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Every computer goes through a series of checks from the time 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
- Or, an 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.
The steps to troubleshoot each issue vary depending on the type of symptoms that you are noticing on the computer.
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 that 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.
When you press the power button, the Dell computer does not turn on, and there is no indication of turn on the computer [all the LEDs are off].
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Duration: 00:34
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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.
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Duration: 00:25 |
When you press the power button, the computer turns on and completes the POST process but displays an error message or fails to boot into the operating system.
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Duration: 00:37 |
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.
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Table 1: Different symptoms and links to helpful resources
Duration: 03:49
Closed captions: English only
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Closed captions: English only
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Last Published Date08 Mar 2022
Version22
Article TypeSolution
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There’s nothing worse than being greeted with a black screen when trying to power up a laptop.
We have a tip that has helped many of our customers get their laptops working again without requiring a visit from a TechSolver.
How to fix a laptop that won’t start up
So you’ve opened up your laptop and it hasn’t woken up like it usually does. You’ve tried pressing the power button but there are no signs of life at all. You’re tried different power cables and still, it won’t start. Even holding down the power button for minutes at a time has no effect. Before calling a technology specialist, try this tip to drain residual electricity.
It’s easy to do, there’s no risk and it might just do the trick.
Who should try this?
Users who get no response from their laptop when pressing the power button.
Who won’t it help?
This won’t help you if your screen shows any kind of activity during the startup process.
There’s no harm in trying but we wouldn’t expect any change in behaviour.
What brand will this work on?
Dell, HP, Samsung, Toshiba, Acer, ASUS, Sony, Lenovo, IBM – well, all of them really.
About laptops and residual electricity
Laptops can fail to start if they detect residual electricity on the motherboard or its components. This safety mechanism avoids too much electricity overloading components.
You might see this behaviour if your laptop powers off suddenly while you are using it.
How to fix this problem
The fix is very simple:
- Unplug the power cable from your laptop
- Locate and remove the battery
- Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds
- Re-insert the battery and plug in your laptop
- Attempt a restart and cross your fingers
With a bit of luck, your screen is now showing signs of life and the operating system is booting up.
Why does this work?
Removing the power cord and unplugging the battery removes all sources of electricity. Pressing the power button starts the laptop which will try to use whatever electricity it has to power up. The laptop only has residual electricity available which is usually entirely consumed within seconds.
Holding the power button down allows plenty of time for the laptop to completely drain itself of electricity.
Did this fix your problem?
We’d love to hear from you! You can post a comment below, leave us a message on Facebook or contact us via our contact form.
Laptop won’t start? Try this simple tip. was last modified: February 10th, 2018 by