ieee488.....

The laptop is pretty quiet but at this juncture I would say NO....it does not sound like the laptop is running.

I should have been more clear with m UPDATE post.

When it would not re-start with AC plugged in that's when I shut down (pushed power button), unplugged the AC and then booted up with only the battery and it fired up OK?

I'm baffled given the new updates and hate to think that is could be something not worth fixing when I just spent some bucks on new memory and battery which weren't cheap.

I hope I have been clear with my dialogue.

To all who generously respond please belly up to the bar.....Margaritas for all.....I'm buying.

Thanks much eee488 for chiming in and offering some help.

I'll be here cursing....

UPDATE:  just as a shot from the hip I unplugged the AC cord and fired up with fully charge battery on.  

To test it I shut down via 'restart'.

Same thing....black screen and won't boot up.

Thanks very much....

Does it sound like the computer is running but that there is no image?

If so, connect up an external monitor.

Another UPDATE/TEST:  

Re-start computer with battery only and booted fine.

I shut down - I plugged in the AC and voila!

It booted up WITH the AC plugged in this time. (more baffled).

The boot problem seems random.

I've ruled out the power supply yesterday by trying the power supply to my new Windows 7 Dell Inspiron (17" screen) and same eradic boot problem.

Is it recommended to use the battery power all the time and only use AC power when the battery needs a charge?

Again...I thank you...

I use my laptops on AC all the time.

On the rare occasions where I need to use it away from my desk, then I run it on battery.

All my laptops I have bought used, and all have some battery life left in them.

I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something regarding any AC/battery usage protocols.

Thank you....