Compaq tech support is certainly correct it is a hardware problem. So what
could it be? You didn't supply much information. It is most likely a power
supply problem.
First thing to check is the brick power supply.  It could have failed and
the laptop would run until the battery goes dead. Get another power supply
to check this.
Then check the battery.
It could also be the switch.
If it is the internal power supply, follow the advice the computer shop gave
you.
It wouldn't be the hard drive, as it should at least start to POST with a
bad HD.
On behalf of the computer shop let me say that troubleshooting these types
of problems on laptops is time consuming and usually not cost effective for
a laptop this old.



KevPro Computer Services
Kevin Brown
480-214-0144
http://kevpro.com

-----Original Message-----
From: PCBUILD - Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jun Laureta
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2004 8:05 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PCBUILD] Hardware Problem

I have a Compaq Presario 1200XL 125.  At one point, it will not even power
on.  I went to the Tech Support on-line help with Compaq and was told that I
have a hardware problem.  Just recently, I tried to power it on again after
a couple of days and it did come up.  Then while I was working, it suddenly
shut off completely and will not come back on.  Where can I start
troubleshooting this problem.  Is it a hard drive probem? or something else.
I tried to take it to a computer shop and their advice was that it is
cheaper to buy a new laptop.  They tell me this without even looking at my
laptop.  All I told them was that I have a problem, and didn't even get to
finish explaining myself and suddenly they just told me to buy a new one.
I've had this laptop for 4 years and I think I can fix it with a little
help.  Can you help me?

Thanks!

Jun

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               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
              Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
             with the OpenOffice CD...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml