My computer, about half the time I send it into standby on batteries,
has a blank screen when I try to turn it back on. I'm able to enter
commands and can see on the hard drive activity light that it has
effect. Dell advised that I reinstall XP -- something I'm not willing
to do. Is there anything else I can do to prevent this?

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Request for Question Clarification by endo-ga on 22 Nov 2003 10:05 PST

Hi,

Have you installed service pack 1?

This following knowledge base article could describe your problem:

Devices May Not Power Up Properly When Resuming From Standby
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311542&Product=winxp

Your Computer Stops Responding (Hangs) When You Try to Bring It out of
Standby or out of Hibernation by Using a USB Device
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;826959&Product=winxp

Thanks.
endo

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Clarification of Question by nickdelag-ga on 22 Nov 2003 18:11 PST

I went to the cite and it sent me to windows update. I have downloaded
everything but a couple of stupid updates (one for programmers, one
for writing CDs, and another for making movies).

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Clarification of Question by nickdelag-ga on 22 Nov 2003 18:11 PST

My laptop does have the function key. It is a Dell Inspiron 5100.

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Request for Question Clarification by endo-ga on 22 Nov 2003 18:17 PST

Hi,

Did you download and install this patch?

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=97A6D0A8-947B-43A9-B415-B551D7C9097A

Thanks.
endo

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Request for Question Clarification by endo-ga on 22 Nov 2003 19:14 PST

Hi,

It seems to be a driver problem.

You might want to try fn-f8 to try and resume.

Please have a look at the last post in the following forum and see if
it solves your problem:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_power&message.id=21649

If not please download a video driver from the Dell website.

Please let me know how it goes.

Thanks.
endo

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Request for Question Clarification by endo-ga on 24 Nov 2003 14:30 PST

Hi,

Have you had a chance to try any of the suggestions?

I would recommend trying to press fn+f8 first and see if the display comes back.

Thanks.
endo

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Request for Question Clarification by endo-ga on 08 Dec 2003 18:33 PST

Hi,

Have you had any luck with any of the suggestions?

Thanks.
endo

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Request for Question Clarification by endo-ga on 21 Dec 2003 07:31 PST

Hi,

Your question is going to expire soon, have you tried any of the suggestions?

Thanks.
endo

What Model laptop is it? Does it have function keys to control volume
or to suspend it. By function keys I mean keys on the keyboard, that
you may have to press another (FN) button to use.

compu_man-ga

I had the same problem with my Dell laptop.  I don't remember the
model #.  Sometimes after going into standby then screen would be very
faint or blank.  After installing a new video driver offered on the
windows update screen I have not had the problem since.  Knock on
wood!