We have a hp pavillion 9700 that we cannot open the monitor all the way up or the power goes out to it. we have to hold it about 1/2 way open for the monitorto work.

This indicates that the wire bundle running through the hinge has been compromised. Some wire has frayed apart and is making intermittent contact with itself or the lid movement is causing the wire bundle to pull on one of the video connectors.

In order to fix this problem, you will need to remove the laptop's front hinge cover & check the bundle of wires connecting the motherboard to the LCD screen. If this bundle of wires is damaged, then you will have to get it replaced.