Hi there,

I'm new to this section. This is the first time I have had a problem with my laptop. I have a Dell Vostro 1000. Running Windows ME. I'm not sure if this information is necessary. But I'm having an issue. I plug the laptop into the power supply and that into the wall. It only works 50% of the time. I assume there is a short somewhere... Is there a way to pinpoint the problem? I know its not the outlet that I am using... it's done this all over the house...

Either this is due to a faulty cable (some wire makes a bad contact) or the power receptical is faulty or makes a bad contact.

Start with getting a replacement cable at any computer store or other electronic applicance outlet. If you take your laptop with you, you do not even have to buy a cable "you can test it out there.
If it is not the cable, bring your laptop to a service point for laptop repair, as in that case the problem will surely increase in the future.

Success

I cannot afford any of that at the moment... is there a way I can find the problem in the existing one and fix it?

It's only three months old.

It's likely in the side that plugs into the computer within a few inches of that end.

While monitoring the charging lamp flex the cord slightly with your fingers and watch the charging lamp. You should be able to locate the break/short.

That done. I've used plugs and connectors with short wires attached from Radio Shack and made repairs soldering and using heat shrink tubing. You MUST pay attention to polarity.

I cannot afford any of that at the moment...is there a way I can find the problem in the existing one and fix it?

It's only three months old.

A three month old PC with Win ME on it?? That doesn't make sense. But if it is 3 months old, then it should be under warranty. Call Dell and ask them to send you a replacement A/C adapter.

Anything with Windows ME on it doesn't make any sense.

Anything with Windows ME on it doesn't make any sense.

True that

I replaced XP with ME..

And I will look for the warranty papers..

I replaced XP with ME..

WHY in heaven's name would you do something as inane as that? That's like hitching up a horse to pull an automobile.

Win ME was the worst version of Windows ever. I refuse to put it on any machine I work with.

WHY in heaven's name would you do something as inane as that?? That's like hitching up a horse to pull an automobile.

Win ME was the worst version of Windows ever. I refuse to put it on any machine I work with.

I need to double-check this... I know I had my boyfriend replace Windows something with Windows something else... I'll have to look into it.

We replaced ME with XP...

Well that goes back a 3 month old computer coming with Me on it. What I suspect is it came with Vista and he put XP on it. That would make a sort of sense.

Nope, it had ME on it...