GuidoMonstrey
Welcome, I notice you have only just joined forum, like myself. Thank you for posting as I was reminded that I still have this problem to be solved. Like you I do not like to throw away items that could be recovered. The powersupply has special interest as I have meant to practice my understanding of switchmode units. My theory is sufficent but I lack practical experience, especially on very hard to get at items. On this powersupply I had to try and remove a lot of white probably form of silicone to see a few components under it.
No I am no further, the opened unit sits nicely fixed to a base board so it is firmly supported and I can place test probe firmly on the board without it slipping away from me. I no longer recall what problem took over my time, there so many other things I try to work on.
Right now I am working on a hp Pavillion laptop dv6-3132tx, my neighbour had taken it to local repair shops, they told him it was uneconomical to even try figuring out what was the problem. When plugged into the mains absolutely no life, with the battery removed. I understand he paid aroun $A1500-2000. He has hardly used it. I promised I would have a look and see if at least I could save content from his hard drive. This is no problem, it reads from insertion into an external USB box.
I then suggested he would not loose much if I stuffed up taking it apart and look further but I would need several months at least until I found time. So happened that last week I could start looking and that is what I am doing right now. Came back to this forum to see if anyone worked on laptops here.
Anyway I am digressing, back to your post. Ok so I am no further but let us get some more details from you.
1.. Do you work from a schematic diagram of the unit? Or a generic schematic just showing principle?
2.. Have you identified the integrated circuit on you unit?
3.. Will you be able to post photos if necessary.
You mention you have measured ESR values on the electrolytic, does this mean your are an electronically minded technician one way or another. I ask because I assume this means you have some background in electronics but I could be wrong.
Regarding my resistors, I think my last memory is that I was uncertain I had the correct ones located but at least they wer not open circuit, there was voltage on either side.