Bringing my old HP back to life

So I have this old ZV5220us laptop that had the infamous power jack problem. Replaced the power jack and still no luck. Eventually the whole thing just died. I suspect the motherboard is fried. I have no real experience with fixing computers. I've been learning as I go along. What I want to do is replace the motherboard and hopefully get this thing back up and running. I'm afraid I'm going to waste my money since I really have no idea what I'm doing. So here are my concerns...

Where can I find a new motherboard that will work with my ZV5220us?
Is there anything I need to know about replacing a motherboard?
Is it likely that this will even fix my laptop (figuring any of you are familiar with these kinds of power jacks problems)?
How much should I expect to pay to replace the motherboard?
Would a new motherboard come with a power jack already on it?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...docname=c00208221&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 

1) eBay is probably your only option...and a slim one probably too.
2) Yes, how to build a computer from scratch.
3) Only for it to break again, and probably sooner rather than later.
4) Several hundred dollars for a working one.
5) Maybe...

Bottom line, is that when the motherboard goes and you're asking how to fix it, it is probably cheaper to purchase a new computer. Take your old hard drive out, put in into a USB enclosure so you still have your data, and move on to a new notebook.

 

I found this on eBay but am not sure if it is what I need...
http://cgi.ebay.com/370493-001-MOTH...7QQihZ006QQcategoryZ80203QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Is it really that tough to replace? I've taken this laptop completely apart and back together probably over a dozen times. Don't I just need to move over the RAM and whatnot?

But anyways, I have a new laptop, my dad just wants me to fix this one up for my younger sister so I thought I'd give it a shot.

 

You have to complete take the thing about. The CPU, RAM, HDD, Disc Drive, fans, heatsinks, LCD screen, and the motherboard comes out of the case after you undo a bunch of stuff. I've done it, but it certainly isn't easy...

 

Well I already have the motherboard removed. I know how to put it all back together. Don't I have most of the work done?

 

Well, if you don't have the 1394 (firewire) port or 5-1 digital media reader, then you have the defeatured board. The one on Ebay says its a "fully-featured" board, so there will be differences which might complicate installation.

 

ebay or newegg are the best places to look for a new motherboard

 

You won't find OEM system boards on NewEgg, notebook or otherwise.

 

On the subject of the "fully featured board", how can I tell if I have the firewire port and the digital media reader. That board seems to be my only option right now.

 

You should be able to see the firewire port and card slot on the side of your laptop. I will assume that you don't have them, as the specs you supplied for your unit did not list them.