m115-3094 - problem with AC adapter or something else?

Hello all. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Here is the deal:

A little over one week ago I bought a used M115-s3094. Seller represented it was in good shape, working, etc. However, computer didn't come with an AC adapter, so I bought one on fleabay.

FF to today. AC adapter finally arrives from hong kong, I plug it into the laptop, everything seems to be working fine. From what I understand the battery is dead and will not hold a charge. The laptop was running on power coming from the AC adapter. All lights were on saying as much. Anyhow, I start to install xp and after about two hours (i was in and out) or so I come back in and the laptop is shut down and all lights are off.

Now I try plugging the ac adapter in and get nothing. No lights, no power, nada. I press power and the battery light blinks. I am calling upon the experts here to help me diagnose. Tomorrow will be the 7th day of having this laptop. I have exactly 7 days to file a return receipt with the vendor I bought from. I would like some guidance as to whether this sounds like an ac adapter or something else (perhaps more sinister). Here are some stats on the laptop and the ac adapter, if it helps:



From auction:
AC Adapter X 1
US Standard Power Cord X 1
BRAND NEW Replacement AC Power Adaptor.
Power your Laptop with this excellent AC Adaptor.
Plug Size: 6.5*3.0/12mm
Input: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz (Auto-Detect International Compatible)
Output: 15V 5A 75W
(Also listed my laptop model as compatible)

From Toshiba website:
Power Supply
• 75W (15V x 5A) Auto sensing external AC Adapter, 100-240V / 50-
60Hz frequency (Universal) input.
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 5.04” (128.0mm) x 1.22” (31.0mm) x 2.01”
(51.0mm)
• Weight: starting at 0.82 lb (370 g)

I really appreciate all the advice anyone could offer. I am not very savvy with this stuff and need to make a decision pretty quick. Thanks again!!!

 

The adapter appears to be perfectly compatible. Unfortunately I can't guide you much past that because the symptoms of a bad adapter are exactly the same as the symptoms of a bad laptop.

To boot, it is not normal for a battery to stop charging within say... 4 - 8 years! So I would say there is a larger problem with the laptops power regulation, which was responsible for the death of the battery.

I would return this laptop immediately!!! Also, not buy from that vendor, if you have that option. No reputable vendor will sell you a laptop with no working battery and AC adapter.

I'm curious, how much did you pay for this??

Remember this is all my opinion, but I hope it helps. Good luck with everything.

 

Thanks gregory. I assume the battery is totally dead an no charge, but I never got windows fully installed to see if it was taking a charge. I make this assumption b/c in the auction, he stated the laptop didn't even come with a battery. I bought it on ebay, from a guy who sells surplus govt laptops and such. Paid, with taxes, shipping and everything, around 275.

One more thing, the light on the AC adapter still lights up when I plug it in, I just don't get any response from the laptop when I plug it in...