Dead Sony Laptop

Clarifications

When was the laptop last used?

Where has it been since it was last used?

What was the last thing run on this laptop?

Does the Power Button illuminate when first pressed?

the AC adaptor is producing power, then most likely the motherboard blew a fuse or the power connector is no longer connected to the motherboard. Either one requires complete disassembly and a repair that is more costly than the laptop is worth, in many cases.

1) Verify that the PS is producing power with a digital multi-meter. Alternately, have a co-worker you are not fond of lick his fingers and touch both contacts of the (typcially 18V) power supply. If he/she goes 'ouch', then the PS is good.

2) Remove everything that's removable on the laptop. CD-ROM drive, modems, lan cards. I would also unplug/remove hard drive/memory for two reasons. One is that they could be causing a short circuit and preventing power-up, and the other reason is that if the laptop is dead, you probably want to keep those parts for the next laptop.

3) Try jiggling the power supply connection gently. It may have become partly de-soldered from the motherboard.