Remapping the power on key on a Compaq Presario 700. Is it even possible?

So I have a major problem. the power on button for my beloved and somewhat old Compaq Presario 700 is starting to break, and it can take 10-20 pushes to get the system to power on, a problem that is getting worse. this sytem has critical information on it and that cannot easily be transferred, and it is in daily use and so I dont want to take it for repair as i dont have the time.

So I wonder is there a fool proof way I can remap the power on button to ANY key on the keyboard, or another shortcut key. This way must not damage the operationability of the sytem, see previous, i.e. I dont want to mess around with the BIOS unless I really must. Any help appreciated.

 

I know you can respecify the key combo to boot/closedown on a new mb, but what about on a Presario, 700, thats a bit old now, a 1ghz AMD Duron running XP SP1.

 

wonderful Compaq solution:

Rik: the main power button on my presario 700 portable is breaking. I need to quickly remap the power on button to another key or key combo. How can i do this?
NAME: I am sorry to hear that.
NAMe: I will provide you the information.
Rik: thanks
NAME: You are welcme.
NAME: May I have a few minutes, while I search for the information?
Rik: sure, thats fine.
NAME: Thank you.
NAME: Thanks for the time and patience.
NAME: Rik, you can easy replace it from your nearest service center.

anyone else got a clue how to do this. Or even how to use a hardware solution to interrupt the boot up procedure which I know is possible.

 

As far as I know, the only way to fix your problem would be to have the power button replaced or repaired; both options may take some time as they involve opening up the PC and probably some soldering. The only thing I can think of that you could do yourself would be: somehow remove the actual 'outer' button (the button your finger actually touches) so you can see what's under it. It should be a really small circular push-button switch. With both the power cord and battery removed (we don't want the PC turning on) push the switch a few times and get the 'feel' of it. If it feels good, meaning it feels solid and has a clean 'click' feel and sound, then the problem may have been with the outer button not making contact properly. If the switch feels OK, hook up the power and push the switch. If it comes up on the first try, you're probably done; it won't look pretty, but it'll work (for now anyway). If the switch doesn't feel or respond right, look around the switch for some 'posts' or tabs where the switch is soldered. What you'll want to do is rig a new switch in-between these posts, essentially bypassing the built-in switch. You can get a small, momentary push button switch and some high guage (small diameter) wire from RadioShack. The switch should be labeled as 'closed when pushed' or 'momentary push button, normally open'. Again, this won't look pretty, but it'll work as temporary fix for now, until you have some time for a real repair. This is just a suggestion and I do NOT recommend that people break open thier laptops and start wiring in switches and solder in wires and so such. I provided this post as an idea and I'll accept no responsibility for any damage that may occur. I'm not an electrician or soldering expert. This is just a 'conceptual fix' for your problem.
I highly recommend that you do take the time and visit a qualified repair shop and get the job done professionally, with the correct parts.

hopperdave2000

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I dont really want to meddle with the hardware to this degree, but surely I could build a one-shot timer circuit somehow that is hooked into the ATX power header on the mobo somehow?