Battery or Power Cord Issue?

I have owned a HP Compaq Presario R3000 for over three years now, and I must say it's been a great computer. I use it every single day for at least 3 hours and, while it has given me problems, there have been none that have not been fixable or that have not somehow fixed themselves (literally).

Here's my problem, which started about six months ago. When I plug the power cord in to charge, the battery icon sometimes appears as if it is not charging. However, if I wiggle the power cord where it is plugged into the computer, the battery will start charging. Sometimes it takes a lot of wiggling of the power cord, but eventually it will happen.

After speaking with someone at a local computer store, it was suggested that perhaps my power cord was not locking into the computer, thus I might need a new power cord. I ordred a new power cord through HP, but the probem continues. If I wiggle the power cord where plugged into the computer, it will eventually make the connection, and then charge up all the way.

However, someone else suggested that it could be a battery problem instead- that the battery is simply not receivng the charge. I have never bought a new battery, my battery is something like 2 hours and willl generaly stay charged- it's just getting it charged that's seems to be the problem.

I don't know whether to ascertain if it's the battery or the connecter on the computer where the power cord goes into. Has anyone with Compaq Presarios had this problem? What are your suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Susan L

 

Thats definitely a classic case of the DC connector jack becoming loose. Older HPs and some other PC manufacturers have the DC power connector jack soldered right on to the motherboard. Over time disconnecting, reconnecting, and even moving the computer while it is plugged in will create stress on the jack and cause the solder points to break and disconnect. Newer HPs and others have the power jack on a separate board that is built to withstand the stress and is more reinforced.

Take it to another local computer repair shop. One that has a good reputation. Not the one you went to already. They should have recognized it immediately. They should be able to solder the jack back into place. It shouldn't cost more than whatever they charge for an hour of labor. Some repair shops even have a special lower fee for this kind of repair since it is so common on older laptops. You'll want to get it done before too much time passes though, because eventually it will start to break away more and wiggling it around to make the connection always presents the risk of shock and shorting out the motherboard. Better to pay $60 to get it repaired than several hundred for a new motherboard or computer

 

Thank you! I will find a local computer shop right away!

Thanks, again!