How to Troubleshoot Dell Laptop Computers

My Dell Computer Won't Turn On

Your computer may not be turning on because it's unplugged.
If your Dell computer won't turn on, chances are there's a problem with its connection to its power supply. A lot of times, a Dell computer won't turn on because of something as simple as a setting on a surge protector to a tripped circuit breaker that cuts off power to the room entirely. Troubleshooting a Dell computer that won't turn on could save you a lot of time and energy in getting your PC checked out by a professional.

Instructions

1 Reconnect your Dell computer's power cable to its wall outlet or surge protector and to the computer's system unit if the power cable is detachable.
2 Turn on the surge protector connected to your Dell computer. Many surge protectors have an "On/Off" switch that can cut the power to any connected devices.
3 Disconnect your Dell computer from its wall outlet or surge protector, and plug it into a different outlet.
4 Examine the power cable for any extreme wear or damage. Replace it immediately if there's any fraying or tearing. This goes for laptop AC adapters as well.
5 Plug another appliance into the electrical outlet, and see if it works. If it doesn't work, the outlet isn't getting any energy. Some rooms have a light switch that also controls the electrical flow to power outlets and needs to be flipped on for the outlets to function. Other times, you need to find your home's circuit breaker box and make sure the switch isn't flipped. Circuit boxes are typically found in your home's basement or garage near the electrical meter.

My Dell Inspiron Won't Turn on

If your Dell Inspiron laptop computer won't turn on no matter how many times you press the "Power" button, its motherboard is likely holding an excess electrical charge. This will keep the laptop from turning on even if it is plugged into a wall outlet or if the battery is fully charged. To fix this issue, you will need to dispel the extra electrical charge from the Inspiron. This also involves the "Power" button.

Instructions

1 Remove the battery from its compartment on the side of your Dell Inspiron laptop computer.
2 Remove the power adapter from its plug on the side of the Dell Inspiron (if your laptop is currently plugged into a wall outlet).
3 Press down and hold the "Power" button on the laptop for one to two minutes. This will dispel the excess electrical current that is built up inside the laptop.
4 Put the battery back inside the compartment of your Dell Inspiron.
5 Plug your power adapter back into the side of the Dell Inspiron. Press "Power." Your laptop computer will now turn on.

How to Troubleshoot Dell Laptop Computers

Dell computers follow basic troubleshooting steps.
Dell is one of the most common computer manufactures of desktop and laptops. One of the reasons Dells are common is because Dell tends to make their computers user friendly to work with. Aside from this, troubleshooting Dell laptops is pretty much the same as troubleshooting other laptops and is similar to troubleshooting almost any computer.

Instructions

1Restart your programs and computer. This is the basic rule of all computer troubleshooting. If you have a problem, restart the program and try again. If you still have a problem, restart the computer and try again. If that fails uninstall and reinstall the program.
2 Search Dell's support and FAQ page for common problems and resolutions to your specific Dell model. If you go to the Dell support page, you can enter in your serial number and it will take you to resources for that computer. Often a Dell computer will have specific issues that Dell is aware of and has a fix for the problem.
3 Make sure your laptop is working correctly. Try doing the same thing on another computer and see if you have the same issue. It may be unrelated to your laptop. If you are not getting power to the laptop, try plugging it in somewhere else. Remove the battery and try turning your computer on. If it does not turn on, order a new charger from Dell. If this does not fix your Dell laptop, you will also need to order a new battery. The battery often disconnects from the laptop by pushing a slide button on the bottom of the laptop.

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