How to Tell a Bad Power Switch on a Dell Laptop
- 1). Connect the laptop to its included power supply cable and verify that the cable is plugged into a wall outlet. If the power supply cable has a small box attached, check the box to verify the small power light is on. The power cord must be firmly connected to the power jack on the laptop.
- 2). Disconnect all devices such as USB drives, wired mice, and external monitors. Only the power supply cable should remain attached.
- 3). Open the laptop and push the "power button" once. Wait for the computer to start up. Check the indicator lights on the keyboard area of the laptop; at least one should be steadily on (for power) and another may flicker (hard drive activity). If both lights are on and the laptop still shuts off randomly, proceed to Step 4.
- 4). Turn the laptop over and locate the battery compartment release. Slide the latch until the battery pops up or the compartment cover slides off. Remove the battery and verify that the computer's power cord is still connected to a wall outlet.
- 5). Push the "power button" once and wait for the computer to start up. If the computer starts and remains on, the problem is likely a bad battery and not the power switch.
- 6). Move your finger around the power button and apply slight pressure. If the button seems loose or if the button does not depress at all, the button itself may be stuck or have a connection loose underneath it.
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