Laptop question...

[Weedguru Higher]

My girlfriend just inherited for free a really old laptop, that she has used at her job for years. It has an essential mechanic program on it that she needs. Her boss got a new one and gave this one to her cause he knew she needed the program. (different program that the last one i asked you guys help for)
The laptop is a Compaq Presario 3000 from 2000/2001. She's been using for 3 years and the whole time she's had a problem starting it. It only started like 1 on 3 times and is still like that. When you turn it on it's just dead...press the power button, fiddle with it...nothing. Then on 2nd or 3rd try several minutes later it miraculously starts up fine and functions like a charm. What could be causing this intermittent start up issue? Any ideas?

[cutthecashflow]

I had a similar problem, with my Toshiba, but this was a 2009/2010 model. Turns out my mother board was going out and there was nothing I could do but replace my laptop. Well since I bought the damn thing at Best Buy and I hate Best Buy I found a way through a mindfuck of questions to get them to replace it for free. I cant give you a definitive answer simply because of the "age" difference between the laptops, only a guess.

Best Buy has the worst customer service in the world.

[Weedguru Higher]

If it was motherboard like you say, is it realistic that it's been a problem happening for 3 years? It's been rarely used over that time period

[cutthecashflow]

If its rarely been used, then maybe. However if it was being started up on a daily basis, then no this is not possible it would have "fried" itself right away.

[Bubbles]

now im no expert but it is a compaq/old. its probably something to do with the motherboard slowing down or some thing.

[weedguru_animal]

Get the fucker fired up, and copy the files to dvd or external HD, before transferring to a more stable system...

[Weedguru Higher]

Get the fucker fired up, and copy the files to dvd or external HD, before transferring to a more stable system...

Exactly what I plan to do!

Thanks guys!

[Weedguru_RyaNayR]

could also be that the battery is going bad and the AC power doesn't work without the battery working..

[Weedguru Higher]

^ That sounds right...

[Weedguru_RyaNayR]

it happened to me.