The power plug (the end that goes into the laptop) broke off inside the socket, and at the moment is working fine when you take the broken plug and kinda sorta rock it inside the socket so it connects with the rest of the plug. When we do it that way it won't stick - it's a fragile connection and bumping the computer will mis-align the pieces, causing sparks.

We'd like to take the broken piece out and try to carve the plastic socket a little so the new power cord we got will fit. After trying to take apart the back of the laptop and attack the broken plug from the inside, there's a small plastic box that surrounds where the plug goes in, and I wasn't so sure we should take that apart or not - there weren't any screws so we'd have to break the plastic I think.

What are some other ways to fix the problem?

8/1/2008 11:09:04 AM

LOL

8/1/2008 11:26:49 AM

^^put it back in the box, never touch it or any other electronic device again, and go live in the woods

or you could always hardwire the power plug into the laptop... that would be safe lol

8/1/2008 11:30:54 AM

Not exactly sure what you're asking, but if it's like I'm imagining, I'd replace the broken plug with a replacement part and try some small tweezers or something to remove the bits from the socket that are left behind before ripping it apart. Bad->worse, carefully open the plastic housing with a knife or similar precision cutting tool.

8/1/2008 11:35:11 AM

Sadly, this makes me a little happy inside. Never seen this happen...

Then again, Gateway can come up with creative ways to cut corners....

8/1/2008 2:09:01 PM

The first laptop i ever had was a gateway and had this same problem..

Quote :

"there weren't any screws so we'd have to break the plastic I think."

this statement makes me think you need to not fuck with it.

8/1/2008 2:56:08 PM

Pics?

8/1/2008 3:57:26 PM

8/1/2008 6:21:11 PM

My brother thinks this is bad ass.

8/1/2008 6:22:47 PM

Quote :

"there weren't any screws so we'd have to break the plastic I think"

The screws are hidden under labels and rubber feet and sometimes little glued on pieces of plastic that almost perfectly conform to the case. The intent is that you won't take the thing apart.

8/1/2008 6:37:01 PM

wow... should have asked someone who knew what they were doing before you tackled the project or give it away and buy a new pc. It's tax free weekend...

Btw, looks like that socket had a horrible electrical shortage and fire damage...

8/1/2008 7:25:52 PM

^ Yeah it did...

Sux2Bpoor on tax free weekend.

8/1/2008 11:07:35 PM

I'm sorry to do it , but this pic applies here.

8/2/2008 12:27:53 PM

The connector needs to be completely replaced, and that requires 1: a new connector and 2: soldering and desoldering ability. That's if there hasn't been damaged to the motherboard from all the "rocking it around" you've been doing.

I'll be glad to take a look at it and give you a quote for repair, generally I'd charge $75 for a repair like this where the whole jack needs to be replaced and resoldered. You'd be looking at a 24-hour turnaround time if I have the proper jack here, which I most likely do.

8/4/2008 6:27:17 PM

I had it done on a dell for $35 same as ^ is offering

8/4/2008 9:02:44 PM

On a Dell I'd do it cheaper, since they disassemble in all of 5 minutes and parts cost nothing.

That machine's going to need a full replacement though, not just a quick broken solder joint fix. Less than $75 and its not worth the time.

8/4/2008 9:32:32 PM