I currently have the problem with my Dell Latitude D600 that I cannot turn it on. Also, it wasn't the first time I have this issue with this laptop. It happened twice before, the Dell technician had to replace the system board since there is nothing he can do to turn it back on.

Like the previous times, I was able to power on several times (by pressing different Fn keys combination) when the symtoms "can not turn on" started to appear. After few times manage to turn on, it ended up to turn off forever. I had tried many different ways to make it turn back on like plugging power supply without battery, try switching other battery from same model, try switching other functional harddrive, try using other power supply, etc. But there is no help.

I tried to search for this issue in many forums and websites on internet but not really find out the explanation for that. My first feeling is the issue may related to the fact that I frequently put my laptop in hibernate or standby mode without turning it off completly (it saved me a lot of time everytime turn back on, no need to wait many minutes to boot up and reopen all applications that I was working on).

After about 6 months since the 2nd system board replacement, this issue is now back again. My last successful turn on has fallen to the DST (Drive Self Test mode first) and reported a failure like:

"DST Short Results Test:
Test Result: Fail Sad
Error Code: 1000-0142
Msg: Unit 4: Drive Self Test failed. byte = 58"

However I don't think this is the cause of the issue.

The reboot after this check was able me startup Windows as normal. However, I got the feeling that the issue is back again, so I started to backup my data to external hard disk in order to be able to work from other computer. And then, I was right, I couldn't turn it back on anymore, even this time I shut it down completely after use but it didn't help to avoid this issue away. It's now completely deep in the coma!!! :-(

Anyway, I discard the issue related to the power supply since I used other functional power supply but it didn't help, I discard the hard drive issue since I'm able to startup it normally when installing it to my collegue's laptop.

I really don't understand why it happens 3 times. Something else in the laptop hardware has caused the system board failed to response to the action pushing the power button.

Anyone has any idea what's exactly the issue. I don't want another replacement and then this issue reoccurs, I hope my company will replace for me a complete new laptop instead. I feel so sick with this one.

Thanks in advance.
Anthony.

Anthony, March 2008

I have two D600s and an Inspiron with the same or similar problem. I'm working on one of the D600s as I write this. Determined that the connector for the small power and lites panel daughter card (that has the power button and status lights) is all or partially broken free from the mother board. These are "soldered" at manufacture by tacking the various components in place with a solder paste that is then heated to form a usually more permanent bond. You can try to redo the connection with a soldering iron, requires excellent soldering skills and a clean, tiny hot tip at about 725-750 F. Requires removing the display, keyboard, palm rest and graphics heatsink. support.dell.com has disassembly instructions. Very non-trivial, you may want to find a nearby repair shop that'll do the work. Expect to pay in the range of $100. A replacement MB is a sure fix, and can be found from $200 and up for a refurb.

Peter, April 2008

Hi Gil,

I'm agree with you that there is something wrong with the onboard power switch since I'm later able to turn it back on again after giving my laptop some slaps in the back and then in the front, it's able to turn the power on. So, I'm pretty sure there is some mechanical problem at power button for this model.

Maybe your docking station could be a solution for my problem then.

Hope this thread would help other people who has the same problem!!

Anthony.

Anthony, April 2008

I have the same problem as you do Anthony. I got my D600 about3 years or so. This occured to me when I changed the memory card and at first I thought its about it so I returned the old memory card but the problem still there.

I think it is something to do with the on board power switch. Fortunately, I got a docking station which has a power button. I use that instead. And like you noone can tell me what this is all about. :(

Gil, March 2008