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So I have an older Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop. The battery has used up all of its cycles pretty much. But that, I dont think is the issue. When I go to start the laptop I have to keep moving the monitor until the computer turns on. I'm assuming its a loose connection somewhere but I dont understand how the moving the monitor from almost closed to completely ajar would cause the machine to work/not work. Any ideas as to why this could be happening

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3 Answers

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If it is the lid sensor, as Nifle suggests, you can use the Dell-provided service manual for your model of laptop to find it. It might be called the standby switch, but I'm not entirely sure.

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I have a good feeling this is the problem. Ive tried to turn the computer on with the screen detached but still connected and tried with the sensor pushed in/out but still no luck. I replaced the CMOS battery and no luck so I think im going to buy a sensor and see if that does it. – meepz Oct 17 '10 at 17:17
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Most laptops have sensors that enable the OS to shutdown/sleep/hibernate the computer when you fold down the monitor.

I expect something is wrong with that sensor.

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hm this sounds like it could be the problem. Do you know what the sensor would be called so I can check for it? – meepz Oct 17 '10 at 0:23
@meepz - Sorry, no clue whatsoever. – Nifle Oct 17 '10 at 0:29
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up vote 1 down vote

Most likely two possibilities:

  • Video cable is loose
  • lid close switch/sensor is dirty / stuck

If there was a problem with the lid close switch, I would have expected that your computer will often suddenly go to standby if the lid is moved. Subsequently, you can tell Windows to ignore that switch via Control Panel->Power Options (see pic below).

You can check Here for more info.

alt text

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The problem now is that I can't even get the computer to turn on. Ive been trying to get it to turn on for a few hours now and no luck. Maybe the laptop has finally crapped the bed. Another thing is that the battery is completely gone so I dont know if this would affect startup despite having the laptop connected to the charger. Usually it doesnt but maybe since it is an older model it might – meepz Oct 17 '10 at 17:18
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