My laptop (Dell Latitude D600) won't consistently turn on- how can I fix this problem?

Question

I've actually had this problem for over a month, but it has happened more and more frequently.

The laptop doesn't always turn on when I press the On button. Instead, the leds for the power and battery flicker green for a little bit before they die. Sometimes it will turn on, and now it is to the point where it will turn on 1 out of 50+ times of pressing the button.

I chatted with Dell Technical Support last week, and they suggested that I take off the mid-hinge covering. I did, and and it turned on. I replaced the covering, and it worked a few more times. However, I encountered the same problem today and taking off the covering didn't solve the problem. The computer did miraculously turn on though...

Other details:
-Purchased in August 2004
-Warranty ran out this August
-I am currently in Singapore and want my laptop to last the rest of the year until I return to the States.

Answer 1

Sounds like a power issue located on the motherboard or has to do with the power board. Resetting the power board may be a good start.

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Answer 2

Sounds like the mains lead isn't charging the battery. Pick up a new lead as long as it is the correct voltage it doesn't have to be a Dell, and let it charge the battery and try again

Answer 3

Hi. Dells will sometimes act this way if the battery has failed. Try mains power with the battery removed.