Updated , Published at 8:00 AM PHT,
by
Dennis Cabrera
LowBat? Consult Professional & DIY if battery not available
DIY tip: Troubleshooting Laptop Charging Issues
Is your laptop not charging as fast as before? Don't rush to buy a new battery. The problem often lies with the charger (a.k.a. AC adapter). The charger's cord near the plug wears out fast when it is handled regularly with your laptop work. A simple DIY repair with strong electrical tape around the cord can restore charging, saving you energy and money when replacements are not yet available, or when you need to search for a more affordable unit.
Remember a quote from Benjamin Franklin: "A penny saved is a penny earned."
A true story during the last months of COVID-19
As an example, here is a story from Q1 .
Someone's laptop battery suddenly does not charge.
He thought of the laptop battery as the immediate cause of the problem.
Since he knew of a repair shop nearby in Kapitolyo, Pasig, he went to inquire.
GEN AI image of a man requesting the repair of his laptop
The advice of a technician
After inquiring from a technician at GeeksJoint, which has now changed its business name to AYTI Computer Sales and Services Inc. (AYTI), the technician was kind enough to tell him the truth.
The technician told him that if the laptop battery does not charge anymore, there are two possible causes of the problem: it may be the laptop battery itself or the battery charger.
He added, "If the laptop battery does not discharge at a fast rate, then the cause of the problem is not the battery, but the charger, or more specifically, the AC adapter".
The technician told him that the AC adapter's cord near the plug loosens quickly and wears out fast due to frequent handling and bending.
Deciding to fix the problem
So he asked the technician for a replacement, but the technician reported that their store did not have stock of the AC adapter replacement; he needed to ask their supplier.
So the technician called their supplier. However, the supplier also replied that they do not have a replacement for the charger.
What was the reason?
It was still Q1 of , the World Health Organization (WHO) had not declared the end of COVID-19, and many manufacturers and distributors that sell the AC adapter were temporarily closed.
He needed to wait. Or think and find another way to fix it, because a laptop charger/AC adapter is important to continue any online work with the laptop.
"Where there's a will, there's a way."
He went home and thought of a solution to fix the problem.
He searched on Google and YouTube and discovered a video to fix the laptop charger.
Following the instructions from a YouTube video, he placed strong, thick black electrical tape around the cord near the plug.
When he plugged in the laptop charger, the laptop battery began to charge again.
Never giving up is right and a wise decision
He then placed the laptop charger in an area where it can stay fixed and stable.
With his new charger-to-laptop setup, there was no need to repeatedly handle the charger's plug, and the cord was wound up with strong black electrical tape.
This work saved him energy, time, and money, and the stress from the trouble to look for a replacement, while the Philippine economy had not opened up yet from the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to save energy, time, & money with DIY strategies?
1 Consult with a technician
2 Try a DIY strategy if product supply is unavailable
3 Search online for a solution: YouTube tutorial or any AI search app
4 Follow the steps taught in the tutorial to apply the solution
5 Complete the steps and continue working productively until the AC adapter is available
A positive attitude and a growth mindset
Work and life are filled with challenges. A positive attitude and a growth mindset can meet those challenges.
A positive attitude means choosing to see problems or anything negative as opportunities to learn, solve, and earn what you need. A growth mindset means deciding to learn from any negative experience and leveling up to produce what is better.
In the experience mentioned above, the problem led to an opportunity to learn more, work for a solution, and save time and money without the trouble that stresses and drains your energy.
Remember what Laddie F. Hutar said: "Success consists of a series of little daily victories." Practicing a positive attitude and growth mindset will lead to victories - little at first, but directed to bigger and more important wins.
Additional advice from the wise
A teacher of web development taught our class online, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day."
Teach a man "how to fish," and you feed him for a lifetime.
Applying what the web development teacher said to me about technology: "Teach a man how to search the internet and you will feed him for a lifetime."
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