How to Open a Laptop Power Supply

Your computer suddenly doesn't power on. No matter how much you wiggle the laptop power supply cord or attempt to let it charge, the computer still acts dead. To determine the culprit behind your power supply problem, you may need to open it up for inspection.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop Power Supply (AC Adapter)
• Knife
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Turn off your laptop and unplug the power supply. The power supply, also known as
   an AC power adapter, is the unit that you connect to your computer and plug
   into the wall. This is not the battery that is found latched inside your laptop.

2. Place the power supply on a flat surface.

3. Turn the power supply on its side and place the knife in the seam of one of the edges. This seam is the crease that separates the top and bottom casing. You may need to wiggle the knife into the crease by motioning it from side to side. All power supplies will have a top and bottom casing that can be separated (PC and Apple).

4. Tap the knife with the hammer three to five times until you feel the case start to loosen. You may need to apply a little force with each tap.

5. Flip the power supply over and repeat Step 4 on each additional side. On the second side, you will feel the case open up slightly. By the fourth side, the case should loosen up and you may hear a pop.

6. Pull the case apart gently, and your laptop power supply is now open for inspection.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to apply too much pressure when tapping the power supply open. Consistent, steady tapping with the knife properly aligned should do the trick.