Hi, I am trying to apply SP1 to a 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium laptop. The update requires that the laptop be plugged into power mains before it proceeds: Your computer is running on battery power Plug in your computer's power cord to ensure that your computer maintains power during the installation. The power jack on my laptop is wrecked meaning that I cannot charge the battery using a power cord. So how do I use my laptop if the battery cannot be charged? I regularly swap the battery with a similar laptop that uses the same battery type :) Now question is, how can I update my laptop if it is required to be plugged in? Is there a way I can trick Windows into thinking it is running on power mains when I start the upgrade? Thanks!

Are you using Windows update or the stand alone download of SP1? They are concerned that if the battery dies, the system will become unusable since the update wasn't completed. It takes a while.

Hi Lead3, I have tried both Windows update and the stand alone download. Both require plugin to mains. I have a battery that lasts three hours. Surely that should be sufficient? Thanks for your help. Still looking for suggestions. cheers

Hi Benf Definitely sounds like you have a failing power socket (dc jack). Slight correction. It has already failed. And yes its gone because I probably used it too rough and tough. Not a problem with the power adapter but the dc jack inside the laptop itself. Trying to use another power adapter does not help as it can still not charge the laptop or power it along. Sounds like there is no getting around this problem then as far as applying the SP1 is concerned. Thanks.

Definitely sounds like you have a failing power socket (dc jack). This is really common especially if, like me, you often use your laptop with the power lead connected and then maybe move the laptop leaving it connected. Gradually the wear and tear takes its toll on the connection and you get a failure. I have had this happen with a new laptop after 3 months, and no it wasn't mistreated. We came up with a preventative solution called the LapTug and you can see it here http://www.laptug.co.uk/gf V cheap - and effective. It might also help in a situation like yours where the power socket is on the way out - it won't fix the problem but it might make it easier to keep the cable in a working position.

Try the standalone update (exe) with command line switch /quiet or /nodialog or /unattend. On your own risk. -- pa

If you have access to an external Uninteruptable Power Supply that communicates to the computer via a usb cable it may work. Win 7 won't rely on a system battery only as a shutdown will surely corrupt the OS during a Service Pack installation. Be sure to create a backup set and a complete pc backup before attempting the SP1 install.

<jonbonjour> wrote in message news:a4d776e8-583d-4e1c-a881-d9d4190d3c24@communitybridge.codeplex.com... Hi Benf Definitely sounds like you have a failing power socket (dc jack). Slight correction. It has already failed. And yes its gone because I probably used it too rough and tough. Not a problem with the power adapter but the dc jack inside the laptop itself. Trying to use another power adapter does not help as it can still not charge the laptop or power it along. Sounds like there is no getting around this problem then as far as applying the SP1 is concerned. Thanks. Looks like you're stuck with either fixing the laptop yourself (depending on how handy you are and what tools you have available) or buying a new one. The sockets are not that hard to replace; the hardest parts are 1- getting to it, and 2- finding an exact replacement. Quite often, maintenance/disassembly manuals can be found on line that will give step-by-step instructions on how to take it apart and put it back together. A good set of screwdrivers is essential, plus an assortment on Torx and/or Allen wrenches. A decent low power soldering iron will be needed. And a large, clutter-free, well-lit workspace :-) The job is not so hard as it is time consuming. I did an old Compaq notebook years ago that took the better part of an afternoon. Just take your time and it really is fun (if you enjoy that sort of thing). Remember where each of the little screws goes- there are sometimes 3 or 4 different lengths of them, and you don't want to put a long screw into a shallow socket. Best of luck to you! SC Tom

Thanks Pavel A. I tried to do the update while in quiet mode from the command line but no joy. It still hangs regardless so obviously it is still detecting that the laptop is running on battery and is freezing. SCTom, looks like replacing the jack is difficult. Have tried removing the back cover with my neanderthal type screwdriver and the thing won't open.Will not take any chances with repairing it in case I wreck it. Thanks for all your help guys. Much appreciated.