Member Avatar for Hypnosan

I have a Gateway 7215GX and some how it seems the power button is now unresponsive. I believe it was caused by my fiance mashing down too hard which caused the button to be pushed under and slightly over, I managed to move it back into place and it has been working for several months just fine. Now however the button seems to be in place, but doesn't have that "click" feel to it that it normally would when depressed. I was wondering if there's an alternative method to powering on the notebook, some kind of key combination or something. Also if anybody would happen to know the repair fee of something like this, just a ballpark would help.

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No click feel on the button almost always means the tiny tactile switch under the plastic cap has collapsed. As hinted, it is a momentary switch; the plastic you press only actuates a small board under the keyboard/hinge bezel. On many Gateways of this era that board is replaceable once the bezel is off, which is the cleanest long‑term fix. Example: another Gateway model uses a removable power‑button panel right above the keyboard. (ifixit.com)

If you just need a one‑time power‑on to back up files or change BIOS settings, you can safely simulate the button press at the board:

  • Disconnect AC and battery, then hold the (broken) power button for 10–15 seconds to discharge. Observe ESD precautions.
  • Remove the hinge/keyboard bezel to expose the small power‑button board and its ribbon.
  • Briefly bridge the two solder legs of the button (or the two exposed pads the switch sits on) with metal tweezers or a small screwdriver; a quick tap is enough. This is the same principle as shorting designated power pads that manufacturers provide for bench powering. Do not slip and touch nearby components. (ifixit.com)

Once you can boot, two workarounds can reduce reliance on the physical button (availability varies by BIOS):

  • Schedule auto power‑on by RTC/Alarm in BIOS (often under Power/APM). After enabling, the laptop can turn on at a set time each day. Disable Windows Fast Startup if the system does not wake as expected. (asus.com, community.acer.com)
  • Wake on LAN can sometimes start a powered‑off system, but modern Windows defaults intentionally disable WOL from shutdown states; it is generally reliable only from Sleep/Hibernate unless firmware explicitly supports S5. (learn.microsoft.com)

For : adding a spring under the cap will not restore the tactile “click”; that dome is inside the switch itself. Replace the switch/board or reseat/replace the ribbon to the button board instead. (ifixit.com)

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for lasher511

I do not think there is a way to turn a laptop on without the power button. how old is the laptop in question?

Member Avatar for Hypnosan

It's about two years old.

Member Avatar for lasher511

dont suppose you purchased any extended warranty did u?

Member Avatar for drbivins

I have a Gateway Notebook about a year and a half old. Periodically, the screen locks up, I disconnect the power cord, pull out the battery. I reconnect everything with no response from the power button and no lights on showing power. In about 10 minutes power comes on. Yikes!
Thanks
DB

Member Avatar for dcc

Two wires come off of the header on the motherboard and run through the on/off switch. This switch is a momentary type, this means that it only makes contact when it is depressed.

To replace this on a desk top computer would be pretty easy, replacing one in the laptop could be complicated. Getting access to it and finding one that will match its size and shape will be the biggest problems, but it can be done if you are mechanically inclined.

Member Avatar for dcc

I have a Gateway Notebook about a year and a half old. Periodically, the screen locks up, I disconnect the power cord, pull out the battery. I reconnect everything with no response from the power button and no lights on showing power. In about 10 minutes power comes on. Yikes!
Thanks
DB

If you post your own thread you will get more readers which would be to your benefit. Posting your problem in someone else's thread only confuses the original thread when people start replying to both questions. This is considered hijacking, not cool.

Member Avatar for drbivins

Two wires come off of the header on the motherboard and run through the on/off switch. This switch is a momentary type, this means that it only makes contact when it is depressed.

To replace this on a desk top computer would be pretty easy, replacing one in the laptop could be complicated. Getting access to it and finding one that will match its size and shape will be the biggest problems, but it can be done if you are mechanically inclined.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPLY, I'M NOT THAT MECHANICALLY INCLINED. I'LL TAKE IT IN. BEST.
EAT GLUTEN FREE.
DB

Member Avatar for gaius

I have the same Gateway laptop and encountered the same problem with the on-off switch. Gateway concedes this fault and will replace the switch even after the warranty has run but you have send the computer to them and wait for two weeks or longer to get it back. A local repair facility replaced the broken switch for me in a couple of days at a cost of about $70.00. The problem has since recurred and we keep the computer turned on all the time which I know is not recommended but does not seem to have done it any harm.

Member Avatar for ladyindiana

I am sort of having the same problem. Someone must have shut my laptop down and the power button is a little damaged. now I cn't get it to power back up. Gateway wants $199, but I believe that I can get it fixed cheaper than that

Member Avatar for Member 785603

I have that problem too, but I call it a wife, not a fiance'. In fact, I fixed my problem and you can too. First off, she's not just a biatch....she's YOUR biatch! You can do this man, but it's gonna require you walk like you have a set. Now, first...Take her to the computer store and drop her off with that laptop. Tell her it's HER problem and tell her she can't come back unless she fixes HER problem. Then go to Starbuck's and have yourself a Mocha Frappucino and relax. Everything's gonna be ah-ight.

Member Avatar for dapperdave

I have a gateway mt3705 and I went inside and found there's no spring or anything to make it spring back so I'm wondering if I can put in some kind of spring or a cushion to make it spring back? Maybe with some glue or something.

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