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So, I was using my laptop, which is indeed pretty old (Got it in '07). (As soon as I got it I replaced Windows Vista with XP.) Now, all of a sudden the computer powered off. The battery was almost dead when this happened. So, I plugged it in to charge it, and it has been charging for over 6 hours.

Atlas, I went to turn it on, and the power light turns on for a second, then goes off. Nothing ever happens.

I am assuming this is a battery problem, if so how would I go about replacing it? Also, if this could be something else I would be pleased to hear any suggestions. Thanks.

EDIT

See here: http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Li-ion-battery-Latitude-Laptops/dp/B0011X5I7U

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2 Answers

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Saying that the computer is from 07, you could have lots of dust built up in the system. Dust can create extra heat in the system. The computer could have overheated to the point where it is broken. Heat can damage computer parts easily. However you could also have a bad charger that is providing less then normal power.

Do you have a second charger or a friend that might? Trying to blow the dust out of it might help if you can.

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The dust inside the fan correct? – Josiah Dec 26 '12 at 2:58
Dust can get into the fan and that can degrade the fan but also heat can also get on the fins of the heatsink causing the dissipation of the heat to reduce. – icebox3d Dec 26 '12 at 2:59
And no, I do not have a second charger. – Josiah Dec 26 '12 at 3:00
So let me get this straight. You suggest I clean out the fan, look for damaged parts (If I can locate any). However it is quite possible that the battery died. – Josiah Dec 26 '12 at 3:02
Yes or the charger could be dead. However based on the age of the laptop heat can also be a factor in causing the problem. – icebox3d Dec 26 '12 at 3:03
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Dells can be picky about chargers and possibly won't accept the charging if it's off-brand or 65w vs 90w. Is it the original charger for that model? Verify.

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Yes it is the original charger. Thanks though, but it is working now. – Josiah Dec 26 '12 at 15:49

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