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old laptop power problems

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by abuzar1, Sep 1, 2007.

  1. abuzar1

    abuzar1 Senior member

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    So I just got a old Laptop for free and it turns off if I disconnect the AC power cable. I'm guessing the battery is dead, but I was wondering if there might have been some other problem. Oh and where is the best place to get replacement batteries, HP.com doesn't seem to have these. The model number is HP Pavillion ZE 1210(F5398HR).
     
  2. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    if laptop shuts off as soon as you disconnect the external power then it is most likely is your battery is not charged or is dead. do you have or can borrow a volt meter to test the voltage on the battery? laptop specs http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/lpi06427.pdf
     
  3. abuzar1

    abuzar1 Senior member

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    When I take out the battery and press on the status check it shows a 40% charge. I'll try to get a volt meter tonight. The laptop very old and I can't justify spending 130 bucks on a new battery. BTW I'm trying to open up the battery pack so I can check the battery's charge but I'm having some trouble with that, is there any particular way of doing it?
     
  4. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    the pack is sealed so the only way is to cut it open which isn't a good idea.
     
  5. abuzar1

    abuzar1 Senior member

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    Then how do I check the voltage? I'm going to be getting rid of it anyway. Maybe I can get HP to replace it for me if I claim that it burst into flames.
     
  6. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    will be marked on the side of the casing
     
  7. abuzar1

    abuzar1 Senior member

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    How do I use a volt meter without opening it up though? It says 14.8v on the casing.
     
  8. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    there are contacts on the side or end of the battery. how else does the battery get charged up or supply power to the laptop.
     
  9. abuzar1

    abuzar1 Senior member

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    Yeah but they are very thinly spaced, I doubt I could get a reading off them.
     
  10. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    wrap bare single strand wire around the metal probes of the meter with the wire extending out of the probe somewhat like a needle.
     
  11. abuzar1

    abuzar1 Senior member

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    I opened up the battery and it looks like the batteries have been subjected to corrosion. I am guessing they don't work so I am just going to burn them(Cant be safe but it's FIREWORKS). I am just going to use this laptop as a spare PC in one of our guest bedrooms.


    I decided to buy a new Laptop for 100 USD. It is an AMD CPU(2.4 ghz), 60 GB HDD, 512 MB of ram. The guys didn't give more details, but do you think it's a good deal?
     
  12. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    don't burn the batteries but why is the laptop so cheap at $100?
     
  13. abuzar1

    abuzar1 Senior member

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    It's used, and I was just kidding about the batteries. I've seen the video of what happens when you do.
     
  14. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    if no problems with the new used laptop then at that price it is a steal. go for it!!!
     

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