Laptop Booting Issue: I have to hit it to start it up.

First off, I've got an E1505 that's about 1.5 years old.

I'm in college, so I bring my laptop around to lecture halls. Recently, maybe the last 3 months, It's had some problems coming back up from hibernate and from a power down. In fact, I have to literally hit the laptop in the space between the space bar and the touch pad for it to start up. A medium strength tap will get it going. The thing is, the unit powers up, but the boot screen doesn't show up until I tap the system. The monitor is black, until I hit it. Once I hit it, the dell logo pops up, and it starts up.

Also, it's been having some problems coming back from standby.

Anyone know what the problem is?

 

one of two things....the hard drive is on its way out, or your Windows installation is knackard, and you need to format the drive then re-install Windows!

 

Not even close (IMO). Not that I know much better, but HDD detection and reading happens after the system boot procs. And suppose I am wrong, I can at least still safely say that reinstalling Windows would make no difference and is a waste of time. My guess is something not connected/attached firmly or a power supply fault. If you are willing to spend some time, try isolating the issue by removing certain components or replacing them with any spare parts you may have.

 

I've had systems that wont return from sleep/standby. But a fresh install of Windows cures the problem!

And as for an actual hardware fault. Other than a bad HDD or dodgy RAM, I cant think what would do this.

It's not a lack of power if it still does it when using both mains and the battery!

 

Yes, but those system that don't return from sleep/hibernate probably fail after the system boots and devices are initialised.

Umm... you do know that I'm talking about the PSU which is inside the computer right? It is always used, whatever the power source is.

 

my system won't boot from standby sometimes. I hit the power button and it comes on no problems.

 

If you have to physically tap/hit the notebook to start, then definitely a loose connection; NOT a windows error. If you always have to tap the same location (above touchpad), then take off the panel surrounding the touchpad (palm rest) and see what is beneath that, secure everything and put it back; hopefully that’ll fix it. You can find the service guide here. However, if the notebook is still under warranty, then better let DELL handle it.