Older Dell laptop won't boot

[MindBender77]

Hello all,
I have a older dell laptop that is about 5-7 years old. I suspect either processor or MoBo issues. Let me know your opinions. Symtoms:

On pressing the power button, indicator lights come on but, after 3-5 secs shut off. Fans and hard drive don't appear to spool. I've already checked the battery and tried running on AC. No audible beeps are present. Any suggestions?

Regards,
Bender

[DonRayner]

Hey MindBender, I think that you pretty much hit the nail on the head with your guess. If you're not getting any beep codes you're looking at a problem with MB, CPU or PSU.

Before digging into the hardware about the only thing I can suggest that you havn't already tried is to remove the CMOS battery and main battery, Then with the laptop not plugged in, hold the main power switch on for about 10 seconds. This should clear your CMOS memory and reload the system defaults.