Dell Inspiron 3520 gray screen on startup

Hello Momo22,

There are few things that needs some attention. Please try the following steps: 

1. Run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics. 
It runs the test on the hardware components of the computer. Run the test and check if it gives any error code. Note down the error code and update me with the same, would let you know the next course of action. 

2. Update the BIOS to the latest version. 
**NOTE: Few things to ensure before updating the Bios is, the Ac Adapter should be plugged in and the battery should have minimum of 15% charge. No other external peripherals should be connected to the computer. Please ensure that the Bios update should not be interrupted else it would damage the motherboard. 

3. Enter the system setup (BIOS) by restarting the computer and tapping F2 at the Dell logo screen and ensure:
-- Boot list option is set to UEFI.
-- Secure Boot is Enabled.
-- Load Legacy Option ROM is Disabled.

Please try the steps and write back, would be glad to assist you further. 

Hi Allan,

1.I ran the eSPA Diagnostics and the all tests passed successfully

2.done

3.

-- Boot list option it is set to UEFI.

-- Secure Boot it is Enabled.

-- Load Legacy Option ROM its is Disabled.

please find the BIOS pic attached.

the gray screen is still display for a 10 sec' approximetly...

do you think I should install the graphic drivers again?

Regards,

momo22

Hello Momo22,

Try booting into safe mode with networking and check the functionality. 
-- Restart the computer.
-- Keep tapping F8 at the Dell Logo Screen.
-- Once the computer enters Advanced Boot Option, select Safe Mode with Networking.
-- Press Enter.
-- Check if the computer is doing the same thing in safe mode with networking.
If the computer boots into the safe mode, uninstall the video drivers completely. Please follow the steps mentioned below:

-- Uninstall the Video drivers from the Program and Features.

       1. Click on start.
       2. Click on Control Panel.
       3. Program and Features.
       4. Uninstall every program related to ATI Catalyst Control Center.

-- Delete the folder named Video from the Dell Drivers Folder.
       1.  Click on Start.
       2.  Click on Computers.
       3.  Open the C Drive.
       4.  Open the Folder named Dell.
       5.  Open the Folder named Drivers.
       6.  Delete the Folder named Video.

-- Uninstall the Video Drivers from the Device manager.
Start -> Control Panel -> Device Manager -> Display Adapters.

-- Please do check in the startup items as well, if there is anything related to the video card. Disable it.
Start -> Run -> MSCONFIG -> Start Up.
-- Restart the computer and check if it boots into the normal mode. In case computer reboots into the normal mode, re-install video drivers. Visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website to get the video drivers. Enter the service tag, choose the operating system and download and install the video drivers for the computer. 

Please try the steps and write back with results, would be glad to assist you further. 

hi allan,

I am having the same problem.my mechine is inspiron15 3520  windows 8. I did the same bios setting as u described, but still not booting

Hi there I am having the same issues with the black screen reading the same message, I'm running the test you had mentioned for your first idea; it's reading everything but the hard drive. Is there anything I can do from here?

Thanks