My dell latitude d600 will not turn on?

The problem my D600 has been experiencing is a dead or frozen mouse resulting in a hot shutdown. The subsequent restart often results in all 3 lights lighting, then only the middle and then it shuts off. This can go on for hours and then suddenly, she starts.
After thinking about it and the comments here, I came to the conclusion that I might have mechanical memory issues. I opened the RAM memory door, pulled out the memory and examined them for any problems.
Aha! One of them had a small black spot on the pins. Under a microscope, I scraped off the dirt (kind of greasy looking) with a fine needle. Then I lightly cleaned it under the scope with a Qtip dipped in alcohol. Next, I air dried the thing and examined it for any Qtip residue.Then, I re-inserted it.
Upon power up, the same problem. Therefore, I removed the memory again and inspected the internal memory connector slots.
Sure enough, there was the same dirt on them. Using a toothpick dipped in alcohol, I was able to clean the connectors, then blow dry them and once again insert the memory. This time, no problems, the old thing booted right up.

stormcellar
July 2013

After musing over the anecdotal solutions ranging from soldering to paper padding, I fell into a more laptop friendly solution. That is, I found that holding down the fn key while pressing the power switch, a sequence that activates the built in hardware diagnostics, provided a conditional fix for me.

At some point during the diagnostics, strike the Esc key to abort and boot into Windows. This solution is reliable until the laptop is not powered on for 24 hours or so. However, it's quite easy to repeat the steps.

Antonio F. Corona
July 2013

The socket that the button board plugs into is the problem.
The solder joints are cracking. That is why the power button works when you press down. I removed a button board the other day on one and the damn socket came up with it no problem. RIght off the board. I have 3 that do the same thing.

Tyler Williams
June 2013

Turn the laptop over, locate the fan in the corner. Next to it is a circuit board under the lid held with one screw. Open it up and check that the white and black power supply cables are connected.

Cory
February 2013

Followup....did the folded up paper trick and bent laptop over knee trick....I am now looking at win xp fresh install with no lan drivers....going to dell for hopefully a set of drivers for a flash drive....Kudos to everyone...I cant thank you all enough....Sincerely Bud

Bud Robertson-Tempest_x3-x_bdz_x
November 2012

I read these forums and had to laugh....I have one of these old latitude d600's...same deal blinking caps lock 9 times and shut off again...no boot....I changed ram,hard drives...trying to load xp on a win2000 hardware machine...got nothing but lock ups/freezes....force feed a reboot and get blinking caps lock 9 times and shuts off...lol....what a way to spend a weekend...got it to boot and begin to install 33 mins left...type yer name and locked up again...I am sincerely ready to give this thing a boot all right...

Bud Robertson-Tempest_x3-x_bdz_x
November 2012

Get a dock.

Skweekah
November 2012

hi!my dell latitude is not tourn on im in of ur help

salif
July 2012

the answer is cement. a concrete sidewalk will crack. The cause is cold, heat and vibration. Solder on your circuit boards are like sidewalks. they become separated and can lose connection. pushing down on certain places can bend the connection to make a connection. This is the reason it works. The only way to fix the problem is to make sure all your solder joints are making contact.

Mark
June 2012

I was having the same flashing caps lock, dead as a hammer laptop. I tried all of the solutions and what worked for me was switching the ram from the port under the keyboard to the slot on the back. I bought this unit used so the CMOS battery was already gone. I did, however, find the compartment and the jumper. If this planned destruction is indeed true we all need to find good lawyers.

woody
April 2012

Thanks a lot. I'm a new entry in the "F8-F9 pushers fan club". My Latitude D600 lives again.

Luigi
January 2012

I came to the same conclusion as Aussie Fred, June 2008, and this fix worked for me. Simply resolder the tiny surface mount socket on the motherboard, immediately below the small green power board. I didn't add extra solder, merely resoldered the existing joints, using a fine tip soldering iron. My D610 has now reliably booted for the last 2 weeks.
I believe all the other solutions work temporarly because they cause the connector pins to make contact at the time the power butoon is pressed and that without resoldering the joints, then its only a matter of time before the problem reappears.

Tony Nicholls
December 2011

thank you sooo much. so i had the same problem of the d600 not turning on, and i pushed down firmly on the f8 and f9 as i turned it on, and what would you know, the darn thing has finally fired up. cheers for the advice.

kylie
August 2011

Thought these remedies were ridiculous until I found one that worked. Felt like a fool doing it. I took out the battery, placed it under the docking area, pressed down on the laptop and pressed the power button. Took like 4 tries but it worked!

td
July 2011

First, thanks for the many things you allowed me to rule out, which I did (very painfully). None worked but possibly for you (it worked for me) came up with one more solution. It's below if you wish to skip the next paragraph but this verbage may give you a bit of an overview relative to finding where (it can occur in multiple places with different "symptoms") it's happening.

Facts first.....a) The unit itself flexes, b) Some of the internal boards flex, c) Over time this creates the micro fracturing of solder joints resulting in "symptoms". D) There are work around routines (many of these on this blog I am sure work), E) The real issue though is the mechanical design (as opposed HP's massive problem with leadless solder which is a different issue) and F) unless the unit is structurally reinforced the "symptoms" will come back (this assumes you have got it working again via one of the many methods outlined in this set of responses). So what does this mean practically (and I will let others experiment and add to a solution for REINFORCEMENT) strips across the bottom will help (obviously placing then where you can still open compartments and not blocking the heat exhaust). That plus possibly some hot glue or (better) cut to size rubber (not plastic) board supports (as in those that stick on to the underside of motherboards) should guarantee long life (less disk drives and power supplies). Wny would I say that....too many years in the semi-conductor industry and more than the average bears understanding of how long components will last (if not a bad lot of capacitors (a prior Dell problem). Since it will stream movies on the 1.6 processor with 1 GB of memory I will go the "extra mile" and return it to my daughter. So what have we learned.....A) The packaging group at Dell should have been shot for this but if you examine many laptops almost all flex - DONT' BUY if they do. B) There are exceptions though. The older IBM and the newer Lenevo laptops....built like bricks (and other manufacturers are following suit) are some. The former I own two of by the way that are still problem free after 6 and 8 years respectively. C) Personally I would almost never (less a particular Acer and most newer Lenevo models) but a new laptop. I would wait 1 year (preferably two) and then check to see what problems are being reported. D) In the great race for $'s virtually every laptop manufacturer did not do anything close to a life test. HP and literally millions of problems shipped is at the top of the heap. Dell is much lower down the ladder (of management incompetence - no self respecting CEO should allow a product to be released without a real LIFE TEST).

End of facts and a bit of sermon....here is what fixed the machine I was working on.

PUSHING both the memory modules in with the cover off. And they had to be pushed in to extreme.
As a work around, for the moment, I used the same type tabs, cut slim, that stick on (that you use to support a mother board). The next step is to take it apart and find the connection issue. In the interim (last ten days) I turn it on and off several times a day and have left it on continuously.

Important note: My daughter (and subsequently me as I played with it) had many of the symptoms described above ultimately culminating in total failure.....no power meaning no lights, fans, nothing. This occurred while the system was live and not being moved around. The connections are obviously sensitive.

Steve
May 2011

I just discovered the cause of these symptoms on my own machine, a dell inspiron 600m. It was the connector from the laptop screen to the mother board. It sits below the f8 and f9 key (on my model). Reseating this connector worked for a bit then came loose again. But applying pressure direct or via the f8 and f9 key always works.

jl
April 2011

My solution sounds very crazy, but, it actually works! I have all the same classic symptoms: 3 rapidly flashing lights for about 3 to 5 seconds, followed by no power for about three tries, then usually on the fourth try, it will power up, but then freezes on Windows XP boot screen. I left the computer like that for over an hour (on, frozen on boot screen) and then turned it off and restarted it and voila! it booted right up. For me, the problem has something to do with heat, or lack thereof. I tried heating up the entire laptop with a hair dryer to simulate the heat the laptop generates and it will start everytime on the second attempt! I know this sounds crazy, but, heating the power button and keyboard area for about 3 to 5 minutes with a hair dryer does something to it. This suggests that something expands and makes a connection that doesn't occur when the laptop is cold!

Hey, if all else fails...........

Just thought I would share!

Biff Steele
January 2011

this may be from thpower button ....remove thecover

then you will fins that the power button have two wire connected to the boared one oh them may be cutted try to connect it by welding

shaaban elnaggar
January 2011

Pressing the F9 and F10 keys seats the plug connector to the LCD screen. That is the real problem in this case. This is directly underneath those keys. To do so permanently. and do this with ground strap on your wrist (ESD precautions): 1) Remove the power cord and battery. 2) Open up the laptop until the LCD screen is fully back. 3) Remove the start button and status panel. There is a slot for a flat blade screwdriver right near the right hand LCD screen hinge. 4) The connector is visible right above the F8 key but you will need to move the keyboard out of the way. Do so by removing the two screws above the F4 and PAUSE buttons. 5) Move the keyboard out of the way by sliding it forward about a 1/2 inch then back and over the touch pad by apx 1-2 inches. 6) Press the connector you saw in 4 in firmly. 7) Place the keyboard back into position be care full about getting the tabs in and under the case. 8) Install the keyboard screws. You can now check if the worked by adding the battery, power supply and pressing the small white square case button right above the F&-F8 keys. Finish by installing the button and status panel.

Captain Jack Plankton Rules!
January 2011

Quick & Lasting Solution for Dell D600 (Won’t Boot up):
- Unplug the AC cable of the system from electric source.
- Remove the Dell D600 Battery at the bottom of the system & put it away.
- Look very well within the Battery compartment for the CMOS Battery,
it is hiding in a secret place with a cover/seal attached to the wall of the Battery compartment.
Remove the seal and unplug the CMOS Battery plug/jumper for some seconds, then fix it back.
- Gather & Couple everything back again, then push the power button of the System -this will solve the problem by bring the End of life (EOL) programming down to (ground - zero) for another 3-4 years.
Good luck.
astahir9

A.S.Tahir
January 2011

Tried putting pressure, It did't work.
I reinserted the RAM and all was well again.

I'm going to be bold/Stupid & install a ClearOS linux on there & let it be my local server.

I'll see howlong it will last.

Die_Antwoord
December 2010

I cannot believe pressing the F9 and F10 keys together worked... really. So now to find that loose connection... thanks!

Upshur Tech
December 2010

I have the same problem. When I read about the trick with the memory, I tried putting pressure on the memory sticks and my computer turned on. I decided to take the memory out and clean the contacts with a pencil eraser. (The copper contacts can oxidize over time.) After they were cleaned and installed, the computer started up. Another thing. The pressing on the F9 and F10 keys are only moving the connections under the Key pad. Those connections need to be cleaned as well. To do that, gently pop off the cover above the keypad starting from the right side. Unscrew the two screws holding down the keypad. Unplug the computer screen and clean those contacts. (If I had "electrical contact cleaner" from Radio Shack, I would have used it on the contacts.) After I did this the computer started to turn off and on consistantly. Hope this is helpful.

Steve Anderson
December 2010

I had the lights quickly flashing thing where it does not power up. Thanks to the suggestions above I found that pressing the keyboard down firmly in the area of the f7/f10 keys allowed the system to come up. I also do not know why but it worked.

Michael
December 2010

i tried pressing the F9 and F10 keys while powering up but unfortunately no luck. My green light on the power adapter turns off as soon as i plugin the adapter to the laptop. Did anyone have similar issue?

Dhiren Chandvania
December 2010

This is so frustrating!!!!! I'm gonna go NUTS!!!!!!!! Well, I just happen to be a teen so I don't know what the a motherboard is, and we don't own a small enough screwdriver to open anything.... I tried the f9 and f10 "trick" 40 million different ways and times, but nothing. I also have a latitude d600, but my problem is not that lights flicker, or blink, and go off, you guys are lucky there's even a semi amount of life in yours. Mine doesn't do anything at all! I looked at Observant One's suggestion about the eol thing, and this shows that Dell thinks we are retarded, but if they think that the smart ones who do research are still going to buy another Dell, they're retarded! I hope this is illegal! Look out Dell! My dad just happens to be a VERY good lawyer! (obviously I'm not gonna buy a new one after my awesome speech, and none of these things worked, but I don't know about opening it, as I can't. But if anyone knows anything I don't, PLEASE reply. I don't wanna file for a law suit, unless it'll get me a WORKING computer. Cuz a working computer is really all I want anyway...)

Izzy
December 2010

Wow... you guys saved my life!! I have a 6 year old Dell Precison M60 and the F9 & F10 press WORKED!!!
I will now finish transfering my files to the new system!

You Guys ROCK!

Woodside Hockey
November 2010

Thank you to everyone who has posted. The first time it wouldnt work i did the F9 F10 power button combination and it worked. The second time it wouldnt turn on i tried the combination and it didnt work. So i read more post and tried the pushing down on the right and left side of the laptop and push power and wouldnt ya know it worked. I have never seen such a crazy messed up laptop in my life. Im saving this site just incase it happens again.

Stephanie
November 2010

HOLY MOLY: i thought my d600 was dead forever. reinserting the ram had no effect. holding down all four buttons in the F9 F10 Print Screen region worked! Can't believe it! Thanks everyone!

cookie
November 2010

I respect the greatest inspiring genius with the name “OBSERVATANT ONE” for his investigation on EOL (End of Live) power-on count and “NOMAD” Got it right too.
I spent about 8hrs trying all the contributions in this palace:
- The paper patch-up assistance
- The top & underneath pressure applications
- The memory swapping/Removing one memory
- The powering with multiple keys (F7, F9, F10, F12, Prt-sc)
All the above contributions could not do much.
What work perfectly well and seems the long time solution for me is decoding the EOL Bios programming:
- I removed the Dell D600 Battery
- I traced the secret CMOS Battery cover/seal which is systemically attached to the Battery Wall.
- I unplugged the CMOS plug for some seconds and Replace it back.
- Then I coupled everything back.
- When I Pushed the Booting Button ON Viola!
Here CMOS a new system.

Ahmed Tahir
November 2010

Me Dell Latitude D505 won't turn on. Mine went into suspend and would not wake up. All it gave was a green light to show battery was charging. I reseated the small switch board above the main motherboard, changed over the RAM etc, tried every combination of trying to boot with power switch down and function keys etc. Finally found this place. Put the laptop over my knee, placed some pressure to left and right of the laptop and pushed power button and hey presto it works. Thanks for all the above posts

Big Al
September 2010

I have the same problem (the laptop starts for 3 sec and then shts down) with a C640 latitude; i tried all tricks below and nothing, except sometimes if I press the power buton and F12 same time, the laptop starts, the cooler is running at maximum rpm but there is no image on the display and I can't turn it off by holding the power button --I must take out the batery and the power supply.thanks

disky
September 2010

Powering up with F9 & F10 WORKED !!! No idea why it works but HUGE THANKS.

selvarajan
September 2010

Well guys i had the same problem i just removed lcd, keyboard and uper cover, late i examined the are of battery connector there was two ic's were sluged i just cleand and later heated by hot air gun after few minutes i assembled all parts nd laptop was working

Magnetic
August 2010

I keep getting
Manufacutring mode level 67
does anyone know what to do?

Joseph
August 2010

to Phil Gibson, June 2009

No sure if you'll see this or if you're still having an issue, but researching a D600 of mine I felt the same way...the three lights all lit up and did not blink, but remained on, solid for about 20 secs, then all went out. Pulling my hair out after trying all the suggestions, I decided to open it up and look at everything once again...took it all but appart, removing, reseating nearly everything under the keyboard...and Nothing! I thought...let me check the RAM door [on bottom, marked with M] once more...it had only on 512MB chip, moved it to Slot B and again..Nothing...then I reviewed the seating...and low and behold..realized you have to push that baby in tight...and then the clips synched with the notches on the RAM chip and it booted perfectly. Give it a shot. Email me if you need more info...KerryC27atyahoo.com

Kerry Crayn
July 2010

I tried to turn my dell latitude d600 wouldn't turn on and tried everything listed with no luck. I plugged it in to my base tower and ctrl alt delete the base twice to restart the base and my laptop started right up. i was trying to turn it on for 1 week with no luck I was soooo happy that the base started it right up.

Brandy
July 2010

Thanks guys. Pressing the base near the docking station did it. A contact fault for sure.

Brian G.
July 2010

I read all the answers on this forum and tried most... I'm posting this answer to help save someone some time! If the cap lock light is blinking and then turns off, count the number of times it blinks. Mines was a ten count and this was the ram in the first slot (under the keyboard, D610). once I replaced it the PC worked just fine! Now if the count is other then 10 you might need to do more research to find the problem!

i124q_dm_at_yahoo
July 2010

Well -- I powered on and off about a hundered times this morning - then found this forum --- tried the F( & F10 -- nothing. Then I also unplugged the power cord from both the computer and outlet. POwered-up holding the F9 & F10 AND AMAZINGLY -- the old horse sprung back to life.

TCM
May 2010

bizarrely, I've had the same problem - solved by reseating the cpu - off with the keyboard, take the heatpipe off and reseat.. either that or someone wanted a new laptop and it was sabotaged :-)

Spike
April 2010

I tried Aussie Fred's solution. I used a dissecting scope and saw no breaks on any connector anywhere. There was A LOOSE CONNECTION, though. After you take the keyboard off, there is a covered tiny board connected to the main board in the upper right under the "Prnt Scrn / SysRq" button. It is covered in white, and it says "Do Not Remove" (the covering) and to "Press Here." Press there, and see if it is loose. If it is, your problem may be solved. Mine was. (You might as well clean the fan while you are at it.) My solution explains the "whole palm on the upper right keyboard solution" as well as placing pressure behind - both of which put pressure on that connector - enough to get it to start up.

surf city dude
April 2010

It was a bad RAM that causes the PC not to turn on. I just change it for a new one and everything is all right now.

Claude
April 2010

uzi, you are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Douglas Williams
March 2010

All of the mentioned solutions acctually do work in some cases but it usualy ends up with the same problem over some time or the problem can not be fixed at all. In my case the final solution after trying everythin else was in removing the plastic silver bar that covers the power button. It is fairly easy to do. You do that by inserting a flat screwdriver in the upmost right corner of the keyboard (special screwdriver hole) and you pry it up so the plastic bar deattaches. Than you carefully remove the bar pushing it up from right to left. When this is done you can se the circuitboard with the power switch. You should now make shure that you remove any dust here and also try to screw in all the little screws that are not firmly screwed in. Also make shure that all the cables are in their places and not pushing on anything. Next you reattach the plastic bar and VOILA.

All the other solutions seem to do the trick for me only for some time but the problem allways came back. After I tried the new solution the problem is gone the computer works normaly and allways boots up.

Hope this helps.

Uzi
March 2010

LizaBeta
January 2010 I followed your method but with no success I removed the memory board and there was a tiny piece of foreign matter in there. Once removed and the board replaced the thing started up. Thanks very much this site is magnificent.

Rossco
March 2010

Pressing on the F9+F10 firmly while pressing the ON button seemed to work for me. This laptop had this issue for a while now and I never found a solution. This problem is so random that I couldn't find the cause either.

I guess I'll open up this piece of ....... hardware *g* to fix the connector :)

Glad I stumbled upon this site. Thanks.

A
February 2010

OK, Gang. I tried EVERY comment above on my Latitude D800. Nada. In frustration, I placed the full palm of my hand on the the entire upper right keyboard while holding down the power button. Voila! The darn thing started. This has got to be a joke. I don't even know what key or key combination did the trick.

Terry
February 2010

So my supergluing the docking port did not work. Good thing the laptop still works. I still need to push F7-F8 on power up and needs to be done when shutting down.

I'd like to try supergluing the chip that Aussie said to solder, but which one is it? Can someone give me the location?

Another though is to use some plastic washers on the inside of the mounted bolts around the dock port to give some upward pressure. Laptop does power up fine when pushing down on either side with a support running down the middle, creating a slight bow effect.

GiSWiG
February 2010

For the past week, I've tried several things to resolve this issue. The pushing on the F7-F8 works, but eventually the machine will crash. I've clamped and superglued to the mobo every chip around that dock port, but not the port itself.

So I'm wondering... this port seems (based on my expierence and others here) needs pressure applied to make it work. I don't think superglue would be enough, but I may just start there and see how it goes. I use the liquid superglue so it just runs underneath the components, but with this port being big, I don't think it would dry under it. I was thinking of using epoxy. Push what I can under the port, and then have a strip running around it so it would hold it to the motherboard. No, I don't have a microscope and soldering iron or a steady hand. This seems like it would work. It would keep the contacts together. The laptop was free from work so I'm not losing too much.

What do you think?

GiSWiG
February 2010

My d600 needed a little lifting of the green board with the powerbutton in the part towards You, in order to make pressure on the connector because the screw acts as a lever point. I dont know why it did not worked just pressing the back part of the green board but finally it worked when I pulled the front part of it and pressed the power button at the same time.

I dont think this is a software or firmware or bios issue, i think this is purely hardware from a very poor qulity control in the assembly line or design.

Maybe you can do a more permanent solution if you add something below it to maintain the lifting force.

Good Luck

Luis Conrado
February 2010

EOL sounds convincing enough to me so to my chagrin the napkin thing worked! Guy's I have been supporting computers for quite a while and this had me stumped. So to all of my fellow geeks that had the bright idea to use the napkins, CHEERS! My son thanks you too.

Guillermo Saldana
February 2010

I have had a similar problem with my D600 for a couple of years now. I was pressing so hard I was worried that it would break. I finally got around to looking into the problem. The small power switch board has a connector underneath it that plugs into the motherboard. I found that if I press on this part of the board the system would power up OK. So I removed the two screws that are part of the top part of the case on either side of the area and wedged a stick on rubber foot to this area of the small pcb. Then replaced the screws to ensure that there is always pressure on this part of the PCB. It all seems to work OK now. Before I made this modification, the lights and buttons on this mini pcb didn't work (caps lock, sound mute etc), now everything is working OK.

Pat P
February 2010

i had a loose connection ...under the keyboard...reseated connections..and i haven't had a problem since...hope it works for you..

tony
January 2010

it is a loose connection and it is under the F9, F10, PrntScrn, Menu, buttons. I opened my D600 and reseated the connector. I also placed a business card on top and taped it down. Then put the keyboard and button cover back on. Presto. A guy gave me this laptop because he didnt want to deal with sending it to get fixed. He'd rather buy a new one because of repair costs to laptops. He said if you can fix it its yours. :) Hope this helps y'all

Carlos
January 2010

Well, after trying all the tricks, the one that worked for me was the pressing behind the on button at the back of the laptop and at the same time pressing the on button until it starts. I had to start it by this method until I downloaded the 2006 version of the Truemobile WLAN install driver R143355, and the R114079 Intel Chipset Install. Not sure which ones made it start properly again, but it seems to be a problem with outdated drivers.

krisgal
January 2010

All I read on here is success stories from people saying this worked. I wanted to add that I've tried everything that has been suggested so far and NOTHING works at all. The lights still flash and it will NOT boot up. I've taken it apart many times and still nothing. I have a Dell Latitude D610.

Justin
January 2010

Hi people ,first ,excuse my poor english .Today came to me Dell D800 for repair with the same issue . After normal shut down it can't start . Without the battery and power cord for a few minutes , power again with adapter and it started - and what I see on display - message was: laptop is automatically shut down because temperature is higher than expected !!!! After the loud normally Windows, Everest say that the temperature are abs normal ! This is absolutely like Obervant One wrote in his message before !!Where is the EEProm with value for temperature ,shitt of Dell !!

joro1963
January 2010

Hold down F9 & F10 while pressing power button works.

Great Thread,
Thanks!

Loren R
January 2010

My Dell Latitude D600 does not power up without 'assistance' either. All three lights to the left of the main ON/OFF button come on for a second or two then go out.

I have tried the 'paper towel under the RAM slots' trick, but this doesn't work. Looking at the thread this solution seems only to apply to when your Caps Lock light (the middle of the three lights) flashes then goes out.

Pressing hard around the F7/F8 keys does get the job done, which is a great short-term solution. But the power-up problem does get worse over time. You need to press harder and harder, and this can't be good. One day the lap-top will surely fail to start up altogether.

What we need is a proper diagnosis, and real long-term fix. I like the theory that there is some dodgy connection either on the small Power Switch Board under the main ON/OFF button, or between this small board and the Motherboard. I tried a replacement Power Switch Board but this did not help.

So, anyone have any thoughts on addressing a possible dodgy connection between the Motherboard and the Power Switch Board, except for a full MB replacement?!

Ben Agate
January 2010

Thanks so much!!!! I just held the power button and press the F9 and F10 FIRMLY and it turned on. YOU NEED TO PRESS 9&10 HARD!!!

Jim Smiley
January 2010

EGADS! I HELD START BUTTON, F9 ANF F10 PUSHED FIRMLY ALL AT ONCE AND IT STARTED.

SPENCE
January 2010

Our Latitude d600 was brand new. We traveled with it on the airplane and it would not power on (caps lock would blink for a while then all the lights would go out). I unscrewed the plate on the bottom with "M" next to it (the memory boards were in there). I did not remove them. I put one layer of paper towel cut to the shape of the memory boards and screwed the plate back on, but it still would not start. Then I got another paper towel and folded it to size (had to trim off a bit). I put it in there and screwed on the plate (it seemed like the plate was almost bulging out with all that bulk in there). Then I pressed the power button and it actually came on!!! So try it.

LizaBeta
January 2010

Tissue paper worked for me. Big Thank you

Alan H
December 2009

where are the answers?

Daisy
December 2009

I had the same problem. Pushed power button, it flickered and then nothing. the power button with the f9 and f10 keys works. At first I tried pushing them all at the same time...nothing...then the f9 and f10 together first, followed by power. Still nothing. What worked for me was Power button (hold down) then push both f9 and f10 keys at the same time.

Thank you to those who suggested the solution...it works

Paul
December 2009

Glad I found this thread. My D600 would intermittently not power on. A couple days ago I tried it over 100 times and nothing. My computer guy told me its "electrical fatigue". Thanks.

jackz
December 2009

Good God, you guys are geniuses! I tried the pressing hard on both sides and hitting the on/off button method - and it worked no problem! I love you! I tried everything and nothing worked on my dell latitude D610.
Seriously, you are the best, thank you so much!

Hanka certik
December 2009

My D610 suddenly was not able to boot. This is approx 2 weeks after I took it all apart to clean it, for the first time in several years.

The caps lock indicator blinked a couple of times, then it would power down. Tried to reseat both memory modules. No dice. Removed bottom memory module. Bingo.

Just to be thorough, I swapped memory modules around. It looked like the bottom socket was bad. Whenever you try to boot up with anything in that socket, it would blink a couple of times and shut off.

I took a 4"x6" piece of paper and folded it up to match the size of the memory card. Reseated the bottom memory card, added the folded piece of paper, and screwed down the lid. It works perfectly now.

Thanks all!

Mr. Scott
November 2009

GOD BLESS YOU !! Pressed down on f9& f10 and it now works!!!

Jack F
November 2009

Aussie Freds solution!!!! thats the magic touch for the D600. mine powered up like a charm. Thanks

mwas80
November 2009

tried all of the suggestions and the only way to boot up was to put significant pressure on both the E & R keys while powering up....then I was given a suggestion to put a non conductive material under the MB....instead I cut up a business card and placed a double layer beneath the cpu in the cutout center and it now boots every time!....never could have guessed this fix but it worked for me

bmonz
November 2009

My Dell Latitude Would Not Turn On Either:

Tried the following:

The PRESS it booted and froze.

The MEMORY swap and it did NOT boot at all.

Then Biggeorge suggestion: I Folded a piece of paper towel to the size of the two modules, swapped them back to their original locations did the Aussie PRESS again and it booted. The laptop booted FASTER than it ever has and it works faster. Brawny works best.

I am a IT professional and I cannot believe this worked.

Brawny Guy
November 2009

hey guys... i just fixed my problem after hrs of frustration. i just took my two memory sticks out and put them back in and did the cover up tightly and turn in on and it works perfect.

Jazmyn
November 2009

hey guys.... i have the same problem and i have only had the dell d600 for 7months. When i turn the laptop on i press hard on the space bar and it starts up and everythin but as soon as i let go it freezes again and i have to hold my start button down to turn it off.. im soo annoyed.. wat do i do????

Jazmyn
November 2009

The End Of Life / 2500 power-on count is interesting. How would the D600 be able to store the power-on count if CMOS is cleared by removing the battery and clearing password chip? Hence, returning to factory state.

What's left is the hard coded release date of the BIOS compared to the current date = minimum age? If that's the last check, D600's start powering down en masse.

Nomad
October 2009

The tricks listed here do not work for me. I'm one of the ones having the problem "Power Supply light goes off when connecting to laptop". No power up or lights whatsoever. HELP!!

Jeepin4Fun911
October 2009

I have come across several D600/600M with power problem - specifically no power at all. Many would short out the adapter after plugging it in. If this many units are affected, has anyone found a solution? I suspect a VCC to Ground short, but still have more testing to do on dead boards.

PDV
October 2009

same problem answer= tissue paper under ram door

ray
October 2009

Well here we are with a dead Dell 600 and a serious headache trying to figure it out.
Then I found this thread and Aussie Freds solution - MAGICO !! worked first time, as well as reseating the memory modules.
Unfortunately the hard drive was by this time fried (Fujitsu 80Gb) but I've replaced it with a 30Gb and its good enough to get XP installed on.

Gracias Fred and all others for their contribution.

Petes307
September 2009

Since it was unethical to create a product that screws itself after time, if anyone knows an attorney or website that is into filing class action suits, let me know, because I'd like to have a working laptop again. my email is makeithappenlm at gmail . com ps. it appears the workaround is to disconnect the signal wire/pin that powers down the system. if you find out which pin that is on the power daughterboard, please post the workaround here and also email me too. thanks!

Obervant One
September 2009

OK fellows and fellowettes, what you are experiencing is EOL (Programmed End of Life) because your d600 has been turned on more than about 2500 times. (2 times a day for 3-4 years). This is how Dell gets people to go buy a new one. This EOL code is encoded in the BIOS. There is a counter which counts how many times the unit has been power cycled. The problem you are having when it just shuts off, and how the condition gets worse over time, is a BIOS firmware issue, not a hardware issue. Your hardware is working just fine. So what Michael Dell instructed, and his BIOS engineers programmed, is a way to EOL (End of Life) of your machine by progressively lowering the temperature threshold at which your laptop will suddenly powerdown without warning. Factory fresh, it will work for the first 200 times or so up to 200-250 degrees or so, then it will start shutting off at 180, then 160, all the way to 80, about 20 degrees above standard room temp. The idea is people get so frustrated, they just think it got old and started dying. This way frustrated unsuspecting people go buy a new laptop. The cure is to freeze your laptop - then the CPU temp is well below 80 degress F. You can use your computer to fetch files off of it until the processor heats the heatsink back up to around 80 degrees, then it will just shut down - annoying the F*#k out of you - I am sure. I studied the problem everyone (and myself) was happening quite scientifically, and I discovered this psycho secret kludge in the BIOS through examination. The freezing the laptop test did exactly what I predicted. See, I had first noticed the BIOS loading bar was cutting off at seeming random spots. The smaller the interval of time between powerups (oh and you ahve to disconnect power for a few sec to be able to try again), the shorter the time the processor got to 80 degress F (an approx) . At that time I knew their EOL bios code has changed the value in EEPROM memory at which the computer shuts down based chip temp. So if your d600 (perhaps other models as well) isn't coming on, power it down/unplug, freeze it for 20 minutes or so and try again and you'll have better results. If this is illegal for Dell to have done, perhaps a class action suit is in order - a new laptop for everyone who got screwed because of their EOL firmware. My d600 used BIOS A15 by the way. Oh, the pressing bit actually activates the re-activation because what you are doing is not connecting pins, but briefly disconnecting them. There is a black plastic thing on the little power daughterboard that when depressed and arcs the board back enough to disconnect power pins and simulate a complete hard reset. People writing here found this, and were able to reboot again - but only until DELL's scam firmware code shut of their laptops yet again. Those people probably didn't come back - they just shelved their d600 and went and got another one..... Who's up for starting a class action suit? I don't have the resources... I'll be freezing my laptop in order to use it for 20 minutes at a time for a while...

Observant One
September 2009

Unbeleivable. I also had my d600 as good and dead. I googled around (a little) and found this thread. And it worked! Amazing.
Lots of thanks everyone!

Joakim
September 2009

Identical symptoms, would not start, would get green power light for a second or two then nothing. Pressed down above the the F9 and F10 key when I pressed power and came immediately on.

What a blessing! Thank you for being here.

David
September 2009

which part on the computer is the docking area

icekilla
September 2009

i have a latitude d600, and it was working, but for some reason when i push the power button to turn it on, a light just flash one time and noting happen, i check the power cord to ensure that its not damage but the power code was fine. what can i do to fix this problem,

icekilla
September 2009

Folded paper on one of me ram worked for me,
also look for..loose button board socket.
loose power switch---white
loose power socket--lots of pins here!
Stripped mine down about 3 times now..hope this will be the last...I should be so lucky..

chopz54
September 2009

i applied pressure around the F9,F10,print screen keys. Generally around that area and the power button, and it works.
Thanks!!!!

Alex
September 2009

the F9 F10 pressing hard worked !!!! Thanks


Weird

Norm
August 2009

Was passed a d600 and it wouldn't power on. Tried everything. Sat for a few months. Found it again. Found this thread. Pressed around the docking area. Booted up fine. Woohoo..new computer. :)
Thanks to all for contributing.

Tom S
August 2009

Unbelievable!!! Pressing in the docking area started my dead D600!!! Only power indicator would light up for a moment - and then nothing. Many thanks aussie fred, your a genius!!!

snorlax
July 2009

thanks to everyone that made suggestions - the tissues didn't work but took the RAM out of slot A and haven't had a problem since....

htmk1
July 2009

I remember seeing this a while back, for some odd reason i applied pressure around the F9,F10,print screen keys. Generally around that area, and it works. I may just take this thing apart to see why the heck it doesn't power on normally.

BlueGrass
July 2009

ok so im really dum aparantly....i have a dell lat. d600 and the back light of the monoter went out and i did research on it (using a flashlight on the screen) and found that if u got a new monoter and pluged it in it would work.so i did...but now i had the normal monoter was in the way so i un-screwd it and put it underneath the key board...comp still works ok good..then i figured that its just the monoter and i CUT the cord holding the monoter thats in the way and boom.the comp dosent worke at all.
Is thier anny way possible to fix this?

Brandon
July 2009

I put the battery underneath the docking area (middle of the computer) and it powered on. Who would have thought! What the heck and how does that work? If you have trouble powering your dell d600, just remove the battery, put it in the middle of the bottom of the laptop, push firmly but not killer on the sides of the laptop and let it boot up. cool

linux on d600
June 2009

Thank you for your help. I cleaned and reseated the RAM memory cards, then I pressed down as J. Kirchner suggested and it would work until I stopped pressing down. I got so frustrated (and i have a new computer on the way anyway and just need this one working to transfer data) so i punched it right on the RAM memory card door, and it is working fine now. BTW, my problem was it would not turn on and after 3-5 seconds of a flashing capital A, it would turn off. Obviously only do this if you understand the risk.

Thanks again to all and especially Joe.

Oliver
June 2009

I found this thread to be very useful and one of my D600's now is fixed using the ram module swap. Slot "A" seems to be the bad boy! My dilema is the second unit. All three lights come on and the first light to the left of the "A" light goes out. The other two lights stay lit for several seconds and go out. The lights stay on steady and do not blink. I can get the middle light to blink if I put ram in it, so I know the unit is communicating with the ram. I removed the H.D. LCD BATTERY DVD and ran with external monitor, but same result. I resoldered the DC on the board thinking it was lose, but this did not cure anything. The people on this thread are the best I have ever seen, so I hope someone can help me out. I would gladly pay whom ever finds the solution. Thanks for taking the time to listen to my saga. Thanks Phil

phil gibson
June 2009

Lol or you could resoder the little docking connector or w/e is lose thats probally what you guys are putting pressure on its probally lose

iforgot
May 2009

Who the hell would have thought that you could google for "dell d600 does not power on" and have the SECOND result be helpful?? I googled as a LAST RESORT. I expected no results. NONE. Holy crap!

Mr. Cat
May 2009

And another, so simple - thanks.

Bilbo
May 2009

Add one more D600 fixed -It would not boot, but worked fine by pushing on the docking connector. Suspect bad / broken internal connection as described in this thread. Will disassemble and fix at some point.

Thanks for the info, was worried Windows 7 messed with the BIOS sleep mode!

Dodger G
May 2009

Just amazing. A little pressure in the right spot and away it went. I have a Latitude D600, would not boot, just a small green light to show you hit the power button. Well I googled and ended up here. I read the solution of pressure on the docking area under the computer. I pressed it with my fingers but nothing happened. So, I removed the battery and set that under the laptop where the dock area is, I placed my hands on both edges of the machine parallel to the keyboard and pressed firmly. Then I hit the power button and away it went. Holy cow. Thanks guys and girls. Who ever figured this out and what was the circumstances....anybody know?

Ted
April 2009

Over a year later, Ricardo, and your fix is still working --

"Pressing the bottom hard, by the dock bar: WORKS!!"

I spent an hour reading various forums and everyone and his brother is reporting having the same problem with Dell laptops. There are all kinds of advice about taking your laptop apart, soddering and spending lots of money in repairs, product recalls, class action lawsuits. Try this fix first. It's free and easy.

And for those who don't know, the docking bars are on the underside of your laptop right under where the ON/OFF switch is and are the long bars that swing or lift apart.

Thanks Ricardo.

Marie
March 2009

Hi!
m having the same problem as Rob's.
The thing is "I have tried the power supply on a meter at the connection end before plugging into the laptop and is reading 19.5v but when I connect the power connection to the laptop the power light on the power supply extinguishes and when I check the tester inside the laptop after the lead is plugged in the reading goes down to around 3v"

Any help will be highly appreciated.

Dex
March 2009

aussie fred your a genius i was just about to buy a new laptop thanks mate

aussie trevor
March 2009

I had the same problem only the "A" light light for some seconds and then go off. It work fine if I change the memory dimm from A slot to B. I don't know if slot A is faulty but the computer won't boot if the memory is in that one.

Radha
March 2009

Hi,
Off late I experienced a similar problem with my dell d600. the system would suddenly hang and i had to turn it off. But it wouldn't restart. I pressed around the power on button and it booted ( thanks to this thread). But the hang isn;t solved. one more issue is the onboard nic doesn;t get detected sometimes. And when it is detected, the system works for sometime and then it hangs up. Can anyone help me to solve this problem?

sumanth
February 2009

Briliant Aussie Fred!! how can something so simple fix such a serious problem. A lady who jost lost her job brought me her dead D600. I swapped memory, swapped the power supply checked everything and decided that it was a bad mother board. I searched google to see if anyone else had the problem and I found this forum. I pressed around the docking port and the thing started right up. Good work mate.

Hsanchez
February 2009

I wanted to thank the gentlemen identified as Aussie Fred; It was great to have some background on a long standing problem. Not sure I will try microscopic soldering, but who knows - I may get ambitious.

Steven W. (Arlington Heights, IL USA)
January 2009

I tried swapping RAM and pressing everything in sight and it doesn't come on. I think you're all smoking something!

intewedm
December 2008

Hi all,

Happy Christmas to all hope you're all having a good one.

My problem is that the above laptop does not power up?

I have tried the power supply on a meter at the connection end before plugging into the laptop and is reading 19.5v but when I connect the power connection to the laptop the power light on the power supply extinguishes and when I check the tester inside the laptop after the lead is plugged in the reading goes down to around 3v.

Has anyone this problem or know what may be wrong.

Thank you all for any help.

All the best.

Kindest of regards.

Rob.

Rob
December 2008

Amazing folks!! I was frustrated. Whenever I turned on my D600 all lights would flash and then the computer would die. I pressed very hard near the dock bar on the bottom and then pressed the power button and bada bing bada boom!! The things just powered up just fine!!

TrueBlue
December 2008

I have this problem for almost 1 year now. The three lights will blink for several times together and goes off. For 3-4 times, it will somehow come to life all of the sudden, after I left in the closet for a while and tried it "for the last time before I toss it out."

Anyway, I tried different methods people suggested here. Not quite useful in my case. I finally give it a very hard blow at the power key with my fist. Boy, it came back to life again!

Now I truly believe that there must be a loose connection problem. However, I don't know whether there is a true solution.

I am trying not to turn it off any longer, but once for a while, the computer will crash, and it left me with no choice but shut it down by unplugging the power and removing the battery. Then, I have to go throught this all over again...

Sean, another Dell victim
December 2008

I had the same, the green LED "A" light flashed several times then it would shut down. The problem lay with the memory dimm slot A, left the memory dimm out of this slot and all is now OK

bowers_towers
December 2008

aussie fred got it spot on! imagine what price a shop would charge probably advise you its too expensive to repair,nice one fred your the man.

shank
December 2008

The pressing around the docking port also works on the Inspiron 600m, but with a twist: sometimes after the power is on a warning of devices not being connected stops everything.
Just keep repeating the pressure trick in different areas around the docking port.
When my d600 finally craps out completely I'll try Liquid Solder" if its still on the market.
Robert D. Eckel
1775 Meadow Rd.
Southampton, PA 18966
(215) 355-5925
BobEckel@Verizon.net

Bob Eckel
November 2008

Fred.. you are a genius.. my daughter has had the same problem and I was racking my brain trying to come up with answers. I pressed the back and boom.. started right up.. Nicely done!

Al
November 2008

Thanks Guys. Dell just quoted large amounts to replace my motherboard to fix this problem but switching the memory to a spare slot solved it immediately, brilliant. So what do Dell know!!

Roger
September 2008

Hey to all,
I have a Dell Latitude D600, had the same problem the 3rd light A light (the pad lock) would blink about 5 or so times and then just go off. I figured out it was one of my memory slots. I had 2 sticks of 512 megs of RAM and I would get the (blinky light A) so I took one out and left one in. I still got it, so I took that RAM and put it in the other slot and it worked. So just to make sure it wasn't the sticks of RAM, I took the RAM and put it in the one good slot and it worked, just has a bad slot in the back of my laptop. Now the question....how do I fix a bad slot of memory on the back of my laptop???? Any clues????

Sherry in Bama
September 2008

I had a d640 well not mine i was going on it for a bit to use its dvd burner and i went to restart it and it didnt work but i was able to fix it with pressing it firmly on the table so cheers for the help

{Holt}
September 2008

Mine has been going bad for a while, and progressively getting worse.
It eventually died completely so I started stripping it down, and every now and then I would try and fire it up as I removed more and more bits.

Anyhow, long story short. To fix the problem, you need to get a tissue, rip it in half, fold it over and over till it's the size of the 2 memory modules under the plate marked "M" OR "W" depending on which way you look at it. Remove the plate with a small phillips + head screwdriver, place your tissue on the memory chips, slap the over back on, and your laptop will fire up first time from now on.

Send me $5 if this works for you.... ;)
Worked on BOTH of my D600's

Biggeorge
September 2008

It may be that you have a defective little toggle switch. This is the protruding switch that put the pc to "sleep" when you close the screen. My D600 had a problem where the switch will not spring back up when I open the screen. I had to pull it up to start it. Anyone knows hows to replace this switch will be appreciated.

mrmunlyte
August 2008

So, what about just reflowing the solder with an oven/heat gun?

What about reflow?
July 2008

I have had the same problem with my D600 - it needed to be flexed or pressed on the back before the power button would start the machine. This worked for some time, but then did not work any more. I thought then that I would investigate the actual reason for it, and so dismantled the machine. The power pressbutton switch is mounted on a small daughterboard, which in turn is connected to the motherboard via a multipin connector. I used a good lab microscope to examine the very small and fine solder joints which connect the line of connector pins to the motherboard solder pads. I found that many of these solder joints had developed extermely fine fatigue cracks due to relative movement developed between the daughterboard and the motherboard, such that these failty pins were no longer electrically connected to the motherboard. As the fracture in each case was extremely fine (but nonetheless completely separated) downwards pressure on either the power button and /or the back of the case under the connector, would close together the two halves of each broken solder joint, and thus re-establish the connections again, hence the machine would restart. When the pressure is released, the top of each cracked joint would then spring up a micron or two to re-break each faulty connection. As I said, I have proved this fault and directly observed the problem in action, under the microscope.

Now, as the pitch of the connector pins and the pins themselves are so tiny, it is not feasible to resolder the joints with normal soldering gear, which is way too big, meaning that many pins would be soldered together with a blob, rather than being soldered individually and not shorting to each other, as we need to do.

Not having the right type of soldering iron for this task, I actually made one up using my old Weller iron, using a hand-made tip fashioned from a 3mm brass screw with the head cut off, and the other end sharpeded to a very fine (sharp) conical tip. I atteched the brass screw to my iron tip / barrel with many turns of tinned copper wire, which I figured would also be a great conucter of the heat from the normal tip to the very sharp brass tip laced tightly to the side of the old tip. This worked a treat.

I need to say that if you are going to try this, you will need to work under a form of microscope, and you will need to have steady hands so that you don't burn any other parts, and can resolder each pin individually, without blobbing across to other pins. I found that using these tools, it was probably easier that I thought it would be, but you do have to be very careful and precise. I recommend that you do not use solder initially, but simply reheat (reflow) each joint while keeping some pressure on the the other side of the connector body, so that the joints are tending to close when the solder melts, to ensure each joint is individually remade OK.

I found that one of those small metal screwsrivers you can get in a cheap set (the smallest one in the set), can be sharpened up to a very fine point, to serve as a very useful "toothpick" probe. This can be used to gently clear any microscopic debris from beteen the solder joints so that there are no short circuits. If you happen to solder two pins tigether accidentally, you can easily clear the solder by reheating it for a very short time while using the "toothpick" to separate the molten solder again.
The probe can also be used under the microscope to gently probe the top of each joint in turn, to check the quality of your soldering. If the top part moves, relative to the solder pad, then the joint is still not OK (is still cracked), and needs more work. In this way, you can eventually be confident that all joints are solid, and also not shorting out to each other.

Remember - use only the minimum heating time for each joint, as you don't want to damage the motherboard or its solder pads (which might become unbonded with too much heat).

So - there you are. I have done it using this method.

Also, I recommend that you either do this, or get someone to do it for you, soon after you begin having difficulty with the on/off button, and you are having to apply pressure to get the machine to start. Why? Because the pressing fiix, while great, is actually applying more mechainal force to the connector joints, so that more will crack off. The danger is that as more and more force is required, all the pins will crack, and then the top of each joint will move across to short to the next adjacent joint, which could possibly destroy your motherboard.

Using this method, I now have resoldered the connector to its original condition. I have also carefuly adding some hot melt glue to make the connector body more rigidly connected to the motherboard (I did notice under the microscope that the connector body can flex quite a bit in its end mounts). Adding the hot melt prevents this happending, so that the repaired joints will not be fatigued off in future.

I hope that this helps all those with the same problem.

It can be done.

Aussie Fred

fred
June 2008

ok this isn't an answer but should be good for a chuckle

having the same problem i resorted to pressing all of the keys at the same time and of course with enough pressure voila, the computer came on. boy am i glad i can stop that nonsense. pressure on the back close to the docking port is all you need. thanks joe !

Steve O
June 2008

Hi,

Is there a permanent fix for this? As this problem is occuring more and more and is getting on my t*ts.

The pressure application is working, but takes a few attempts and i'm worried its slowly making it worse.

I have taken out the board under the power switch, given the connectors a clean. Even wedge some rubber between the board and the plastic to apply pressure but still getting the odd light flashing problem.

Is it a new mobo job?

Cheers - Chris

Chris
June 2008

it is an engenireering problem it is not a memory problem. Almost every d600 after awhile start doing that. It is more with the power board not sitting correctly on the motherboard by putting pressure at the bottom by the dock while pushing the power botton creates a board flex and connection is made for turning the unit on. That is why dell is keeping a close mouth they wont comment on it. If anything they need to replace that connector from the motherboard it was design ahair to large if you remove that powerboard and put it back you can notice their is almost no resistance going back in with age connection is not perfect anymore.

cbs
May 2008

it is an engenireering problem it is not a memory problem. Almost every d600 after awhile start doing that. It is more with the power board not sitting correctly on the motherboard by putting pressure at the bottom by the dock while pushing the power botton creates a board flex and connection is made for turning the unit on. That is why dell is keeping a close mouth they wont comment on it. If anything they need to replace that connector from the motherboard it was design ahair to large if you remove that powerboard and put it back you can notice their is almost no resistance going back in with age connection is not perfect anymore.

cbs
May 2008

I can't believe it but the hard bottom press worked like a dream. I'm by no means a computer guy and I thought we had moved past the days when if the TV doesn't work, you can use physical force to get a better picture. HAHA! Thanks to Joe and whoever gave him this absurd but affective solution.

For those who don't want to scroll all the way down (because so many people like myself have thanked Joe Kirshner) The solution is to press the bottom of the laptop at or around the docking port while pressing the power button.

Kevin
May 2008

WOW! You saved my engagment! I was faffing with the memory on my girlfriends D600 then went to boot it and nothing!

After the "hard bottom press" everything jumped into life.

So if it ever happens to her, it will look like I have the magic touch when I do the same again.

Thanks guys!

Chris Liggins
May 2008

Yep. I have a Dell 600 and it has this issue. what i do is grip the side where the ports are located and then turn it on. Before i did this, it stopped going on at all.

Wilwad
April 2008

Could the dimm slot be repaired/replaiced? i got a dell d400 that when I plug in the second bottom RAM the power led flash several time and goes on off like there where no ram at all.

Fabio
April 2008

Can dim slot be replaced/repaired? thanks

Fabio
April 2008

Wow, that "press near the docking port" worked like a charm! Thanks for the info!

Jonny Fisher
April 2008

Wow, Thanks for all of your comments. I pushed down on the plastic just below the start button and sure enough, started right up. well that just saved me a bunch of money. Thanks everyone.

Nick Skalini
March 2008

You guys rock! I had the same problem of all 3 lights flashing and the machine not going on. I was almost ready to bin the machine.

Joe Kirchner's solution of pressing down hard near the dock (well I do it from the top) whilst pressing the on button works like a charm.

Thanks a lot!

Ray Cohen
February 2008

This has been an issue that DELL by this time should post some sorts of info on.

My experience with two different units.
1. Removing RAM Moduls and wiping them with some solution solved the problem once.

2. This is definitely NOT a Motherboard Problem. It is contact issue at the RAM/Wireles/other PLUG-IN Modules. I cleaned up all the units and put it back, all worked OK.

3. The lights stuff:

light #1 : scroll lock Normally.

light#2: capital Lock and when this flashes I think it means there is a bad contact somewhere and circuit is incomplete.

Light #3: Flashes only when RAM Modules are not plugged in.

If you tke out the hard drive: Then the HD light will not go on which means that Mothrboared is actually communicating with the HD interface so that path is OK

If the third light flashes this means RAM is missing and that means path on Motherboard to RAM is OK.

The flasing A light STILL does not conclusively tell me what modules one should be looking at ither than RAM, Wireless mini PCI AND ???

Thats' my 2-bit. Thanx .. Happy Fighting with Dell .... Perhaps they should change their name to DULL.

Bob Gill
January 2008

I had exactly the same problem: After putting the computer to hibernate, I TRANSPORTED it to my office, and it won't start. When I pressed the start button, the three leds (num, scroll and caps lock) blinked rapidly several times and then it was dead. Tried without the battery.. nothing. Pressing the bottom hard, by the dock bar: WORKS!!

Ricardo Colonia
January 2008

I have the same D600 with the same problem. I am convinced it some hardware fault somewhere in the area of the docking connection which lies directly beneath the On/Off button. I first experienced this "flickering non-start" on my docking station using both the On/Off button on the actual laptop AND the On/Off button on a Monitor Stand.

I tried Joe Kirchner's solution and pressed around the docking connection on the underside. It started OK but was very jerky (even the XP startup tune was jerky - I had only previously experienced that on Shutdown) and after a while it hung up complete. It rebooted a 2nd time perfectly and has done so now on 2 other occassions.

I suspect it is old age - my D600 is 3+ yrs of very active service. What was the other forum that Joe Kirchner refers to?

Mike Prime
December 2007

I have the same laptop, i read in another forum if you press the bottom hard, by the dock bar while pressing the power button it will turn on, usually takes me a couple times to do this, i havent found an exact location yet that always turns on every time, just have to toy with it

Joe Kirchner
November 2007

My d600 was working perfectly last night. I pressed the suspend button as every night and went to sleep.
This morning when I pressed the power to restart it; I had exactly the same problem described :(, removed the RAM modules as suggested (one the other, both) and the same issue ...
Have anybody figured out what is the problem?

Sergio
September 2007

Did you get this resolved?

I have almost the same problem. When I press the power switch, the three lights in the middle top and the power and HDD lights come on for about 4 sec and then go out and that is all. I get this with the PS or battery only and both. Took it all appart and cleaned the whole laptop, reseated everything I could, tried each ram by itself. Nothing.

Anymore adwise out there?

Thanks to any one.
Sam.

Sam
April 2007

i suggest looking for fault with the RAM modules. If it has two, take one out (at a time) and try starting, or if it has only one, reseat it, i.e. take it out and put it back in, or put it into the other dimm slot. The problem might be either one of the RAM modules or one of the dimm slots.

tom
March 2007