Laptop will not start or POST.

[gwb56]

Hi. I had a friend drop off a laptop that he said was infected by virus' and it wouldn't start. I thought I'd just do the routine fix, but the laptop will not start at all. When I push the start button the lights light up for 1/2 seconds then nothing. The laptop seems to charge when plugged in, but will not even POST.
My question is, could it be a hardware failure and what should I consider first? Any suggestions would be appreciated, as I'm at a complete loss here. Thanks...gwb56

 

[hang-the-9]

It not only "could" be a hardware failure, it's 100% a hardware failure. Take out the battery, try to start using just wall power. If no go there, reset the BIOS. If it does not work either, you need to try to repair the power connector. If that is also no good after a fix, motherboard swap.

 

[gwb56]

hang-the-nine, thanks for your suggestions. After taking out the battery and then resetting the BIOS when the first didn't work, I do think you are right on the mobo failing. I was hopeful that it wasn't that deep, but it's just the way it is. Thanks for your quick response and help.
warm regards...gwb56

Edit: Haven't tried the Power Connector, but will before I have to replace mobo...thanks

 

[gwb56]

Best answer selected by gwb56.

 

[hang-the-9]

You may want to check on the age/price of the laptop. If it's over 3 years old, the cost to replace/repair parts may be better spent on a new laptop. If it was a high-end model (Alienware or such) over 4-5 years could use a replace rather than a repair.