Need computer help: laptop is plugged in but running from bat power and not charging?

Hi all you computer-whizes!

I've got a little problem with my Toshiba Satellite A210 laptop that is about 9 months old. I went outside to play with the kids today and left my laptop on to download something. It was plugged in and running from AC power when I left. When I got back I noticed that the little AC light was off and that it was only running on battery power even though it was plugged in.

The charger isn't warm either. Usually when the laptop is plugged in and charging / running from AC power it gets a little warm.

What could be the problem here?? Power adaptor, battery, motherboard??

I tried calling the Warranty hotline but they are already closed, so I will have to call when I get back home from vacation on Friday. Just wondering if any of you have a clue

Oh, also...I powered down the laptop, took out the battery and tried to run it only on the AC Power, but it wouldn't even turn on

 

I'd look to the charger first of all - they can die. It should be covered by your warranty That said there is something you can do to check - I used to work in a little computer shop and we had a tool that could test if a charger was actually working and generating power. Try a computer shop or electrical shop, take it along and see if they can tell you if it actually is working

 

Thanks so much suek!!

That's what I was thinking too, but I just wanted to be sure because I'm not too well versed in computers and don't really know what I'm doing besides surfing the internet, writing emails, and playing in photoshop!

Luckily I still have my 5+ year old Dell laptop that I can use in the meantime. I am leaving on vacation on Monday morning at 6 am so I won't have a chance to call next week until Friday if I get home soon enough...if not I have to wait until the week after.

I want them to pay for the charger before I go out and buy another!

 

Of course it could be something more sinister - charging circuits in the laptops themselves can go (usually when laptops are used on the mains all the time and not well ventilated, things can get far too hot).

But yes, try and get the charger tested first of all Where did you buy the laptop from? If it's a retail brick & mortar shop perhaps you could pop along and get them to test it?

 

I have run into this twice with my toshiba, both times were after a power outage (and quick restore, almost split second like) reinserting the adapter would get it it switch to AC use again.

 

Suek, I bought the laptop from Amazon so I can't really take it to the store, but I will head to a computer shop today and see if they can check the charger.

Bat, I unplugged it, replugged it, used a different outlet, etc and nothing worked.