A laptop's power connector may be fortified with solder.
The power connector inside a laptop is the DC power jack where you plug in the power cord. Over time, the connector may become loose and unable to receive power from the wall outlet, or to supply power to the motherboard. In order to fix the connector, you will have to take apart your laptop to access the DC power jack attached to the motherboard. The process of disassembling a laptop depends on manufacturer and model; refer to your documentation for instructions on taking apart the laptop.
Instructions
1. Disassemble your laptop. You will need to access the motherboard, and therefore have to take apart the computer, and remove all internal components blocking access. Remove the display assembly, keyboard panel, optical drives, internal expansion cards (video and wi-fi) and hard disk drive. Follow manufacturer recommended procedures, and be organized. Store screws and small parts in small containers.
2. Locate the power connector on the motherboard -- a small rectangular box with metallic walls. Check whether you can detach it without having to take the motherboard out of the laptop's base; you will have to maneuver the motherboard, or take it out completely, to access the power connector.
3. De-solder the three points of contact between the connector and the motherboard. Add fresh solder to loosen a contact, and as you heat it, use a de-soldering pump to remove as much solder from it as possible. Do the same for all three contacts.
4. Remove the connector from the motherboard. Firmly hold the metal casing between two fingers, and try to dislodge it by slowly moving it from side to side. The connector will not come off easily because there will still be some solder holding the contacts to motherboard traces. As you work to loosen the connector, use the other hand to keep heating the contacts one-by-one. Do not apply too much force, and continue the process until the connector is completely detached.
5. Clean contacts on the connector. Use a sharp-edged tool and gently chip away deposits from the metal protrusions, and then apply solder over each contact. Heat up the soldering iron and apply an appropriate amount of solder to all contacts.
6. Clean the terminal on the motherboard. Use a small toothbrush and an alcohol solution to scrub the area where you removed the connector. Clean the terminals dry and make sure you do not leave excess fluid on the motherboard.
7. Apply solder to all terminals on each side of the motherboard, and reattach the connector. Connect the contacts to the terminals and apply a fresh layer of solder to each of the contacts to permanently attach the connector to the motherboard. Wait for the solder to dry, and gently raise the motherboard to check whether the connector is firmly attached. It if comes off, or wobbles, apply solder until it makes a firm attachment.
8. Assemble the laptop. Place the motherboard in the base and reattach all internal components, referring to documentation for order and instructions. Make sure you have no leftover pieces. Connect the power cord to the reinforced connector and switch on the laptop.
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