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Question

Laptop motherboard crashed??

Apr 1, 2015 7:09AM PDT

I went to turn in my laptop and it will not turn on, the battery is showing 3 out of 5 lights for power left and the charger is still in working condition, but when I hit the power button nothing happens. Is there anything I can try to fix my motherboard? I am comfortable taking my laptop apart and putting it together again, but I'm lost when it comes to the fixing of the motherboard.
Any helpful suggestions?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
No make, model, age given.
Apr 1, 2015 7:17AM PDT

Motherboards are rarely repaired. We may see some new power, USB jacks put on but beyond that it's rare to see any board repair. These are replaced when they fail.

Since you seem to want to fix it, did you check that the button worked? It's all of two points and an Ohm meter to test. Basic repair tech skills.
Bob

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Motherboard crash
Apr 1, 2015 10:16AM PDT

Sorry, it is an Alienware M11X.

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So two simple things to try.
Apr 1, 2015 10:39AM PDT
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Motherboard crash
Apr 1, 2015 12:10PM PDT

Hello, and thank you for your help!
I have already tried your option 1, but it was not successful in fixing the problem.

I am not experienced in motherboard repair, I have some basic knowledge on building desktops and laptops, I do not currently have an Ohm meter:(, is this something I can pick up at a parts shop?
Thank you again for your time!

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Even building desktops.
Apr 1, 2015 12:51PM PDT

You may need one to test push buttons and switches. It's a basic bit of kit. http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Portable-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Ohmmeter/dp/B00KHP6EIK/ref=cnet is #1 at amazon so it's a safe bet it will be fine.

Remember I can't write that it's the button but the story tells me it's something I'd check before swapping out the entire board.

I also use this to check the CMOS battery voltage. If those get too low, some PCs do not respond to the power up command.
Bob