Compaq r3000 troubleshooting

Hello,
compaq r3000 does not start. power adapter may or may not work but laptop was already connected to wall power even without the battery (was found with a leak) and even so, CQ r3000 does not show any sign of life!
What should I continue checking? Resistors? Any current inside? Heeeeelp! I do not want to be taken and end up with a horrendous bill. I guess I need a friend with same ltop so I can start replacing part by part???
lxvf@hotmail.com 34205