Repaired a laptop/notebook computer today. It had suffered one of the most common issues - a careless User!

First the cable from the power supply breaks where it hangs down from the connector. The User discovers that if they wiggle the connector and cable about, they can get it to work... for a while. Big mistake, as repairing the lead is (usually) relatively easy. Not repairing it pronto, and using the "wiggle technique" to keep it going, well that risks shorting out the power supply, or damaging the connector inside the computer.

For this one, after much wiggling of the connector, they'd eventually replaced the power supply. It didn't work (because the connector inside had been broken), so they tried another power supply. Still wouldn't work. They tried to open it up and look inside. I could tell this from the marked screws... well, those that they put back! They gave up at this stage, and passed it on to an IT colleague from work.

There's a knack to taking these apart. First disconnect the power - that includes removing the battery. The problem then, is being able to locate all the screws. Numerous will be hidden under awkward covers, and/or the keyboard. Then there's a lot of care required in tackling the various connectors, some are very fragile.

Fitted an alternative connector to the case, and soldered the leads to it. Whilst it was apart, I gave the thing a good clean out, removing loads of crumbs, dust/fluff, and some pet hairs too. It should run a bit cooler now!