Coates, James (April 11, 1995). "Computer Wars Escalate with Suit". Chicago Tribune: 3 – via ProQuest. If the laptop powers on properly, that means the power adapter is working properly and the problem is likely a bum battery. You can always re-install the battery and try again—maybe the battery was just poorly seated. Batteries are susceptible to heat, so if your laptop is overheating, that could cause a problem. As the temperature rises, the battery sensor may misfire, telling the system that the battery is either fully charged or missing completely, causing the charging problems. You may even find that your system shuts down to prevent overheating a battery and causing a fire.

In some cases, you may find a device with two USB-C ports: one that can be used for charging or data transfer, and one that is only designated for data transfer. If you run into a non-charging issue, make sure you are connected to the correct USB-C port. You may even be able to see a little icon on the side that indicates which port is meant for charging. Several internal parts can cause problems when they malfunction or fail. Common culprits include a faulty motherboard, damaged charging circuits, and malfunctioning battery sensors. Your particular make and model of laptop will likely have its own unique issues, and a seasoned tech support operator will have seen all of them. Patton, Carole (December 7, 1987). "A New Golden Oldie Sells Its PCs with Nostalgia". InfoWorld. IDG Publications. 9 (49): 39 – via Google Books. Just because a power adapter fits into your laptop's charging port doesn’t mean it’s powerful enough to charge your computer. This goes for any type of charger, but it’s an especially common problem with laptops that charge over USB-C—you can technically plug in any USB-PD charger, but some may have too low a wattage to properly charge. a b Reily, Edward D. (2003). Milestones in Computer Science and Information Technology. Greenwood Press. p.195. ISBN 9781573565219– via Google Books.a b Berley, Max (February 8, 1996). "Groupe Bull Quits PCs in 3-Way Deal". International Herald Tribune. p.11. Archived from the original on October 25, 2005. Einstein, David (October 6, 1995). "Where Success Is by Design". San Francisco Chronicle: B1 – via ProQuest. If your laptop doesn't have a visible battery compartment on the bottom, it may be built into the laptop (like most Macs are), and you'll either have to open it up yourself or take it to a repair specialist to test the battery. Staff writer (November 21, 1996). "Compaq settles probe into used computer sales". Pantagraph. Chronicle Publishing Company: C3 – via ProQuest. For newer Macs with batteries sealed into the chassis, shut down the computer but leave the power adapter connected. With the power off, press and hold the power button while pressing Shift + Control + Option on the left-hand side of the keyboard. Release the keys and power button simultaneously, then attempt to power on the laptop.

While we generally recommend using the charger that came with the computer (or one that was made by the same company as your laptop), sometimes third-party USB-C chargers are necessary. If this is the case, try to use one that’s been certified by the USB-IF. Bransten, Lisa; Don Clark (May 19, 1998). "PC Makers, Despite the Microsoft Suit, Aren't Clamoring to Control the Screen". The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company: B7 – via ProQuest. Reveal Computer Products, a short-lived peripheral manufacturing subsidiary of the company active from 1992 to 1996There are numerous ways to take care of your battery, but between the wall outlet and your computer there are also several things that can fail. Some are easy to fix yourself with a software tweak or a new battery, but other problems may require a visit to a repair shop, or even a full-blown system replacement. At this point, if it still doesn’t work, we've determined that it's not just user error causing the problem. There is a real issue with powering the laptop; now it's simply a matter of figuring out where the problem may be. That begins with eliminating where it isn't. Baker, Sharon M. (May 27, 1994). "Major Computer Maker Buys Ark Interface Software Firm". Puget Sound Business Journal. American City Business Journals. 15 (2): 4 – via ProQuest. It sounds silly, but you need to make sure the laptop is actually plugged in. This is a major reason a computer may not even start. No software tweak or hardware repair can make a disconnected laptop magically power on.

Poor, Alfred (June 1996). "Tech Tip of the Month". Computer Shopper. SX2 Media Labs. 16 (6): 599 – via Gale.Mac users can open System Preferences > Energy Saver, then review your preferences. Mac settings are adjusted with a slider, letting you select the amount of time the computer can sit idle until it goes to sleep. If the interval is too short, you might suspect battery issues when settings are the true culprit. You can also assign actions like sleep and shut down when your lid is closed or the power button is pressed. The easiest way to make sure that your settings aren't causing problems is to restore the power profile to default settings. Staff writer (November 16, 1994). "American Personal Computer Maker Has Launched Navigator 2". South China Morning Post: 7 – via ProQuest. To find out whether or not the problem even has anything to do with the laptop at all, try plugging the power cord into a different outlet. If it's plugged into a surge protector or power strip, take it out and plug it directly into the wall. This will tell us if there's an issue with the laptop or if you have a short or a blown fuse. a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Grant, Tina, ed. (1996). International Directory of Company Histories. Vol.13. St. James Press. ISBN 9781558626546– via the Internet Archive.