Turning Laptop On After Shutdown

I have a compaq notebook running Vista with a broken display. I'd like to use an external monitor because there is nothing wrong with the computer itself. I realize I can close the lid and select Do Nothing in the power options and the computer and external monitor will continue to run. However, I'd like to be able to shut the system down via the windows shutdown procedure and then power up the computer without opening the lid and pressing the power on button. I also realize I could have the computer go into sleep mode and then come back on by touching the mouse or a key on an external keyboard but I would truly like to shut down completely. I could be wrong but just turning on an external power supply like a power strip, etc. will not automatically turn on he computer for booting. Would a cheap docking station do the trick or can someone point me in a direction that is at no or very little cost?

 

Hi and welcome to the BBS,

I expect the docking station would have a power button. You should check the specs or enquire first though.

 

I am definitely no expert on laptops but desktops usually have power options in the BIOS, one of which will allow it to start up when power is applied. I use that option so I can turn on the whole system with one power strip switch.

At any rate, poking around in your laptop's BIOS may let you set it up that way.