With most laptops, mains current is applied to a transformer unit, or charger, and the cable from the charger is connected to a socket on the laptop. The transformer, or charger, converts the mains AC voltage into the DC voltage on which the laptop runs. For this reason, the socket inside the laptop is often described as the 'DC jack'.

If you find you are needing to position the laptop power connector in a certain way in order to charge the laptop, it could be that the laptop power connector (DC jack) is damaged, or that an associated solder joint has gone 'dry'. Alternatively, you may have dropped your laptop and broken the pin inside or cracked the socket. In any case, the damage is usually repairable.

To repair the socket usually involves completely disassembling the laptop to gain access to the mainboard. In some circumstances, the power socket is mounted onto the mainboard or a daughter board. Other times, the socket is connected to the mainboard using wires.

There are many different shapes and sizes of power sockets and often it will be necessary to order the correct socket in. Turnaround, however, is usually no more than 24 to 48 hours. The normal cost to repair is £50 + VAT.

Charger or socket?

It's possible that the reason the laptop isn't charging or powering from mains, is that the charger itself is faulty. Even if there is a 'green light' on the charger, that is no guarantee that the charger is feeding the laptop power or even that the charger's jack isn't faulty. If you have access to another charger, it may be worth checking that the symptoms are the same with the other charger.