Symptoms
Every computer goes through a series of checks from the time that it is turned on until it boots into the operating system. When a computer does not turn on or boot into the operating system, it could be a failure with;
- Power
- POST [power-on self-test] process
- Video
- For On-screen error message such as No Boot Device, No Bootable Device, Boot Device Not Found, No bootable devices were found when booting into the operating system, broswe to the No Boot section for links to articles to help reslove your issue.
The steps to troubleshoot each issue vary depending on the type of symptoms that you are noticing on the computer.
Cause
Resolution
If your Dell computer does not turn on or boot into the operating system, it is recommended that you first perform a hard reset. Performing a hard reset fixes many problems and also drains residual power that may be causing the problem.
Perform a hard reset.
- Turn off the computer.
- Disconnect the AC adapter or power cable from the computer, and remove the battery [for Dell laptops with removable battery].
NOTE: For Dell laptops that have a nonremovable battery, see the Dell knowledge base article How to reset Real Time Clock [RTC].
For Dell laptops with removable batteries, see the User Guide for your Dell laptop for step-by-step instructions to safely remove the battery. - Disconnect all devices such as USB drives, printers, webcams, and media cards [SD/xD].
- Press and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds to drain residual power.
- Connect the AC adapter or power cable and the battery [for Dell laptops].
- If your Dell computer can turn on but is unable to boot into Windows, identify the symptoms and follow the appropriate troubleshooting guide.
- If your Dell computer is not able to turn on, follow the troubleshooting guide for no power symptom in the table below.
Run a hardware diagnostic test.
Running a hardware diagnostic test helps you identify potential hardware failure. Dell laptops, desktops, all-in-ones, and Windows-based tablets have an integrated diagnostic test. It is called the SupportAssist Pre Boot System Assessment or Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment [ePSA].
NOTE: If the diagnostic test fails, make a note of the error code and validation code that the diagnostic test provides. This helps Dell Technical Support to identify which hardware component is causing the issue and provide repair options.
- If the Dell computer cannot boot into Windows, run the preboot diagnostic test. To learn more, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Run a Preboot Diagnostic Test on a Dell Computer.
- If the Dell computer can boot into Windows and has an active Internet connection, run the online diagnostic test from SupportAssist. To learn more, see the Dell knowledge base article How to run the Online Diagnostics and use the Diagnostics for Troubleshooting.
Identify the symptoms and troubleshoot
No Power
When you press the power button, the Dell computer does not turn on. There is no indication of the computer turning on [all the LEDs are off].
- Dell computer shows no signs of power.
- Power LED is off and does not respond when you try to turn on the computer.
- The display is blank or black, the computer does not start, and there is no indication of turn on the computer.
- No fan noise is heard.
Try these quick steps to recover your Dell computer from a power issue.
Resolving No Power Issues
Duration: 00:34
Closed captions: English only
Resolving Battery Issues
Duration: 00:23
Closed captions: English only
No POST
When you press the power button, the power LED, CAPS lock, Scroll lock, and Num lock LEDs are blinking in a pattern. The computer may also emit beep codes that help identify errors on a specific hardware component.
- LEDs blinking [usually in a pattern and/or amber in color].
- Beep codes are heard on the computer [continuous or pattern].
- The display is blank [black] with blinking LEDs or beep codes.
- Fan noise is heard, but LEDs are blinking, or beep codes are heard.
- The computer stops responding or is stuck at the Dell logo.
- The LEDs do not respond when you press the Caps lock, Scroll lock, or Num lock keys.
Try these quick steps to recover your computer from a POST or startup issue.
Resolving No Post Issues
Duration: 00:25
Closed captions: English only
No Boot
When you press the power button, the computer turns on and completes the POST process. It does display an error message or fails to boot into the operating system.
- The status of LEDs [power LED, hard drive activity LED, and so on] is normal.
- Fan noise is heard.
- Blank or black screen with a blinking cursor on the top-left corner of the screen.
- Hard drive-related error messages such as 'No Boot Device,' 'No Bootable Device,' or 'Boot Device Not Found,' or 'No bootable devices were found.'
- Windows blue screen or STOP [Crash Screen] error messages.
- The computer stops responding or stops at the Windows logo screen while booting into the operating system.
Try these quick steps to recover your computer from a boot problem.
Resolving No Boot Issues
Duration: 00:37
Closed captions: English only
No Video
When you press the power button, the power LED, and other LED status are normal. But, the computer still has a blank or black screen. This indicates a video or display issue on the computer.
- The status of LEDs [power LED, hard drive activity LED, and so on.], are normal.
- Fan noise is heard, but the display is blank [black].
- The display is blank or black.
- Blurry, distorted, fuzzy images.
- Horizontal or vertical lines.
- Color fade, light leak, brightness, contrast issues, and so on.
Try these quick steps to resolve video issues on a Dell computer.
Additional Information
Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Retired Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Retired Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations