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[Solved] The acer laptop said "Locking" and won't turn on.

Dven 42582 19
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Why did my Acer laptop show “Locking” and then stop turning on, with the power light blinking, and how can I fix it?

The most likely cause is a failed power adapter or its cord, possibly together with a discharged or worn-out battery, rather than a Windows problem [#18919454][#18920192] The lack of any LED when the battery is inserted and the charger is connected points to a damaged power supply or cable [#18920192] The battery may also simply be too old after about 10 years of laptop use, especially since it had been used on battery for around 4 years [#18919455] Try another compatible power adapter first; if that does not restore power or charging lights, the fault may be in the laptop’s power section [#18920192]
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  • #1 18919260
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    The case is as follows: I was watching a movie from the internet on my laptop and at some point the situation described above just happened, and the computer died. It does not turn on, the diode blinks instead of lighting when you try to turn it on. I hadn't been downloading anything for the last few days at least, so if it were a question of that, I think something would have happened sooner. I did not find any information about such a problem on the internet, because from what I saw other people's laptops also displayed this message, but they could be turned back on. I tried removing the battery and starting on the cable itself (then it did not try to turn on at all, the diode did not even flash), it did not work. It currently lies without a battery and without a cable. It must be added that the laptop is already old, because I think it has accumulated around 10. Normally, I wouldn't care so much and assume that he just fell, but this "blocking" is making me tired.
    I am asking for help, I do not know anything about it and I will be very grateful for every tip.
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    #2 18919371
    prosiak_wej
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5273
    Help: 501
    Rate: 1456
    Board Language: polish
    What laptop model? The message came from Windows like when shutting down?
  • #4 18919388
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
    Help: 175
    Rate: 405
    Board Language: polish
    Did you find a photo / picture with this message on the internet?
    If so, please include it in the post.
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  • #5 18919390
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    sk1977 wrote:
    Show a picture of this message.

    Unfortunately, I am not able to, because the whole action lasted a few seconds and the computer cannot be turned on anymore. I found a similar one on the internet, I think it looked like that.
    The acer laptop said "Locking" and won't turn on.

    I do not know if this image is glued in correctly, I am using the site for the first time

    Added after 57 [seconds]:

    dufek wrote:
    Did you find a photo / picture with this message on the internet?
    If so, please include it in the post.


    Something like The acer laptop said "Locking" and won't turn on.
  • #6 18919397
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
    Help: 175
    Rate: 405
    Board Language: polish
    Is battery charging working?
    Can you connect another power adapter?
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  • #7 18919398
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    prosiak_wej wrote:
    What laptop model? The message came from Windows like when shutting down?


    Honestly, I have no idea what model exactly and I don't know where to check it. I think it looked like such a message, a photo in the responses.

    Added after 15 [minutes]:

    dufek wrote:
    Does battery charging work?
    Can you connect another power adapter?

    Seems to be working. It looks like the battery is charged. Unfortunately, I do not have another power supply.
  • #8 18919436
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
    Help: 175
    Rate: 405
    Board Language: polish
    Dven wrote:
    I think it works.

    Meaning?
    A diode is lit on the power supply housing.
    The charging diode on the laptop casing starts to light after connecting the power adapter?
  • #9 18919439
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    dufek wrote:
    Dven wrote:
    Seems to be working.

    Meaning?
    A diode is lit on the power supply housing.
    The charging diode on the laptop casing starts to light after connecting the power adapter?


    Okay, no, my mistake. The power supply gives nothing, just the battery was still charged.
  • #10 18919442
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
    Help: 175
    Rate: 405
    Board Language: polish
    Dven wrote:
    the battery was still charged

    How do you know that?
  • #11 18919445
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    dufek wrote:
    Dven wrote:
    the battery was still charged

    How do you know that?

    Well, I can't say one hundred percent, but the laptop was constantly plugged in and always had a full battery, so even after the power cut, it should still last a lot.
  • #12 18919454
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
    Help: 175
    Rate: 405
    Board Language: polish
    Dven wrote:
    I was watching a movie from the internet on my laptop

    At this point, the power supply ended its life, the battery was discharged and Windows automatically shut down the system.
    At the moment you do not have a charged battery and the power supply is damaged.
    This is the most likely scenario.
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    #13 18919455
    Bródka
    Level 42  
    Posts: 7239
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    Board Language: polish
    Dven wrote:
    it always had a full battery, so even with the power cut off, it should last for quite a while.

    After 10 years?
    Have you ever changed batteries in it?
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #14 18919460
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    dufek wrote:
    Dven wrote:
    I was watching a movie from the internet on my laptop

    At this point, the power supply ended its life, the battery was discharged and Windows automatically shut down the system.
    At the moment you do not have a charged battery and the power supply is damaged.
    This is the most likely scenario.

    I see. But wouldn't it just show a "Shutdown" message or something like that? How do you turn off your computer normally?

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    Bródka wrote:
    Dven wrote:
    it always had a full battery, so even with the power cut off, it should last for quite a while.

    After 10 years?
    Have you ever changed batteries in it?

    No, most of that time the battery was not used at all and it ran on the power supply itself. I have been using batteries for about 4 years. I don't know if it's a lot, but nothing happened to the laptop so I wasn't worried about it.
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    #15 18919471
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
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    Board Language: polish
    What system is in the laptop?
  • #16 18919472
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    dufek wrote:
    What system is in the laptop?

    Windows 10
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    #17 18919624
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
    Help: 175
    Rate: 405
    Board Language: polish
    With this unfortunate system, these are not such circuses I have seen.
    I will ask the question again, is there any glowing / blinking LED in the laptop when the battery is inserted and after connecting the power supply (without turning on the laptop)?
  • #18 18919721
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    dufek wrote:
    With this unfortunate system, these are not such circuses I have seen.
    I will ask the question again, is there any glowing / blinking LED in the laptop when the battery is inserted and after connecting the power supply (without turning on the laptop)?

    No, nothing is glowing.
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    #19 18920192
    dufek
    Level 32  
    Posts: 2050
    Help: 175
    Rate: 405
    Board Language: polish
    Dven wrote:
    I tried removing the battery and running on the cable itself

    Dven wrote:
    No, nothing is glowing.

    The two facts above indicate a damaged power supply or its cord.
  • #20 18921503
    Dven
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 12
    Board Language: polish
    Probably a broken cable.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around an Acer laptop that displays a "Locking" message and fails to power on. The user reports that the laptop died while streaming a movie, and attempts to restart it have been unsuccessful, with only a blinking diode indicating power issues. Various troubleshooting steps were suggested, including checking the power supply and battery status. The user confirmed that the battery was charged but later indicated that the power supply might be faulty, as no LEDs lit up when connected. The laptop is approximately 10 years old, and the user has not replaced the battery in that time. The consensus among responders is that the power supply or its cable is likely damaged, leading to the laptop's failure to turn on.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Two clear symptoms point to your AC adapter: no charge LED and no power-on. "The two facts above indicate a damaged power supply or its cord." This FAQ helps Acer/Windows 10 users fix "Locking" then won’t‑turn‑on. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18920192] Why it matters: Quick power-path checks can save you from unnecessary board repairs and data-loss panic.

Quick Facts

  • No charge/power LED with AC connected strongly indicates a dead adapter or cable, not software. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18920192]
  • Typical Acer adapters output 19 V DC and 45–90 W; match voltage and plug polarity for safety. [Acer, 2020]
  • Li‑ion laptop batteries deliver about 300–500 cycles; decade‑old packs hold far less energy. [Battery University, 2023]
  • Windows 10 “Locking” is a session lock message, not a BIOS or drive lock. [Microsoft, 2020]

What does "Locking" mean on my Acer before it died?

It’s Windows 10 indicating the session is being locked. It is not a firmware or disk lock. Power loss during or after that message points to a power-path issue, not malware. Focus on AC adapter, cable, battery, and DC jack checks. [Microsoft, 2020]

Why won’t my Acer turn on after showing "Locking"?

The AC adapter likely failed, the battery drained, and Windows shut down. With no charge light and no AC‑only start, the power supply or cord is the prime suspect. Replace or test with a known‑good adapter. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18919454]

How can I tell if the charger or its cable is bad?

Look for these signs: no charging LED on the laptop with AC connected, and no power on AC‑only. “The two facts above indicate a damaged power supply or its cord.” Try a known‑good, matching Acer‑spec adapter. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18920192]

How do I quickly test the power path (3‑step)?

  1. Remove the battery; connect AC and try to power on. 2. Reinstall battery; connect AC and watch the charge LED. 3. Try a known‑good, correct‑spec Acer adapter. If still dead, inspect the DC‑in jack. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18920192]

Will an Acer laptop boot on AC power without the battery?

Yes, if the AC adapter and DC‑in jack are good and the adapter wattage matches. If it does not power on AC‑only, suspect the adapter, cable, or DC‑in jack first. [Acer, 2020]

Can a 10‑year‑old battery still hold a usable charge?

Capacity drops with age and cycles. Typical laptop Li‑ion packs deliver ~300–500 cycles, then lose significant capacity. After a decade, expect very short runtimes, even if Windows once showed “100%.” [Battery University, 2023]

What adapter specs should I buy for an Acer replacement?

Match voltage (typically 19 V DC) and meet or exceed the original wattage (often 45–90 W). Ensure correct plug size and polarity. Buying OEM or reputable brands reduces risk of undervoltage and heat. [Acer, 2020]

Is this a Windows issue or a hardware power fault?

It’s a hardware power fault. The OS message is incidental. No charge LED and failure to start on AC‑only point to the adapter or cable. Replace or test with a known‑good unit. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18920192]

What if replacing the adapter doesn’t fix it?

Check the DC‑in jack for looseness or damage. If the jack is fine, the power button board or motherboard power rails may have failed. This edge case needs bench diagnostics. [Acer, 2020]

How do I perform a safe power reset on an Acer?

Shut down. Unplug AC and remove the battery (or pinhole disable if internal). Hold power for 15–30 seconds. Reconnect AC only and test. Reinstall the battery after verification. [Acer, 2020]

Could malware or a download cause a no‑power, no‑LED condition?

No. Software cannot prevent hardware power and charge LEDs from lighting. Absence of LEDs with AC connected indicates a physical power-path failure, not malware. Replace or test the adapter first. [Elektroda, dufek, post #18920192]

How much does a genuine Acer adapter cost, and are third‑party units okay?

Expect approx. mid‑range pricing for OEM units, with higher safety assurance. Quality third‑party adapters are acceptable if voltage, wattage, plug, and polarity match exactly. Avoid unbranded low‑cost units. [Acer, 2020]

Where do I find my Acer model to order the right parts?

Check the bottom label or use Acer Care Center to read the model and serial. Match the adapter by model, voltage, and wattage listed on the original adapter label or service guide. [Acer, 2020]
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