How to Use Forced ePSA to Recover from POST or Boot Failure on Supported Dell Latitude Laptops

Summary: This article defines the support scope for the Forced ePSA (Enhanced Pre‑Boot System Assessment) functionality on supported Dell Latitude laptops. It also details using the Forced ePSA recovery process. ...

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Instructions

What is Forced ePSA?

Dell Latitude laptops have a recovery feature called forced ePSA. Forced ePSA is a recovery feature, not a general diagnostic entry method. It can attempt to recover a Dell Latitude laptop from a POST failure, boot failure, partial boot condition, or stalled startup so that additional troubleshooting may be attempted, if required.

Support Scope Clarification

Forced ePSA is a recovery feature available only on select Dell Latitude laptops. Although it is a Latitude‑exclusive capability, it is not available on all Latitude models. Forced ePSA requires modern UEFI/BIOS recovery logic to function. Refer to your computer's User's Manual to determine if your computer uses the UEFI/BIOS.

Latitude systems that include the UEFI/BIOS recovery logic architecture can invoke ePSA diagnostics using a power‑button‑based recovery sequence, even when the system does not complete POST. Latitude systems that do not include this recovery logic cannot initiate Forced ePSA, even when the documented procedure is followed.

NOTE: Older Latitude models may still support standard ePSA diagnostics through the F12 One‑Time Boot Menu > Diagnostics menu, but they do not support the Forced ePSA method.

When to Use Forced ePSA?

Forced ePSA can help recover a Dell Latitude laptop in the following scenarios:

  • POST failure: The computer may show signs of power but does not display the Dell logo after powering on. The caps Lock LED indicator may not illuminate when toggled using the Caps Lock key. LCD screen (LCD display) may appear blank or black after powering on the computer.
  • Boot failure: The computer may display the Dell logo after powering on but does not boot into the operating system. This includes failing to boot completely or stalling while booting into the operating system
  • The system cannot access the F12 One‑Time Boot Menu.
NOTE: Forced ePSA should not be used for no‑power conditions (no LEDs, no fan spin, no system activity). If the computer shows no signs of power, troubleshoot the power subsystem before attempting diagnostics. See our Computer Won't Turn On: Troubleshoot Power Issues library page for guidance.

Recommended Troubleshooting Flow:

Try to Initiate forced ePSA.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
  3. Remove the battery. Refer to your computer's User's Manual of the Dell computer for more information about how to remove the battery.
    CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, see Dell Knowledge Base Safety Precautions When Working with Electronic and Electrical Equipment to protect against electrostatic discharge (ESD).
  4. Press and hold the Power button for 10–20 seconds to drain residual power.
  5. Press and hold the Power button again.
  6. While holding Power, plug in the AC adapter.
  7. Release the Power button when the Dell logo or diagnostic screen appears. If Forced ePSA launches successfully, follow the on‑screen diagnostic prompts
NOTE: Models that do not support Forced ePSA will not display the ePSA diagnostic screen using this recovery method. Failure to start Forced ePSA does not indicate a system malfunction but instead may indicate that the system does not support this feature.

  

If Forced ePSA does not launch use one of the Alternative Diagnostic Methods (All Latitude Models).

Try to Use the Standard ePSA Diagnostics.

  1. Power on the system.
  2. Repeatedly press F12 at the Dell logo.
  3. Select Diagnostics.
NOTE: Running the complete ePSA diagnostics help identify hardware failures on the Dell computer. If a hardware error does occur, see the Dell knowledge Base article Resolve Hardware Issues Using ePSA or PSA Diagnostics and Guide to Error Codes.

  

Use the RTC Reset Procedure.

Affected Products

Latitude
Article Properties
Article Number: 000128700
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2026
Version:  10
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