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August 18th, 2025 23:39
Inspiron 14 won't start
I have a 2-year-old laptop that has been lightly used. Just before going on a trip, I installed a bunch of updates because the computer hadn't been used in months. It was working fine. Now I'm on my trip, tried to start the laptop, but almost nothing happens. Pressing the power button/Fingerprint reader causes the keys to light up, but nothing else. It doesn't boot up, nothing on the screen, no sounds, beeps, nothing. I don't know what to do at this point. Can someone help?
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ejn63
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August 18th, 2025 23:51
Unplug the system, remove the base cover and disconnect the battery from the mainboard. Hold the power button for 30 sec.
Reassemble the system and see if it'll POST.
PhilMor
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August 19th, 2025 00:01
@ejn63 thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately I'm in a hotel with no tools, so I'll have to try that when I get home I guess.
PhilMor
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August 24th, 2025 21:45
@ejn63 I'm home now and tried your suggestion. Unfortunately no change. Keys light up briefly, no other activity whatsoever. Any other ideas?
ejn63
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August 24th, 2025 22:01
Try with the battery disconnected -- if the system still won't power up, it needs a mainboard.
PhilMor
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August 24th, 2025 22:19
@ejn63 sorry, not exactly sure what you mean. You mean with the laptop plugged in but the battery unplugged?
ejn63
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August 24th, 2025 22:26
Yes. If that works, the battery is bad. If it does not, the mainboard is bad.