Big computer problem

[God-I-Suck]

Alright, so I am on a different computer right now. My original laptop will not turn on. I was just on it today, then it just suddenly shut off out of nowhere. I tried to turn in back on but there are no lights or anything. The computer was charged too. I've tried some things I read on the internet, but still no luck. Please help me fellow S.O. buddies!

Some information:

The laptop is a Gateway. (Not sure what model)
I had the computer for about 3 or more years.
I in no way damaged the laptop.
The laptop rests on the bed and occasionally gets hot, but never too hot.
The only thing I was doing when it shut off was I was watching Youtube.


Please help me!

[EpicPhailure]

Does the screen flicker or something when you try to turn it on? Or does pressing the power button completely fails to do anything?

[Mr Pwnage]

Well from what I just read I can think of over 300 things that could be wrong with it. There would be no real practical way to assess a situation like that other than taking it to the retailer you got it from and having them check it out. Hopefully your warranty hasn't expired?

[ARTgames]

this is something that is a lot easier if some one could be there. ask some one local.

[God-I-Suck]

@EpicPhail

The whole screen just remains black, no effect at all.

@Mr Pwnage

I might go have my dad send it to someone for help, I'm pretty sure the warranty has expired though, ha.

[Seifer]

Since no lights flicker or anything it's not a Software problem. It's hardware. Specifically your Power Supply. I don't know much about laptops, but it would have to have one. And it's not the battery, as it runs without one plugged in.

Anyway, if your CPU or Vid card or memory were fried, it would still power up, you just wouldent be able to get past Bios.

Unfortunatly this means it probably isn't an easy fix. Most likely you need a part replaced. You could hope it was just an over heating issue, but if you've left it alone for a bit and still no luck, that wont be the case.

The only advice I can give is for you to try powering it up in different ways. Take out battery, try it. Try it with only battery, not plugged in. You could also unscrew the bottom and just look it over to make sure something very obvious hasn't happend, and while your there you could clean out the fan incase it's so clogged that it can't even run...

Anyway, if after trying to run it in different ways doesen't work, your hooped and you will need a part replaced.

[yottabyte]

About the same thing happened to my sister about a year ago. The motherboard got overheated and it crashed (probably because she had tons of dust around it). It's just a pile of crap now. Acer won't do anything, they're assholes.

I can't help you. First of all ask someone you know that's into computer stuff, if that person can't help you, report it to gateway. If they're like Acer they will prolly send it to Germany, look at it, send it back telling whats wrong along with a $150 bill.

[Lingus]

You could also unscrew the bottom and just look it over to make sure something very obvious hasn't happend, and while your there you could clean out the fan incase it's so clogged that it can't even run...

Only do this if the warranty is expired. Otherwise you will void it. In general, unless you know what you're doing, don't open a computer. Especially a laptop.

But other than that, I agree with Seifer. Sounds like the power supply. That or possibly the battery. You never know with these things.

[Seifer]

I assumed the warranty was up, else he could just send it it. Ps, if your warranty IS over, don't send it in. Usually the rates of repair post-warranty are so inflated that you would be better off buying a new laptop for roughly the same price.

And It can't be a battery issue lingus, unless the battery is malfunctioned and hindering the Laptop. Elsewise though, if it was the battery it would still run fine with a power cord.

[Lingus]

And It can't be a battery issue lingus, unless the battery is malfunctioned and hindering the Laptop. Elsewise though, if it was the battery it would still run fine with a power cord.[/color]

That's what I was going for. It's a long shot, but still a possibility. It's possible the battery is screwed as well as the power cord. If it were both, the laptop wouldn't power on regardless of what you do. Replacing the power cord would be a good test... but might be pricey. Though, less pricey than replacing the battery or power supply.

[God-I-Suck]

Well, I got a new computer on Sunday.. My old computer's motherboard was fried. Too bad I'm gonna have to get all my stuff back, some items are unattainable, though. ):

[yottabyte]

That's too bad GIS.  :( You could try to put your old hdd in your new pc. I think  :-X







....but I was right about the motherboard  :P