Old Dell Laptop

[Jeff Corey]

I have an old Dell Laptop model PPS that I use for WordPad only.
All of a sudden, the screen doesn't come up, even thought the green power LED comes on.
Any suggestions?

 

[Underemployed]

End its torment.

 

[davidhorman]

If the screen itself isn't broken - which would be very bad and probably not fixable or replaceable - could it be the little switch that turns the screen off when you close the lid? There is usually a little stick on the keyboard half, near the hinge, connected to a switch inside.

David

 

[Soapy Sam]

Can it be connected to a second monitor?

 

[a_unique_person]

Use a piece of paper and a pen.

 

[Zep]

Having been involved in ancient laptops in our computer museum, let me just state the Law of Diminishing Returns here:

If it costs you less to buy a replacement from eBay than to fix it...

A quick Google scan shows Dell 133 PPS laptops going for about USD$40. What's your time worth to fix this machine? Can you get the data you want off it by some nefarious means without too much effort? Are you NOT REALLY that personally attached to the unit?

If yes to these questions, do that, buy a new(er) one, and then give the busted one to some laptop shop as strip-down spare parts or something. If you are REALLY stingy, strip out anything useful before you give it away.

And remember, once it's busted and superseded, you will NEVER turn it on again so don't bother hoarding it "just in case". Dispose of thoughtfully.

 

[Soapy Sam]

101 uses for a dead laptop.

1. Rip the hard disc out, for the magnets. Use them to soften water, increase gas mileage, improve your sex life and fast format floppies.

2. The gutted laptop makes a good sandwich box.
3. You can superglue it to the sidewalk outside your office, then video the idiots...
4. Carry it under your arm. Bump into someone in the corridor. Drop computer , then scream and say "The entire company payroll / annual audit was on there!"
5. Fill with cement. Use as paperweight.

usw...

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Sometimes charities will accept old computers and attempt to fix them. Or they will dispose of them for you, if they can't be fixed. Makes a nice tax deduction.