Since nothing happens when you try to turn it on, I'd start by making sure
that the external AC power brick is working. Measure the voltage on the
connector and compare to what is stamped on the supply. If that is good,
then remove the laptop's battery and measure the voltage on the battery as
well. If the battery is low, then attempt to charge it before you turn it
on again or find a working battery to try instead. If the supply and the
battery are both good, then take the laptop to someone who can open it and
check the input power protection circuitry and measure the voltage on the
motherboard before and after you press the on switch. From the tone of your
post I would not suggest you attempt to open it yourself.

Bob

"Paul M" wrote in message
...
Hello,

My friend's laptop died several months ago during an
electrical storm. He gave it to me after he bought
another one. Being a little tight on budget, I would
really appreciate any help with bringing the laptop
back to life.

The laptop in question is a Dell Inspiron 4150 (model
number PP01L). Absolutely nothing happens when I press
the power button. No lights, no sounds, nothing.

I did some searching on the web and the newsgroups,
and it seems there is a slight hope I might be able
to save the laptop if I replace the power board.
I haven't opened up the laptop yet so I really don't
know if the laptop has a separate power board (i.e.,
not built into the motherboard).