My Dell Laptop does not post, how do I find the problem?

[subue]

Hi,
my Dell Studio 1745 does not post, it does turn on (vans, CD drive check) but the screen remains black. We have tried hard resets but it didn't help, we tested with an external monitor but the screen isn't the problem.
Now I have replaced the motherboard and it's exactly the same problem.
How do I work out if I just bought the faulty motherboard or what else is broken?
It's not in warranty anymore and the Dell technician was talking about £200 and up to help, so I will not proceed that way.
Is there any body who has an idea how to determine the problem so I can fix it?

Many thanks upfront,
Susanne

 

[dextermat]

Hi,

If the motherboard has been replaced and the problem is the same; the problem is elsewhere. Try booting without the battery,try booting with only one stick of ram. If you pull out the ram completely and try to boot, do you get beeps ?

If you try all that, you a beating a dead horse. You should consider a new laptop.

 

[subue]

Will try this, thanks for the input, dextermat.

 

[subue]

No beeps, just general power. However, not prepared to give you yet. Any other advise? Could a faulty video card or the processor be the problem??