Heelllllp!

oops_a_daisy

Hi there - I am using my DD's laptop as mine seems to have a bit of a problem I have just tried to switch it on a the screen is black - ahhhh what do I do it was working fine yesterday but today 'the lights are on but nobodys home' I have switched it on and off a few times but every time it is the same.

Please help - I cant not live without MSE :rolleyes:

planemad

To be honest from what you say it does sound like a fault.

Try the below

Turn it on and tap a few keys on the key board to see if it has gone into standby/hibernation mode.

Try opening and shutting the cover a few time.

Sorry I can't be of much more help

oops_a_daisy

have tried the above but the screen still stays black - I have noticed however that when I switch it on the screen does have a little flash of light for less than a second but then goes back to black.
This is all I need at this time of the year

bookduck

There is power? LEDs come on on caps etc?

Some have a function where you press the blue key + monitor key this cycles the screen through laptop display only, vga port out of the back only, or both vga port + laptop display.

imho

Try this http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx?mfr=true
And go in to Last Known Good Configuration

libra10

I had a similar problem with my laptop a couple of days ago. Checked to ensure no loose connections. Re-booted, pressing F8 to reach 'Safe Mode'. Then did a 'Restore'. This seemed to fix the problem. There's also another recent thread on this forum with similar problem, might be worth checking.

Good luck, I'd be lost without my laptop.

dounome

Try removing the battery, leave it for a minute then replace and try to switch on again

oops_a_daisy

thanks for all of your replies. i have tried swiching it on a hitting the f8 button and there is no change. The lights come on to show that it is charging etc and the fan comes on. I will have a go at removing the battery and see if that helps - fingers crossed

oops_a_daisy

right I have taken the battery out and still nothing on the screen - it flickers for a second but then goes no where. I think I will have to take it into the local computer store tomorrow and see what they say - although they werent very good last time I used them :rolleyes: it is a 4 year old Dell if that helps anybody with a diagnosis. Grrrrr does anybody know where I can get a very cheap laptop

bookduck

You can see/hear the hdd access tracks on boot up?

tried that blue button + button with the blue writing on it displaying the screen or lines? - look at the manufacturers site and you will probably see it there in the manual.

The next is to turn it off, unplug the mains, remove the battery, carefully unplug the memory, then plug the memory back in again and reassemble

dounome

Another idea is to try to reboot with an xp disc if you have one and repair from there.
If no disk you could borrow one and it will work just as well.