Dell Inspiron 14 3420 Usage and Troubleshooting Guide
Summary: This article provides information about how to set up and use your Dell Inspiron 14 3420 laptop. Learn how to run a hardware diagnostic test, download, and install drivers and more. Find troubleshooting resources to resolve common issues. ...
Instructions
Technical specifications
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| Dimension
NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on the configuration that you ordered.
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| PCIe bus |
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Ports on Dell Inspiron 14 3420
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| PCIe expansion card slots (internal) |
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| SATA ports |
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| nVME ports |
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- Connect the power cable to the AC adapter.
- Connect the AC adapter to a wall outlet.
- Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
- Press the power button and turn on the computer.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup procedure.
Driver updates and BIOS updates cannot be installed directly from the Dell support site. Updates are only possible through Windows Updates.
Dell Digital Locker
The Dell Digital Locker allows you to view and manage your products, software, subscriptions, and licensing information in one location. You can:
- Download purchased software
- Access licensed software products
- Download updates and patches
- Manage user and product groups
- View software license entitlements
- Manage warranty subscriptions
To access Dell Digital Locker, go to: https://www.dell.com/support/software. For more information, see the: Frequently asked questions about Dell Digital Locker.
Dell Digital Delivery
Dell Digital Delivery is a new way to buy software when you purchase a Dell computer. You can automatically download and install available software titles on select computers.
To learn more, go to the Dell Digital Delivery website.
Operating System Recovery Image
Do you want to reinstall the operating system due to a computer crash, hard drive replacement, or other serious software problem with your Dell computer?
The Dell operating system Recovery tool provides an interface to quickly download and create a bootable USB drive to reinstall the operating system. You can download the operating system recovery image that is customized for your Dell computer.
To download the Dell OS Recovery Tool, go to https://www.dell.com/support/home/drivers/osiso/recoverytool.
Third-party apps
Need help with downloading and installing third-party apps such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Adobe Reader and more?
You can download and install third-party apps from the Microsoft Store or the software manufacturer's website.
Operating system recovery is performed by downloading the Dell OS Recovery Tool and using a bootable USB. For more information about the Dell OS Recovery Tool, reference How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image.
AC Adapter
Are you experiencing the following AC adapter issues on your Dell computer?
- Error message such as 'AC adapter type cannot be determined'.
- The laptop does not turn on with the AC adapter attached.
- The laptop turns on but does not charge the battery.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve AC adapter-related issues.
Battery
Are you experiencing the following battery issues on your Dell computer?
- The laptop battery does not charge or does not hold a charge.
- The laptop does not recognize the battery.
- The battery discharges quickly or does not last.
- The battery charge is stuck at a certain percentage.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve battery-related issues.
Bluescreen or STOP Errors
There are many reasons that a computer does not start up. That it does not boot into the Windows operating system. It can display a blue screen or STOP error when operating.
Learn: How to Troubleshoot Blue Screen or STOP Error Code on a Dell Computer.
Bluetooth
Are you experiencing the following Bluetooth issues on your Dell computer?
- You cannot listen to music on a Bluetooth headset.
- You cannot transfer files to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as mobile phones or other computers.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve Bluetooth-related issues.
Fan and thermals
Are you experiencing the following thermal issues on your Dell computer?
- The computer fans are running too fast or making a loud noise.
- The computer restarts or shuts down intermittently.
- You get an error message related to fan, temperature, or heat sink.
- The computer performance reduces unexpectedly.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve fan-related issues on your Dell laptop.
Keyboard
Are you experiencing the following keyboard issues on your Dell computer?
- One or more keys are not responding.
- The keys are responding slowly.
- Any key presses are typing characters intermittently or typing incorrect characters.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve keyboard-related issues.
Microphone
Are you experiencing the following sound or audio recording issues on your Dell computer?
- The other users cannot hear you on Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Zoom call.
- The sound or audio from the microphone is muffled, distorted, crackling, or popping, choppy, or intermittent.
- The microphone volume is too low or there is no volume.
Follow the suggested quick steps to microphone-related issues.
Monitors and screens
Are you experiencing the following display issues on your Dell computer?
- The screen does not turn on or the screen is blank or black.
- The image on the screen is fuzzy, blurry, distorted, or faded.
- There are horizontal or vertical lines on the screen.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve display-related issues on a Dell computer.
Mouse
Are you experiencing the following mouse or touchpad issues on your Dell computer?
- The mouse cursor moves too slowly or erratically.
- The mouse buttons are not responding.
- The mouse cursor disappears.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve mouse or touchpad-related issues.
Slow Performance
Are you experiencing the following performance issues on your Dell computer?
- The computer takes a long time to boot.
- Apps are loading slowly or stop responding.
- Any Browsers or other apps stop responding.
Speakers or Headphones
Are you experiencing the following sound or audio playback issues on your Dell computer?
- There is no sound coming from the speakers or headphones.
- The sound or audio is muffled, distorted, crackling, or popping, choppy, or intermittent.
- The volume is too low or there is no volume.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve speaker or headphone-related issues.
Touch screen
Are you experiencing the following touch screen issues on your Dell computer?
- The touch screen does not work.
- The touch screen responds inaccurately or stops responding.
Learn How to Troubleshoot Touch Screen or Touch Panel Issues.
Webcam
Are you experiencing the following webcam issues on your Dell computer?
- The webcam does not work.
- The webcam is not detected in apps such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Zoom.
- The webcam image is fuzzy, dim, or grainy.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve webcam-related issues.
Wired networking
Are you experiencing the following wired network (Ethernet) issues on your Dell computer?
- There is no Internet using a wired network or Ethernet connection.
- There is a slow connection.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve wired networking issues.
Wireless networking
Are you experiencing the following Wi-Fi issues on your Dell computer?
- You cannot connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks.
- There is a slow connection.
- The Wi-Fi connection is intermittent or the connection drops.
- There is no Internet using Wi-Fi.
Follow the suggested quick steps to resolve wireless networking issues.
Learn how to view or download the Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.
- Dell Inspiron 14 3420 - User’s Guide
- Dell Inspiron 14 3420 - Service Manual
- Dell Inspiron 14 3420 - Setup and Specifications
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, click to expand a section below.
Computer maintenance means keeping your laptop in a good condition both internally and externally. A well-maintained computer looks good, lasts longer, and performs reliably. Regular maintenance helps increase the lifespan of the computer and protect the privacy and security of your data.
See our: Dell Laptop Best Practices for Care, Use, and Handling and General Maintenance Guidelines For a Dell 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.
- Turn off the computer.
- Disconnect the AC adapter or power cable from the computer, and remove the battery.
- For Dell laptops with removable battery, see the user guide of the Dell laptop for step-by-step instructions.
- For Dell laptops with nonremovable battery, learn: How to Reset Real Time Clock (RTC) to Recover Your Dell Laptop or How to Use Forced ePSA to Recover from POST or Boot Failure on Dell Latitude PCs.
- Disconnect all devices such as USB drives, printers, webcams, and media cards (SD/xD), except keyboard and mouse.
- Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds to drain residual power.
- Connect the battery and AC adapter.
- Turn on the computer.
Driver updates and BIOS updates cannot be installed directly from the Dell support site. Updates are only possible through Windows Updates.
The troubleshooting section of this article provides self-help resources to troubleshoot and resolve common issues with your Dell Inspiron 14 3420 laptop.
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