Dell Computer Does Not Turn On or Boot Into Windows
Is your Dell computer not turning on? Learn how to identify the symptoms of power, POST, video, or boot-related problem on your Dell desktop, all-in-one, or laptop. Find links to common troubleshooting guides to help recover your Dell computer.
Summary:Is your Dell computer not turning on? Learn how to identify the symptoms of power, POST, video, or boot-related problem on your Dell desktop, all-in-one, or laptop. Find links to common troubleshooting guides to help recover your Dell computer.See lessIs your Dell computer not turning on? Learn how to identify the symptoms of power, POST, video, or boot-related problem on your Dell desktop, all-in-one, or laptop. Find links toSee more
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Symptoms
Every computer goes through a series of checks from the time that 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
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.
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. It 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 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.
LEDs blinking (usually in a pattern and/or amber in color).
Beep codes are heard on the computer (continuous or pattern).
The display is blank (black) with blinking LEDs or beep codes.
Fan noise is heard, but LEDs are blinking, or beep codes are heard.
The computer stops responding or is stuck at the Dell logo.
The LEDs do not respond when you press the Caps lock, Scroll lock, or Num lock keys.
When you press the power button, the computer turns on and completes the POST process. It does display an error message or fails to boot into the operating system.
The status of LEDs (power LED, hard drive activity LED, and so on) is normal.
Fan noise is heard.
Blank or black screen with a blinking cursor on the top-left corner of the screen.
Hard drive-related error messages such as 'No Boot Device,' 'No Bootable Device,' or 'Boot Device Not Found,' or 'No bootable devices were found.'
Windows blue screen or STOP (Crash Screen) error messages.
The computer stops responding or stops at the Windows logo screen while booting into the operating system.
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.
The status of LEDs (power LED, hard drive activity LED, and so on.), are normal.
Fan noise is heard, but the display is blank (black).
The display is blank or black.
Blurry, distorted, fuzzy images.
Horizontal or vertical lines.
Color fade, light leak, brightness, contrast issues, and so on.