0
So, I was using my laptop, which is indeed pretty old (Got it in '07). (As soon as I got it I replaced Windows Vista with XP.) Now, all of a sudden the computer powered off. The battery was almost dead when this happened. So, I plugged it in to charge it, and it has been charging for over 6 hours.
Atlas, I went to turn it on, and the power light turns on for a second, then goes off. Nothing ever happens.
I am assuming this is a battery problem, if so how would I go about replacing it? Also, if this could be something else I would be pleased to hear any suggestions. Thanks.
EDIT
See here: http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Li-ion-battery-Latitude-Laptops/dp/B0011X5I7U
1The dust inside the fan correct? – Josiah – 2012-12-26T02:58:03.870
Dust can get into the fan and that can degrade the fan but also heat can also get on the fins of the heatsink causing the dissipation of the heat to reduce. – icebox3d – 2012-12-26T02:59:55.863
And no, I do not have a second charger. – Josiah – 2012-12-26T03:00:44.930
So let me get this straight. You suggest I clean out the fan, look for damaged parts (If I can locate any). However it is quite possible that the battery died. – Josiah – 2012-12-26T03:02:03.340
Yes or the charger could be dead. However based on the age of the laptop heat can also be a factor in causing the problem. – icebox3d – 2012-12-26T03:03:41.683
True. Since I was playing Minecraft and for this machine that is pretty graphic intensive. – Josiah – 2012-12-26T03:04:09.850
Oh, but the light on the battery box is on, if that means anything. – Josiah – 2012-12-26T03:04:44.547
If you where playing Minecraft then I think that heat could be the factor. If the battery light is on then it could be charging however if the battery is dead it might not be taking the charge. – icebox3d – 2012-12-26T03:04:53.977
Yeah, but what part would it have effected. The hard drive? The fan broke? – Josiah – 2012-12-26T03:05:46.327
It could be the power system in the laptop – icebox3d – 2012-12-26T03:06:36.050
So how should I fix it. Simply getting a battery won't help will it. Or do you mean the heat damaged the battery, which seems unlikely. – Josiah – 2012-12-26T03:07:32.647
I am thinking that the heat could have damaged the power system on the laptop. It might have to be sent for repairs at Dell or an authorized repair center but due to the age I am not sure if they would repair it. – icebox3d – 2012-12-26T03:08:42.120
I doubt they could. Warrenty isn't valid, it's really old, and I got this refurbished. But not from Dell I believe. – Josiah – 2012-12-26T03:09:20.780
It might sound odd but I would also try this. Remove the battery and unplug the charger. Leave the laptop overnight and try it when you wake up. Sometimes that fixes problems with starting it. – icebox3d – 2012-12-26T03:09:25.067
Just a note on the battery... you don't need it in the unit to operate the unit. I'm not speaking generically in this case... I'm speaking specifically of the Latitude D630. Under optimal conditions, you can remove the battery, plug the adapter into the unit, turn it on and use it just fine. Thus... if your issue were being caused by the battery, you could determine this by removing it, plugging it in, and powering it on. If it runs fine, you are correct in your assumption that it is the battery. Otherwise, if the problem persists, you should look elsewhere (as suggested). – Bon Gart – 2012-12-26T03:24:42.153
Well, as icebox3d suggested, removing the battery, and leaving the computer overnight did solve the problem. However, I would still like to know why that happened. If anyone knows why, let me know. Thanks a lot guys! – Josiah – 2012-12-26T15:51:03.613
Well, I think it allows all the capacitors to fully discharge. – icebox3d – 2012-12-26T16:54:35.780
@icebox3d. Okay, good to know. Thanks for your help. It is working for now. But I do not plan to play Minecraft on it anyway. (It's funny really. I almost never play games, but the one time I do, it almost breaks my laptop. Go figure.) – Josiah – 2012-12-27T02:39:31.370
Yeah Minecraft is a heavy game both game and server side. I have a few E3s that cry when running MC servers :3 – icebox3d – 2012-12-27T06:20:20.383