finicky power button on laptop

[dzow]

I was given a used Dell Latitude D600 laptop, which I've been using for about two months. From the beginning, I noticed that I needed to push the power button hard, and sometimes a few times, to turn it on.

As time progressed it got more difficult little by little. Sometimes I would need to press the button five or six times. A few days ago the computer wouldn't start and I spent about five minute trying. Yesterday I spent about ten minutes sitting there pushing the button at different angles until the computer finally started up. Today I was sure that I was out of luck but after twenty minutes the system started up. I am fairly certain that I won't have that luck the next time,

I'm fairly certain that's a simple fix, but have never worked with a laptop and don't really know what to do (kind of uncomfortable taking it apart), but will do whatever I have to. I also would prefer not to take it somewhere to fix as I live in Guatemala where the vast majority of the population does not have a computer system, and there aren't many places with signs that say they service computers. If need be I'll take it somewhere, but I need to know what kind of problems can cause this so I can screen the people I talk to and make sure they don't want to do too much work or something unrelated. I am currently backing up everything on a USB hard drive, and although I don't feel it is relevant, I am running Linux Mint Daryna . How should I handle this situation?

Thank you very much

 

[SJP0tato]

Unfortunately the only repair will be to replace the switch, or at least repair it to better working condition.

I've seen some laptops where the power switch will be "gunked up" enough to cause symptoms similar to what you're describing, and cleaning it as best as possible sometimes restores decent operation.

The most challenging part is gaining access to the switch area, as it varies greatly between manufacturers and models. If you can find a good walkthrough of how to disassemble your specific make/model, you might be able to gain access to the switch area to examine it for any damage. Failing any obvious damage, it will probably be necessary to send it in for repair.