Dead computer

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cowchaser

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My laptop went dead on me this week and I was wondering if anyone has some suggestions. It is a Gateway M520. I believe the ac adapter is the culprit, but not totally sure. When I plug it in (the adapter) it makes a beeping noise. Anyone have any suggestions?

I don't want to go out and buy a new adapter if it's not going to work since they are over a hundred bucks. I need on it pretty bad being how my state taxes are on there an I need to get them paid.
 
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Dustin,
I work in the laptop distribution department in the university that I work at. It is my job to sell the older, used equipment. We only have Fujitsu Laptops and the AC connectors get broke all the time.
I recently learned that the beeps might mean some thing, it is some type of code. You might be able to figure it by going to this site http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm
Of course it might be the low battery beep too.
 
First thing I would do is get back in touch with the vendor that sold the computer if that is possible. Next best option is to call or email the Gateway people. No one is going to know more about problems with their computers than they will.

Next thing I would do is visit your local Radio Shack store and see if the adapter is working properly. Printed or molded on the little black box will be some electrical specs including the voltage it should be putting out. Someone at RS should be able to measure the output voltage with a voltmeter and determine whether it is working properly or not.

Another thing you have to consider is it may be the battery that has failed rather than the adapter. Does the beeping tone occur when the adapter is disconnected from the computer or only when it is connected to the computer.

Check your owner's manual and see if you can run your computer on the adapter with the battery out of the computer. My guess is they will recommend against doing this; but if it is possible. This would be another way to figure out whether it is the adapter or the battery.

I have no idea what a new adapter would cost; but I would check out eBay or Amazon.com. You might luck out and find a good deal on a used one. In general, these things are pretty reliable so you should not be afraid to purchase a used one.
 
I just took a quick look on eBay and there are new power adapters available for $25-$30 including shipping.

I also see a lot of replacement power jacks advertised and power jack replacement services offered. Maybe you should give the power jack on your computer a close inspection. Perhaps it might be the problem??
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Dallas, TX................................In Their Memory
 
Originally posted by Randy_

...Next best option is to call or email the Gateway people. No one is going to know more about problems with their computers than they will.
Click to expand...

You would think so, wouldn't you Randy?

I called Gateway with the Serial and model # of an older Gateway desktop. I needed one of the micro-ATX power supplies. They said they had it and it cost me $33 and a weeks time to get it. Wrong supply. I called back and this time, they had no idea what kind of power supply it was I needed. They sent me to an affiliate site where they wanted $75 for that P.S. I got it from NewEgg for $29. So much for Gateway.

cowchaser,
You're saying the adapter is beeping?
 
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