Laptop Freezes when AC is plugged in

[Rhysfire]

Does anyone know what might be the problem? Burnt out fuse? Up to a couple days ago I usually plugged the ac power cord into my laptop whenever I used it (frequent) and unplugged it when at night. Now whenever I try and plug the power cord in, the laptop freezes at start up and I have to actually UNPLUG the cord and restart (using the button) and can only access windows in Safe mode (again without the power cord and running only on battery).

Basically after two hours or so the laptop goes kaput. I can recharge the thing (plug the cord) but it has to be off and can't be used. It's like the laptop got lazy. Haha Anyone have any idea on why it refuses to work while plugged in any more?

It's a Dell Inspiron 1150 (a couple years old).

Thanks!
Mary
(smeagollum@sbcglobal.net)

[classfour]

It might be the power supply board. Other than that:

Battery.

Motherboard.

I hate hearing that - I have an Inspiron 1150 - ouch! I don't leave it
plugged in, instead relying on "exercising" the battery each month.

Since these don't have feet (one part of the Dell design that I don't like)
to stand them on (I use a laptop cooler to get my Dells off the desk for
cooling and as a buffer), you may want to re-seat the RAM; it may have
come loose. Be certain to ground yourself before touching a screwdriver
to the small screw (bottom, turn the laptop over) on the RAM compartment.
Ease the two retainers out - the RAM will then pop up - then ease it back
in until it "clicks".

[Rhysfire]

Hi Classfour,

Thanks for replying. I'm using it now (in Safe Mode) and on the battery (after allowing it to be charged). It won't work at all with it plugged in. I'm guessing I blew some fuse or something. Also, I did change the Hard drive at one point four months ago. But aside from that, it's fine. Could it be an overheating thing? I don't have a laptop cooler.

But yes, I'll try reseating the RAM. Small question, any tips on where it might be? You've helped a lot, just sorta of not-an-expert hehe. I'll need to open the bottom completely? I went half way before getting nervous and changing my mind.

Thanks again,
Mary

[redwudz]

The RAM is usually in a compartment about 2" X 3" nearer the center of most laptops with just one or two screws holding the cover in place.

You power supply might have partially failed, even though it's charging the battery. That would be better than the internal regulator board failing. Or the battery or battery connector may be the problem. Too many possibilities just to guess. But I doubt it's a fuse or it just wouldn't work.

[classfour]

Inspiron 1150: RAM "door" is almost dead center - slightly to the DVD bay side (the one under the dvd drive is not it).

One screw, then it slides to the rear - I believe. It doesn't pop up like the one on the 600M (another Dell that I have).

redwudz is right about the internal regulator board - I had one crap out on a Presario - MOBO was next. Won't buy any more HP products because of that one: HP bought Compaq, but wouldn't even offer any tech support on their products.