Tips to Avoid Damage to the Notebook Power Jack

If your notebook power supply starts acting up, which can prevent the battery charging, the first place to look to troubleshoot a problem of this nature is the internal power jack. A broken or damaged power jack can effectively prevent all efforts to charge the notebook. It this problem comes apparent it often means a trip to the local computer repair shop to have this critical component repaired. It can be quite difficult to self-repair for those not use to working with the inner-workings of a computer. Here are some tips to ensure this component is kept in full-working condition -
Prevent Trip Hazards - a common cause of damage to the power jack comes from someone tripping over the lead that is attached to the power supply. This will in all likelihood loosen the soldering which keeps the power jack mounted to the motherboard. If the DC power jack becomes too loose or gets completely ripped off the motherboard then it can become almost impossible to charge the notebooks battery.
Unplug Properly - if needing to unplug the power supply from the notebook, in times of going mobile for instance, avoid pulling or yanking by the actual cord. Instead take the plug that connects to the back or side of the notebook and gently turn or twist to loosen it and then pull it straight out. Avoid too much wiggling as this will have a negative impact on the power jacks attachment to the motherboard. As a general rule of thumb aim to avoid anything that would put a strain on the notebook and power lead. Also, make certain to unplug the lead if moving the notebook, even for short distances from one room to the next.
Store Safely - it helps to store the power adapter and lead safety when it is not in actual use. Store the adapter in its own bag on a shelf or in a cupboard to avoid possible damage, which might include getting dirt or dust into the plug-end which connects to the notebook.
Location - avoid using a notebook on a soft surface, such as a bed, couch, pillow or lap, as this might well put pressure on the various connectors if the notebook gets pushed down into the soft surface. If preferring to use a notebook in the bedroom, it might be worthwhile investing in a lapdesk or multi-angled stand to ensure the condition of the notebook is maintained.