Vostro 1400 won't start?

I ordered a Vostro 1400 a couple of months ago.
Windows XP Pro SP2
250gb HD
2gb RAM
2.1ghz Core2Duo
128mb nVidia graphics card

All of a sudden tonight, it won't start at all. Nothing will power on whatsoever. When I push the power button, the power light will stay on for about 4 seconds and then go off. If it's plugged in, it does the same thing but after the power light goes off, the battery light will flash. I checked the battery and it is good. I have no idea what's going on.

 

Bad news it sounds like the motherboard has gone bad. It happened to me on a new Vostro 1500 I ordered. It would come on the power light would go out, then the battery light would come on then go out. Then the unit shut off.

Fortunately it only happened when the laptop was turned off for an extended period of time. If I pressed the on/off button again it would work normally.

Here's how I got around the problem. I disconnected the AC adapter. It would start fine. Try removing the adapter and power up with only the battery. If it still doesn't work remove the battery and power up the unit with the adapter.

p.s. I tried a new battery and adapter and no luck. I sent the unit back for an exchange as it appeared it needed a new motherboard.

 

What about being plugged in with the battery removed?

 

Yeah, no power at all. Even plugged in without the battery... It still does the same thing.

 

Get in contact with Dell. If it's only a few months old, it should still be covered under warranty and having it replaced is better than going fiddling inside yourself and possibly voiding it.

Good luck,

--Tom

 

Unplug the battery and the AC adapter. Then press the power button. Worked for me on my 1520 when it did the same thing.