Laptop stopped going to standby when lid closed

The power options are set to standby on closing the lid but the computer just remains on. Switching power options to hibernate on lid close also doesn't seem to work upon actually closing the lid either. I've recently changed the bezel on this laptop (dell e1405) because the old one had a crack, but I am unsure if that was when this issue came about or if I could have accidently affected some sensor the laptop uses to sense that the lid is closed.

I am running Windows XP, how do you think I should proceed?

Thanks

 

Honestly, I think you should leave it alone, having any Desktop/laptop go to standby/hibernate/power off hard drive tends to cause some strange problems sometimes.

I'll try to find a fix for you anyways, but, just saying, having sleep mode enabled just seems to do more harm than good in my experience.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but I do prefer having my laptop go on standby, and I haven't yet seen any strange behavior on any of my laptops due to standby/hibernation. I just don't need the computer running all night because a family member closed the lid but forgot to turn it off.

 

Do you have Zone Alarm by chance?

 

Nope, and I don't think I've added much software-wise lately neither before nor after I started noticing this problem.

 

Have you done the following?

http://ask-leo.com/how_can_i_keep_my_laptop_running_with_the_lid_closed.html

 

Well, I've tried switching between these three settings. Standby and Hibernation on lid close don't execute, and Do Nothing does nothing, of course.

 

I think what is happening is that you pc is going into AWAY mode (a mode that not known to many), instead SLEEP. There is a power setting in Power MGT that allows away mode to override SLEEP due to multimedia needs if set...can be set to AWAY even w/o your knowledge by other programs. Try this out...

By default, when media sharing is enabled, the PC does not automatically enter Sleep when idle. However, this behavior can be configured, including the ability to enable Away Mode instead of preventing the Sleep idle time-out in Power Options.
To change the power management behavior of media sharing, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click Power Options.
2. Select Change Plan Settings for the current power plan.
3. Select Change Advanced Power Settings.
4. Expand When Sharing Media from Multimedia Settings.

5. Select Allow the Computer to sleep, Prevent idling to sleep, or Allow the computer to enter Away Mode.


source: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...d-closed/b7be26d4-4f1b-4667-b456-c20b8fc55d9b

 

I can't find this setting in Power Options. I don't think it applies to Windows XP.

 

bump. I still have this problem.

 

There is usually a switch that is triggered when you close the lid. It would seem yours is equipped with a magnet in the bezel which would trigger a sensor when the lid is closed.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/p/19383989/19889927.aspx

 

Oh wow, nice find! I have already thrown out the old bezel though! It doesn't look like that documentation mentions anything about a magnet. I will have a look in my bezel and see if there is a spot for one. Do you think, should I find the place for it, that I can stick any small magnet in there instead?

 

I have no direct experience but it should work. You could try passing small magnets around the edge to see if it triggers the hibernation sensor. If it does, it will give you a start on where to look on the bezel and how big/powerful it needs to be.

 

Tested out a few magnets in order of strength. One finally had an effect but perhaps it's too strong? I actually got a BSOD after a few tests with it. Hmm, I'll try contacting the vendor. Thanks for your help JP.