The problem is Poor design. In the first place engineering and R&D should have foreseen this issue prior to failure. Compaq's and HP's have and are going to continue to have this issue until they revamp, Do a little more research regarding input draw from adapters and the relevant heat dessipation issue. Most of the new ZX,ZV,ZD as well as their twin or "sister" (Renamed)..models will fail guaranteed within 4 month's of warranty expiration. We have a new design going out and it is currently going to end up in litigation as I designed the adapter and interface for the new I-Book and the "Magsafe" Connector but it was robbed by us. Anyone that needs help buzz us we are busy but we do like our customers.. HP Will be in Class action litigation before its all said and done and I am literally sorry for anyone that bought one of these piles..
I also have had truble with the 2100 it lasted 13 months and the power jack melted down
now we hane a hp M2200 its 9 months old with a melted power jack & hp is giving me a hard time to get it fixed but circut city is fixing it for me after this one I will never buy anouther hp product.
HP IS JUNK DONT BUY IT
I have an HP zv5000 and have a similar problem to some posts here. Randomly shuts down or stops using AC power when plugged in. The only way to charge the battery is turn off the computer and let it charge.
I haven't gotten it fixed yet, but am looking - please let me know if you get yours fixed from this specific problem.
Got my hp pavilion ze1000 series laptop fixed by 800 Tech Corporation. Found the link on this blog. I'm VERY happy with the repair. Took a little bit longer then 24 hrs to repair it, but the fact is still the same, they are the best!
Hi there, I am from Australia (anyone else on this forum from downunder?) I have a Compaq Presario r3205 and am having the same power supply issues with the unit I paid top dollar for only 18 months ago. It started just after the unit came out of warranty :-( typical. I have been in touch with HP and all they seem to tell me is to have a "blessed day". The unit will only work on battery power and wont charge up while it is turned on. It's an absolute piece of crap and it is now my mission to make sure as many people as possible know what a dodgy company Compaq and HP is.
Right I hate power cords.
The angled ones put too much strain on the plastic overing nearest the plug itself, how do I know this? Lost two cords due to it.
I just recently got a stright universal adapter (with a changeable plug) and low and behold the plastic tip on the insert cable melted today.
So once again. I hate power cords. Isn't there an easier way to keep your notebook powered up?
Another great comment for http://www.800tech.com
THANKKKK YOUUUU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GREAT WORK! My company will always use your service. A +++
Funny thing is that we are in the same city and I found your link HERE on this msgs board!
""""Another great comment for http://www.800tech.com
THANKKKK YOUUUU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GREAT WORK! My company will always use your service. A +++
Funny thing is that we are in the same city and I found your link HERE on this msgs board!
http://www.UltraRev.com""""""""""""
THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GO IS TO GET THE WARRANTY PASS FROM THEM... SPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE MULTIPLE NOTEBOOKS. Even Though I hate my Compaq Notebooks, I still bought the coverage for them! When it comes to COMPAQ it's better be save then SORRY!!! Just what I think!
Just a note from the sidelines here i have a presario 2100 since feb of 2003 when i went over seas to the war. great pc for my needs through the war and all during my school after the war recently ive had power problems i figured it was the connector broken loose from the mother board and was looking for a fix. as a student with limited funds i couldn't afford to have a pro fix it so i opened up the 2100 and found that a connector on the power plug had a solder point that wasn't getting a good connection so i did some soldering and Bammm my Notebook is back up and running that has been two weeks ago and counting.
Thanks to John for providing he following site for the 2100 manual in his previous posts your my hero John.......
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/bph08402.pdf
Jess
Looking for help....Notebook will not start
Compaq Presario 2100 notebook won't power ON.
1. AC adapter connected to notebook.
2. Adapter Green LED ON.
3. All notebook LEDs OFF.
4. No start up when start buttom is pushed.
Notebook is now disassemblied for troubleshooting.
I believe the notebook is getting voltage at connector! Have not verified yet if the voltage is present beyond the connector.
WHERE CAN I FIND A SCHEMATIC SO I CAN TRACE CIRCUIT VOLTAGES?
Tks,
Roger
I have a laptop ze4145 for 4 yrs now. The power cord housing on the back of the laptop has gotten a bit loose and now the laptop will not recieve power for the batery unless i push hard on the cord aqgainst the actual laptop. I was told that HP designed the product where the power cord housing is attached to the mother board. So two options are available, 1 replace entire mother board or 2 open the machine and sauder the housing to the mother board. Wouldnt this be a defect in manufacturing? Its like having the tire assembly for your car hooked to the motor and going to your mechanic and the mechanic tell you your tire is flat you need to get a new motor. How the hell can a company get away with this.
my compaq presario 1200z computer dropped now the cd drive doesnt work,where can i find a place to bring itfor repair?
Don't feel alone.
I have a Gateway M520 Laptop and a Compaq laptop with power conector issues. At least the Compaq did not catch fire like my Gateway AKA Getaway and stay away.
hi- After coming across this site for the first time- I am passing on this story and contact for what solved my problem on my COmpaq 2188cl.
I , too had the connector problem on the AC adapter. Ended up getting a new connector soldered in AND EPOXIED as well. this has held up for over two years now. it wasnt cheap but Ill either rip the motherboard from the connector before it breaks..
ALso experienced a connector break in the motherboard which led to a dreaded hard drive error. I could not save what i lost- yeh yeh back up back up- . well anyway
the best place i found for repair on my laptop was a place called VICs in houston, cause its close for me- they charge only one price $195.00
what ever the problem is, unless in my case a hardrive- which did not cost me a dime for that diagnosis.
they at least stood behind their work and warranty as well- only 90 days.
here is the site- good luck.
Mike
If it is the Powerjack Problem then you may be in luck.
I have been repairing this problem for a few years now.
If you hold the jack to left or right and hold it there it boots up
Then this is the Problem. The entire laptop need to be stripped,
Soldered and rebuilt. usually when i do the repair i epoxy bond
the Jack to the motherboard. If you need any further help etc.
Reply to this post.
COMPAQ PRESARIO R3000 - BROKEN POWER JACK...
Ok, these power jack problems are annoying! I fixed mine today and I will give you all the scoop so you can fix yours too. I started by chatting with HP and that did NO GOOD! They told me to take it to Best Buy or Radio Trash. I did what ever six year old does... I took it apart myself. You start by removing all the screws from the bottom of the computer. One by one try to mark down what hole gets a long one, and which gets a short one. Then flip over the computer and pop off the top piece above the keyboard. It's delicate so be carefull and DON'T PRY TOO HARD! If it doesn't come there are still more screws; it will unclip. After that is removed, remove the four screws holding the keyboard in place and remove the keys. There will be a ribbon connecting the keys to the mother board. Move the brown clip forward and it will release. Keep unscrewing until you can free the motherboard from the caseing. Once it is free enough to operate on the power jack, grab your sodering iron. The middle pin of the power jack is the one you need to soder in most cases. Put a drop of sodder on the middle pin and then put the computer back together the same way you took it apart. BE SURE TO REMEMBER HOW YOU TOOK IT APART! WRITE NOTES IF YOU HAVE TO. Once the computer is back together and all clips are plugged back in, the computer will function as it should without paying tons of money for a new motherboard. Easy but time consuming. Took me about 2-3 hours. Email me with any questions I'll help you the best I can. It worked for me... no help from HP.
~Chris
Comments on this entry are closed
Previous: Gillette.com contact form | Main | Next: Store entrance sign
How often does the average person plug the cord into the laptop in that direction? I know that most times I plug mine in, the laptop is already flat on the desk and that orientation would not be possible.
Additionally, having the bend in the cord gives the plug a better chance of not being pulled out. When applying any force away from the computer, pressure is applied sidewards inside the jack and helps to keep things in place. You don't get the same effect from a straight plug.
And unless you're plugging it in like you show in your picture and then applying considerable downward force, you know as well as the rest of us that you're not going to damage the cord, plug or jack.
My 2 cents.
Posted by: Aaron at March 10, 2004 11:26 AM