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
3 Answers
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.– meepzOct 17, 2010 at 17:17
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?– meepzOct 17, 2010 at 0:23
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Most likely two possibilities:
Video cable
is looselid 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.
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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– meepzOct 17, 2010 at 17:18