Hi Graeme,

Power button of your computer is a part of hinge cover.

You can find the detailed information on settings up your computer from the manuals below:

Service Manual: http://dell.to/RnwGyz

Owner's manual: http://dell.to/S1fnT5

Instructions for setting up your computer: http://dell.to/Y3AhVw

Please reply in case you have further questions.

Hi thanks for that

Ive already looked through those manuals - they dont help.

the hinge cover has a button your right but all it is doing is pressing a switch somewhere else, which I suspect is on the keyboard, which in turn is connected via a ribbon tape - again keyboard connection picture in the manual isnt clear.

thanks

Graeme

Hi you are being very helpful but sadly not getting my point.

what is happening underneath the power button...remember i dont have a power button or screen or keyboard.

To make you see where im coming from - if you could give me a hinge cover and power button right now it would make no difference - it in itself is only a strip of plastic which activates something  - what is that something - i suspect the power button when pressed activates a switch on the keyboard - do you know what i mean

thanks for your patience

Hey glbell,

I used to own a M1730 and I do not recall any method of turning on the computer unless the keyboard is connected. I think the power button on the keyboard is the only way to successfully turn on the computer.

On the M1730, the power button is connected to the keyboard so I am pretty sure that if you're missing the keyboard, you can't turn the the laptop on at all.

Hope this helps

does anyone know of a system board diagram which shows all the parts plugs and cables etc

Hi Graeme,

My apologies for the delayed response. I am researching on this issue. However, I am able to get the pictures of motherboard of this computer. You can check the images below: 

(Click on images for enlarged view)

I'll keep you posted with the details.

Hi,

I am still researching on this issue. Please allow me another 3 - 4 business days.

I'll keep you posted with details.

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