Laptop Charging Problem

Goliath · 10-17-2006, 03:07 PM

So I have an HP Pavilion ZE2000 laptop that I use for random tasks, I've had it about a year and I never really even travel with it.

Just recently I noticed the battery icon was up in the taskbar, showing me that it had 98% left or whatever. I looked and the charger wasn't plugged in. So I plugged it back in and it didn't see it, and the battery just kept tickin away. I've tried different sockets, restarting, shutting down, and it just keeps ticking down.

How do I know what's wrong? Is it the battery itself or the charger? How could this happen randomly? Are the wires in the battery charger cords very delicate? Could I have broken in that way? (Sometimes my GF lays the laptop on the cord and it bends it and I have to slap her into place).

Any input would help, I'm not too experienced with laptops and I cannot even find the charger anywhere on the internet. All I can find is car chargers, or do those also plug into outlets?

Thanks guys

Fender · 10-17-2006, 05:39 PM

Does the charger have a LED or anything on it? I knew my first Dell charger had given up the ghost because the little green light wouldn't turn on when plugged in like it's supposed to.

Not sure how HP's website is setup, but they should provide a list of accessories for the laptop model, in this case the ZE2000.

They fuck you on battery chargers like they do with printer ink, btw. Fucking thing was like $75.

Goliath · 10-17-2006, 07:54 PM

The charger doesn't actually have a led on it so I can't tell. I checked HP's site and all they have is batteries, no chargers.

Help me! lol

WarderX · 10-17-2006, 07:58 PM

Happen to have a multimeter layng around? I would see if the cord is working using that first...

Goliath · 10-17-2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarderX

Happen to have a multimeter layng around? I would see if the cord is working using that first...

I do, but I couldn't get it far enough in there to tell. On the charger it does say "Replace with HP Spare 371790-011". It never came with a spare though. I can't find this charger anywhere, does anyone know a good place for them? I tried first few pages of google results =/. Do car chargers normally have outlet spots too?

Would this work? http://www.batterytown.com/product.a...D=pd&src=froog

Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you

Ravvenn · 10-17-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goliath

The charger doesn't actually have a led on it so I can't tell. I checked HP's site and all they have is batteries, no chargers.

Help me! lol

Do not call them. I went through this bullshit with HP. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the dohickey is loose. The problem with that is you can't buy a new dohickey, they want you to replace damn near everything (which buying a new laptop is cheaper). Additionally, if you try to go to someone to repair it they will probably say "no" or they will tell you that they will do it without any warranty because most have contracts with HP.

This was the ZX5000 but I'm willing to bet it's the same thing. Go to some cheap website and buy a new charger. Sometimes you can go up a size and pull it off.

It's probably the charger and not the battery. Don't go through them to get the charger, though. If it is still under warranty, go that way. If not, just buy a new charger. I forgot which company I went through but it arrived in 24 hours and worked fine.

You're lucky yours lasted that long. Thats impressive. From what I have heard from everyone I contacted when this happened, the actual outlet (pluggy hole, whatever it is) will come loose and you have to have it pushed back into place, but no-one would do it and HP wanted to replace the entire MB. I went up slighly on the size of the charger and that worked fine.

HP is a piece of shit. Oh, also - if you allow someone to crack it open, count on your sound light and the pad scroller to no longer work.

Goliath · 10-17-2006, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravvenn

Do not call them. I went through this bullshit with HP. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the dohickey is loose. The problem with that is you can't buy a new dohickey, they want you to replace damn near everything (which buying a new laptop is cheaper). Additionally, if you try to go to someone to repair it they will probably say "no" or they will tell you that they will do it without any warranty because most have contracts with HP.

This was the ZX5000 but I'm willing to bet it's the same thing. Go to some cheap website and buy a new charger. Sometimes you can go up a size and pull it off.

It's probably the charger and not the battery. Don't go through them to get the charger, though. If it is still under warranty, go that way. If not, just buy a new charger. I forgot which company I went through but it arrived in 24 hours and worked fine.

You're lucky yours lasted that long. Thats impressive. From what I have heard from everyone I contacted when this happened, the actual outlet (pluggy hole, whatever it is) will come loose and you have to have it pushed back into place, but no-one would do it and HP wanted to replace the entire MB. I went up slighly on the size of the charger and that worked fine.

HP is a piece of shit. Oh, also - if you allow someone to crack it open, count on your sound light and the pad scroller to no longer work.

Thanks!

Few questions.

What is a dohickey? Are you referring to the outlet hole on the laptop, or the outlet hole on the charger? If the "dohickey" is loose on the laptop and needs to be pushed back in, how will buying a new charger help? Or does going up a size fix it becuase it has more surface area to make that connection? Thanks for the help.

Ravvenn · 10-17-2006, 11:31 PM

The dohickey is the hole the charger plugs into on the laptop. Sorry, I'm not good with names of things so I name them things like; that thing, the dohickey, the thingymabob, that piece of shit, etc...

I'd first try off with a charger, you should be able to go find one based off of the PC type (not looking for the exact same charger). Aim for something generic, too. I'd try a new charger first off, if that doesn't work - exchange it for a size up (only a tiny bit bigger). The wattage thing or whatever they call it (volts?) doesn't matter, I went up and it didn't explode or anything.

I'll try and find the old invoice from where I got mine because it was very cheap and had wicked fast delivery.

Also, I went to Fry's to have them test it and they said it wasn't the plug. They were also full of shit because they used the one from HP (the generic one worked, the one from HP didn't...go figure).

It can be the plug hole or the actual charger (normally that box thing in the middle - I don't know the name of that either).

Anyway, for now - try for something like this: http://www.laptopacadapter.com/hp/?CMP=KNC-LCA-HP-G

Goliath · 10-18-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravvenn

The dohickey is the hole the charger plugs into on the laptop. Sorry, I'm not good with names of things so I name them things like; that thing, the dohickey, the thingymabob, that piece of shit, etc...

I'd first try off with a charger, you should be able to go find one based off of the PC type (not looking for the exact same charger). Aim for something generic, too. I'd try a new charger first off, if that doesn't work - exchange it for a size up (only a tiny bit bigger). The wattage thing or whatever they call it (volts?) doesn't matter, I went up and it didn't explode or anything.

I'll try and find the old invoice from where I got mine because it was very cheap and had wicked fast delivery.

Also, I went to Fry's to have them test it and they said it wasn't the plug. They were also full of shit because they used the one from HP (the generic one worked, the one from HP didn't...go figure).

It can be the plug hole or the actual charger (normally that box thing in the middle - I don't know the name of that either).

Anyway, for now - try for something like this: http://www.laptopacadapter.com/hp/?CMP=KNC-LCA-HP-G

Thanks, how do I know which one will work though? None of them have my model on it (Ze2000), but one does say it works with "ZE" models, so does that mean all? It's this one

http://store.l-f-l.com/cgi-bin/cp-ap...rod&ref=F4600A

I also tested the cord and it's definitely the charger. What a pita, less than a year life out of that sucker.

Boss at work also bought me a Dell laptop (against my wishes), to use at work, and as soon as I load the thing up, of course Dell is the home page, I see "Dell Battery Recall" and I click it and sure enough, the model he bought me is on there.

Pieces of shit.

Jaytee Bushwacker · 10-18-2006, 09:09 PM

If you buy random generic charger make sure it has the same electrical specs or you could fry it. Though if your smart enough to check it with a multi-meter I would think you already knew that.

Sarvius · 10-18-2006, 10:36 PM

The "dohickey" went out on my girlfriend's laptop...she could get it to stay plugged in if she jiggled the cord just right and taped the cord to the bottom. When she went to get it fixed, it worked for about a month then broke again because the guy did a shitty assed sauldering (spelling?) job and charged her $100. He said to replace the actual part (which we were under the assumption that's what he was doing, rather than just fucking around with his sauldering iron...) it would be another $100 since the part was only like 20 cents.

I swear, I should've keyed his car. I don't know that I've ever been so pissed off in my life.

Goliath · 10-20-2006, 01:07 PM

I'm still not exactly sure what to buy. How do I know if it will fit? Would the link I posted a few posts ago work? It says it works for ZE model HP's, but not exact numbers, mine is ZE2000.

Goliath · 10-23-2006, 09:58 AM

Damn I cannot find anything that has the same specs. Mine is 18.5V and 3.5 Amps. The only charger I found that had the "Ze" model on it is 19v and 5 Amps, it is http://store.l-f-l.com/cgi-bin/cp-ap...rod&ref=F4600A

What do I do?

Ravvenn · 10-23-2006, 11:11 AM

Mine is a little off and nothing broke. I don't even remember what I was supposed to get, to be honest. Then again, I am not very computer savvy which makes me stand out when I go in a computer fixy store, it's equal to me going to a car repair shop and say, "It's making noises". I know they will find a way to screw me simply because I don't know what is actually broken.

For this, I heard a story of another girlfriend out there who also had a HP and they fed her the same shit the fed me. I may not know the parts, but I do know when someone is about to try and pull a fast one on me.

Just buy a cheap one that says it works with yours. If it doesn't work, they will end up trying to charge you to 'fix' the computer (that isn't broken) and with the money you will pay, you can go buy yourself a Dell with an extended warranty!

I am positive the plug I got has higher numbers than what the original had (used 2 plugs in less than a year). This one hasn't done anything negative, and has lasted longer than both plugs that came from HP. Once you hit your 3rd plug, the 'pokey hole' will end up loose, when that happens flip the cord under it and tape it!

That should buy you a few months of free time.

If you crack it open, you're screwed. Those suckers are spring loaded so beware.

If that doesn't make sense, I'm sure someone who is better with PC terminology will follow my post and make sense of dohickey, thingy, etc. slang .

I didn't have any luck finding the company I used and they were great, too. Sorry.

Goliath · 10-25-2006, 10:51 AM

Does anyone know if it is 1-2 volts over and 1-2 amps over if it will damage my laptop? I cannot for the life of me find the exact specs of the laptop charger I have that I posted earlier. Does anyone know where I can find those specs? For an HP Pavilion Ze2000? I'm desperate! THanks

10-17-2006, 03:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Goliath Still not the Abyss Join Date: May 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,933	Laptop Charging Problem So I have an HP Pavilion ZE2000 laptop that I use for random tasks, I've had it about a year and I never really even travel with it. Just recently I noticed the battery icon was up in the taskbar, showing me that it had 98% left or whatever. I looked and the charger wasn't plugged in. So I plugged it back in and it didn't see it, and the battery just kept tickin away. I've tried different sockets, restarting, shutting down, and it just keeps ticking down. How do I know what's wrong? Is it the battery itself or the charger? How could this happen randomly? Are the wires in the battery charger cords very delicate? Could I have broken in that way? (Sometimes my GF lays the laptop on the cord and it bends it and I have to slap her into place). Any input would help, I'm not too experienced with laptops and I cannot even find the charger anywhere on the internet. All I can find is car chargers, or do those also plug into outlets? Thanks guys

10-17-2006, 11:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ravvenn Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 1,882 +15 Internets	The dohickey is the hole the charger plugs into on the laptop. Sorry, I'm not good with names of things so I name them things like; that thing, the dohickey, the thingymabob, that piece of shit, etc... I'd first try off with a charger, you should be able to go find one based off of the PC type (not looking for the exact same charger). Aim for something generic, too. I'd try a new charger first off, if that doesn't work - exchange it for a size up (only a tiny bit bigger). The wattage thing or whatever they call it (volts?) doesn't matter, I went up and it didn't explode or anything. I'll try and find the old invoice from where I got mine because it was very cheap and had wicked fast delivery. Also, I went to Fry's to have them test it and they said it wasn't the plug. They were also full of shit because they used the one from HP (the generic one worked, the one from HP didn't...go figure). It can be the plug hole or the actual charger (normally that box thing in the middle - I don't know the name of that either). Anyway, for now - try for something like this: http://www.laptopacadapter.com/hp/?CMP=KNC-LCA-HP-G __________________ Melia

10-18-2006, 09:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jaytee Bushwacker FoH Member with a rod in his pants Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Forest, MS Posts: 243 +0 Internets	If you buy random generic charger make sure it has the same electrical specs or you could fry it. Though if your smart enough to check it with a multi-meter I would think you already knew that. __________________

10-23-2006, 11:11 AM	#14 (permalink)
Ravvenn Administrator Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 1,882 +15 Internets	Mine is a little off and nothing broke. I don't even remember what I was supposed to get, to be honest. Then again, I am not very computer savvy which makes me stand out when I go in a computer fixy store, it's equal to me going to a car repair shop and say, "It's making noises". I know they will find a way to screw me simply because I don't know what is actually broken. For this, I heard a story of another girlfriend out there who also had a HP and they fed her the same shit the fed me. I may not know the parts, but I do know when someone is about to try and pull a fast one on me. Just buy a cheap one that says it works with yours. If it doesn't work, they will end up trying to charge you to 'fix' the computer (that isn't broken) and with the money you will pay, you can go buy yourself a Dell with an extended warranty! I am positive the plug I got has higher numbers than what the original had (used 2 plugs in less than a year). This one hasn't done anything negative, and has lasted longer than both plugs that came from HP. Once you hit your 3rd plug, the 'pokey hole' will end up loose, when that happens flip the cord under it and tape it! That should buy you a few months of free time. If you crack it open, you're screwed. Those suckers are spring loaded so beware. If that doesn't make sense, I'm sure someone who is better with PC terminology will follow my post and make sense of dohickey, thingy, etc. slang . I didn't have any luck finding the company I used and they were great, too. Sorry. __________________ Melia

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

10-17-2006, 05:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Fender Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 303 -1 Internets	Does the charger have a LED or anything on it? I knew my first Dell charger had given up the ghost because the little green light wouldn't turn on when plugged in like it's supposed to. Not sure how HP's website is setup, but they should provide a list of accessories for the laptop model, in this case the ZE2000. They fuck you on battery chargers like they do with printer ink, btw. Fucking thing was like $75.

10-17-2006, 07:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Goliath Still not the Abyss Join Date: May 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,933	The charger doesn't actually have a led on it so I can't tell. I checked HP's site and all they have is batteries, no chargers. Help me! lol

10-17-2006, 07:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
WarderX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,593 +1 Internets	Happen to have a multimeter layng around? I would see if the cord is working using that first...

10-18-2006, 10:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
Sarvius Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Michigan University Posts: 178 +0 Internets	The "dohickey" went out on my girlfriend's laptop...she could get it to stay plugged in if she jiggled the cord just right and taped the cord to the bottom. When she went to get it fixed, it worked for about a month then broke again because the guy did a shitty assed sauldering (spelling?) job and charged her $100. He said to replace the actual part (which we were under the assumption that's what he was doing, rather than just fucking around with his sauldering iron...) it would be another $100 since the part was only like 20 cents. I swear, I should've keyed his car. I don't know that I've ever been so pissed off in my life.

10-20-2006, 01:07 PM	#12 (permalink)
Goliath Still not the Abyss Join Date: May 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,933	I'm still not exactly sure what to buy. How do I know if it will fit? Would the link I posted a few posts ago work? It says it works for ZE model HP's, but not exact numbers, mine is ZE2000.

10-23-2006, 09:58 AM	#13 (permalink)
Goliath Still not the Abyss Join Date: May 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,933	Damn I cannot find anything that has the same specs. Mine is 18.5V and 3.5 Amps. The only charger I found that had the "Ze" model on it is 19v and 5 Amps, it is http://store.l-f-l.com/cgi-bin/cp-ap...rod&ref=F4600A What do I do?

10-25-2006, 10:51 AM	#15 (permalink)
Goliath Still not the Abyss Join Date: May 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,933	Does anyone know if it is 1-2 volts over and 1-2 amps over if it will damage my laptop? I cannot for the life of me find the exact specs of the laptop charger I have that I posted earlier. Does anyone know where I can find those specs? For an HP Pavilion Ze2000? I'm desperate! THanks