Laptop power supplies are often damaged by the amount of travel they are subjected to. Poor power sources in older buildings, cramped cases and rough handling can all lead to the power supply’s failure. However, laptop power supplies are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. You can purchase them from the manufacturer or find new and used ones on eBay for less. Since there is nothing to disassemble, replacement can be done by anyone. The following steps will help you replace a power supply for an HP laptop but would also apply to most brands.

Open the laptop’s lid and write down the model number, adapter for HP Envy X2 for example. Turn your laptop over and find the manufacturer’s sticker on the bottom of the base. Write down the series number of the laptop.

Inspect the laptop’s original power supply for the manufacturer’s sticker. Write down the model number of the power supply, HP 609941-001 for example. You may need a magnifying glass to read the numbers on smaller stickers.

Write down the wattage and output voltage of the adapter to ensure you purchase the correct replacement part. For example, an HP power supply might be a 75w (watt), as well as a 19v (volt) and 3.95a (amp) power supply.

Go to HP’s website, click on “Accessories” and “Parts” at the bottom right side of the screen. Search the manufacturer’s site for a replacement parts and accessories. Type in the model number of the laptop in the search box at the right and hit “Enter.” Choose your laptop’s model number in the list of search results and click the link.

Find and click the adapters category on the Parts and Accessories page.laptop adapters Scroll through the list to see if a replacement adapter is available for your model. Check the compatibility list under the adapter’s description for your model number. Complete the purchase if you are happy with the price.

Go to eBay.com (see link in Reources) if you’re unable to find the correct adapter for your laptop on HP’s website or if you’re unhappy with the price. Click on “Computers and Networking” in the column on the left. Click on “Computer Accessories” in the left column, then “Adapters and Chargers” and then click “Standard AC.” Click on “HP” under Compatible Brand.

In the Find box at the top of the window type in the model number of your original adapter. Check the box labeled “Include Title and Description” and click “Search.” If you do not get any results, try searching for the laptop’s model number instead.

Select a replacement adapter from the list. Check the listing for the model number, watt, amp and output voltage of the adapter. Ensure they are a match for the original. Purchase the adapter if you are happy with the price and seller’s rating.

Compare the output plugs and the numbers on the manufacturer’s stickers when you receive the replacement to be sure they are the same.