Acer Laptop Problem (yeah, another one!)

[PinkGlitterGirl]

Just read the other thread, so thought what the hell, see if anyone has got any advice to give.
My Acer Laptop is only 6 months old, so PC World have arranged to collect it for repair, however I really dont want anything to do with PC World's system (stupid me for buying it from them!) and dont want it to go away anywhere. So if anyone has any advice it would be appreciated!

The laptop wont charge. It wont run of the mains, and wont charge the battery. The problem started on monday. Last night I got it to work again, after arranging collection for next monday, and taking it down to the store to test the charger (I wont even mention the numpty who is apparantly the tech guy - tech standing for Terminally Educationally Challenged Halfwit) which is working. I kinda knew that anyway, as Ive got 2 chargers and neither will power the damn thing up.

So last night, after getting home, I just blew into the back of the mains port, and bingo! Up and running again. Thats til it ran out again this morning. So we are back to the start. Blowing in the hole (LOL!) didnt help this time!

So any idea's? Is this likely to be an expensive problem? If its going to be under £40 Id prefer to get it fixed at my own expense, as it will be quicker, and will mean I dont have to send it to PC world (pretty crap world).

I could do with a reply before 9am if anyone can help, as I wont have access to a computer until Saturday then.

[Rob S]

Have you tried ringing Acer tech support? Their number is 0870 853 1000. I just had repairs done by Acer and they arranged collection of the laptop by DHL (at their expense) and they then send it back. It's worth a try. You just need to quote your serial number.

[Bookworm]

Not good advice, Rob, sorry, the laptop is 6 months old, so definitely NOT a good idea to go through Acer directly.

PGP, over 6 months or under 6 months? If under, get it sent off asap so that there can be no doubt the fault existed while the burden of proof is on them.

To be fair, the PC guys collection and return service is pretty good, and in my case, they always returned the stuff within one week of it going off. Under the circumstances, I think you'd be better off sticking with their procedure. (I also don't think you have much of a choice! )

[baconbuttyman]

i bought my compaq lappy from pc world and to be honest when it went wrong it was picked up and returned with in 72 hours, i got great service from them, so i wouldnt worry about them picking it up, unless you are worried what they may find on the pc, i dont understand your hesitation as its only 6 month old and thats what the warrentee is for.

[Rob S]

Originally Posted by Bookworm

Not good advice, Rob, sorry, the laptop is 6 months old, so definitely NOT a good idea to go through Acer directly.

Bookworm, it was a suggestion out of my own experience with my wife's Acer lap top. I found Acer to be very efficient in arranging collection of the laptop and once they had it they effected a repair quickly and had the laptop back with me promptly. It's worth considering if the OP wants the laptop repaired.

[patrickq1]

their is a website called zdnet and its worth looking on their they more or less know of problems and complaints about most manufacturers computors and if you type in acer it may come up sounds like something is overheating their a new products out that you can sit your laptop on that keep them cooler ,
this is just my opinion good luck

[Bookworm]

Originally Posted by Rob S

Bookworm, it was a suggestion out of my own experience with my wife's Acer lap top. I found Acer to be very efficient in arranging collection of the laptop and once they had it they effected a repair quickly and had the laptop back with me promptly. It's worth considering if the OP wants the laptop repaired.

I'm not disagreeing with that part, Rob, but you have to bear in mind that if OP does that, she is effectively giving up any recourse she might have against PCW under SOGA if the laptop plays up again. And there is no reason to think that PCW won't repair is as well or as fast as Acer themselves.

[PinkGlitterGirl]

Hiya, This is a rare moment that the laptop is currently charging.

Bookworm - the laptop is exactly 6 months old today (purchased 6th feb) problem was reported on 4th Sept, collection is on 10th Sept.

To be honest I dont want it to go away for repair, as its a lifeline to me, I really rely on my computer for a wide variety of reasons.

I will try the site suggested - thanks! I called a PC repair centre today, who said they could fix it in 7 -10 days for £95, which is more than I would be happy to pay. I dont have any confidence in PC World, and the length of time I will be without my laptop, which is why I would rather resolve the problem myself if I can. However I would have paid if it was more like £40....

Bacon Butty Man, I dont really feel comfortable with what you are insinuating in your post, and would appreciate an edit. As it is I do have confidential information on here (which im just trying to back up as I type, related to my work as a Midwife.) and I have pictures of my child, family etc etc.

Im not convienced on PC World's customer service, hearing too many horror stories. I would never have purchased from there, had my previous laptop not broken on me during the middle of an assignment that I was writing, with less than a week before the deadline. I went to PC World because I needed the credit facility.

Next time I think I will invest in a PC. Less problems all round....

[Jim0203]

Hi PGG:

One last thing to try:

Take the battery out of the laptop and leave it unplugged from the mains.

Press the power button down for 60 seconds (since the battery isn't in and there's now mains power, the laptop won't turn on, obviously).

Release the power button.

Put the battery back in, and plug in the mains power. Try turning the laptop on. Does it work?

This is a bit of a stab in the dark but has worked for me before; it only takes a minute so might be worth trying before you lose the laptop to the repairer.

[PinkGlitterGirl]

Hiya Jim, this is what the lady said when I called the helpline for PC World! Didnt do a thing unfortunately!

I really dont understand why its doing this... I think its either something to do with the connection, or its overheating in someway.... It seems to charge after about 5 hours of 'downtime'.

[Jim0203]

He he! Yeh, I originally got that tip from a guy at PC World tech support. I thought he was pulling my leg to start with but it's sorted out three laptops for me now. It's the only positive thing a PC World has ever done for me (or anyone, I suspect).

Before you send off the laptop, you could try pchelpforums.com. They are a really good, knowledgeable bunch of guys and might be able to offer some advice.