Odd Behaviour

[Garry Russell]

Hi Tony

It's the laptop end which is a shame because I have a few spare kettle leads

I supose I could change the whole section if need be but that would mean two joins

There seems to be a few problems on that lead..it has been trappedin the chaira few times but up until ow had survived or so I thought

My nephew is coming later with a few things to try..he doesn't know yet about the power lead causing it so I'll mention a few things to him

I think AVG was probably running like that before but it didn't show as there was enough resources from the power.

AVG had been OK up until now.

Until I get the power into the machine stable I can't really be sure of how it's working.

It's been on since 0600...it's 10.30 and the battery has only charged one percent so not enough getting there.

There is someone looking to see if they have a lead

Garry

[AllanL]

It could be that the power coming through from the lead is low due to high resistance on a dicky connection. This Compaq machine comes up with a low voltage warning when the power lead is not fully attached, and possibly the power control within the laptop switches the battery out whenever power is coming through the mains connector even if it is too low.

If it comes to having to get a new lead avoid the PCLine unit available from PCWorld. (I know - but it was an emergency when I needed to replace the first one) The Kensington unit that is the same price - but only one voltage IIRC - has much better multi option connectors at the laptop end.

When the PCLine one failed within four months I took it back after getting the replacement Kensington unit. I neeeded the power unit there and then and had to wait for the original receipt to come up from Head Office.

"Ah", says PCW Sprog,"You're out of the initial period of warranty, I can only give you a replacement unit or a credit note - not a refund." I did not want either of these options!

So I retreated, then returned with a cunning plan for maximum PCW staff confusion. I put both power units on the desk and pushed the newer one towards Sprog2. "Give me a refund on this unit, that I bought three days ago, then give me a credit note for this other one (pushing the older unit across the desk) - which I will then use to purchase another one of the newer units with."

Panicky Sprog2 exits stage right to find a manager and eventually returns and gives me the refund on the original unit wihtout having to refund and resell the newer one.

[Garry Russell]

Hi Allan

Thanks for the advice

There is no PC World around and only one dealer that might be getting some in shortly.

I have read an article cofirming power lead problems can cause it to slow right up.

So that's the solution, actually getting one is something else, but freinds are looking

I've been trying to get a new lead for some weeks

Garry

[tonymadge]

Repairing the lead seems the easy answer, you just cut out the dameged bits and reconnect the two good ends, should only be two wires? Get the Nephew to check it out for you. Saves spending money

[Garry Russell]

Indeed Tony

Garry

[DaveB]

What sort of lead is it Garry.. one of those jobbies with a small twin female plug on the end.. like the ones that fit into pwr converters??

I have a zillion of those bloody things lying around on the floor in the toyroom. I'll bag one up and send it down the line if you like

ATB

DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Hi Dave

It's fixed to the power box that the kettle lead goes ito. The Laptop end is a bigger than normal round plug, largely empty with a small brass needle in the middle

I know the one you mean but it's not like that

Thanks anyway

Garry

[DaveB]

OK matey. If you know what you need and can't get it where you live.. give us the details and I can try and source it for you. Just shout if you get stuck

ATB

DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Cheers mate

I have a couple of leads ....if you follow

I'll let you know

Garry

[forthbridge]

Well Garry, I hope your nephews' investigations 'lead' to an answer.

As we know these problems can lead you round in circles...