Member Avatar for programer25

I have a dell inspiron 1526, when you turn it on you can hear the fans going and the lights will all flash one time like on regular start up then then 9 lock stays solid lit and the A lock and down arrow lock flash...

I have tried so many things and still cant get it to work... any help would be appreciated!! Thank you

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Dani AI

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Brief expert summary and next steps tied to the existing thread: reports a blank internal display with unusual keyboard/LED behavior; correctly raised motherboard failure as one possible cause. Before assuming a board-level fault, run a short set of low-risk checks that isolate power, video, and memory so the likely failing subsystem can be identified.

Suggested troubleshooting checklist (do each step with the adapter unplugged and battery removed when opening the case; discharge by holding power for 30 seconds after removing power):

  • Boot on AC with the battery removed (confirm with a different, known-good adapter if available).
  • Attach an external monitor (VGA) and power on to see if BIOS/POST appears on the external display.
  • Shine a bright flashlight across the LCD at an angle while the machine is on to look for a faint image (helps detect backlight/inverter failure).
  • Reseat RAM sticks and try booting with only one stick in each slot, then swap slots.
  • Remove HDD/optical drive and all peripherals; try to reach BIOS with minimal hardware.
  • Reset CMOS (remove coin cell for a few minutes) and try again.
  • Inspect the DC jack and battery for physical damage or swelling; do not use a suspect battery.
  • Count any consistent blink/beep patterns and compare to Dell POST/LED diagnostic codes (service manual or Dell support).

How to interpret results briefly: external display showing BIOS → LCD cable/inverter/panel problem. Faint image visible → backlight/inverter. No external output and RAM reseat/reset fail → motherboard/graphics likely. Battery preventing power-on → faulty/shorting battery or power circuit. If board/graphics is likely, factor cost: board replacement vs. professional diagnostics. Follow static-safety precautions when opening the laptop.

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Member Avatar for flagstar

Your laptop screen did not show up anything at all, right? Even BIOS screen?

Member Avatar for programer25

nope notting :S
ive also noticed that when i plug the battery to the laptop, and press the power button it doesnt work (start) at all.. but when i unplug the battery and hit the power button it works :S
pls help

Member Avatar for flagstar

could be motherboard problem...
when is the last time you used your laptop before it fails?

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