How can I keep my laptop active while closing its cover

Question

I have Inspiron 6000, running on XP SP2.
I want to use an external LCD screen and want to close my laptop cover.
(Oh, yeah. I am using USB wireless keyboard/mouse at the same time)
But every time I closed its cover, the laptop went into hibernate mode,
hence I must leave my laptop cover on and its screen on in order to use
my external LCD. (Sounds like a portable desktop??)

Is this possible to keep my laptop running while its cover is closed?

Thanks.

Al

KellyTM · Answer

Hello, yes it is indeed possible.
Simply right click your desktop, go to Properties.
Proceed to the screen saver tab, and then the Advanced button under the power settings section.
In that option window, in one of the tabs, you will get selections such as "When I push the power button on my computer: _______" in one of the tabs usually around that option (sorry for the crypticness, I run Vista now and have no XP machine near me to give exact instructions) there will be something called "When I close the lid of my computer: _________".
Here you want to select "Do Nothing".

That should solve it for you.

Cheers!

ayoung0701 · Answer

Thank you very much. I will try it tonight when I get back home. Al

Mary G · Answer

I disagree. You should not do that and the laptop's safety features will not allow that because of heat build up. Leave the cover open when the computer is actively running for extended periods or you could damage your computer. Check your manual.

Message Edited by Mary G on 07-10-2007 05:39 PM

jond500 · Answer

So whats the difference when a laptop is running in a Docking Station or Port Replicator, the cover is always down then?? If using a monitor stand as supplied by Dell it is physically impossible to open the cover.

ayoung0701 · Answer

I tried this at home and left the system running with the cover closed for a few hours without encountering any problem. Yes, the bottom of the laptop is hot, but that is hot as always. I cannot say if this would really damage the system but a computer may die for hundreds of reasons.... hard call I guess.

it just bothers me to leave the laptop open while I am using an external lcd and wireless keyboard/mouse. i used to own an ibm laptop that you can do this without problem. not sure why this might be a problem to dell.

Thanks to all.

Al

ayoung0701 · Answer

I will continue this practice as you have instructed. Now I am a happy man. Thanks. Al

KellyTM · Answer

Mary is just spouting to up a post count I suppose.
I have been a Systems Administrator for long enough to know and see hundreds of laptops operate the way you want with wireless keyboard/mouse and external LCD with lid closed and NOTHING bad happen to them.

Just do as I advised and you will be peachy :)

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How can I keep my laptop active while closing its cover

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