Table of Contents
- XPS 13 9300 Service Manual
- Working inside your computer
- Removing and installing components
- Drivers and downloads
- System setup
- Troubleshooting
- Getting help and contacting Dell
DELL 9300 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 9300 by DELL which is a product in the Notebooks category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
XPS 13 9300
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P117G
Regulatory Type: P117G001
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the
problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2019-2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its
subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
2020 - 02
Rev. A01
1 Working inside your computer....................................................................................................... 5
Before working inside your computer................................................................................................................................. 5
Safety instructions................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection.......................................................................................................................... 6
ESD field service kit ..............................................................................................................................................................6
Transporting sensitive components.................................................................................................................................... 7
After working inside your computer.................................................................................................................................... 7
2 Removing and installing components............................................................................................. 8
Recommended tools..............................................................................................................................................................8
Screw list................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Major components of XPS 13 9300.................................................................................................................................... 9
Base cover............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Removing the base cover..............................................................................................................................................10
Installing the base cover................................................................................................................................................ 12
Battery...................................................................................................................................................................................14
Lithium-ion battery precautions................................................................................................................................... 14
Removing the battery.................................................................................................................................................... 14
Installing the battery...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Removing the solid-state drive.....................................................................................................................................16
Installing the solid-state drive....................................................................................................................................... 17
Fans........................................................................................................................................................................................19
Removing the fans......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Installing the fans...........................................................................................................................................................20
Heat sink...............................................................................................................................................................................22
Removing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................ 22
Installing the heat sink...................................................................................................................................................22
Display assembly..................................................................................................................................................................23
Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................... 23
Installing the display assembly......................................................................................................................................26
System board.......................................................................................................................................................................29
Removing the system board........................................................................................................................................ 29
Installing the system board...........................................................................................................................................32
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................................................... 35
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly......................................................................................................35
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly........................................................................................................35
3 Drivers and downloads................................................................................................................ 37
4 System setup.............................................................................................................................38
Entering BIOS setup program............................................................................................................................................38
Navigation keys....................................................................................................................................................................38
One time boot menu........................................................................................................................................................... 38
Contents
Contents 3
System setup options......................................................................................................................................................... 39
Updating the BIOS in Windows ........................................................................................................................................ 48
Updating BIOS on systems with BitLocker enabled..................................................................................................48
Updating your system BIOS using a USB flash drive................................................................................................48
Updating the Dell BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu environments.......................................................................................... 49
Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu.................................................................................................. 49
System and setup password..............................................................................................................................................52
Assigning a system setup password........................................................................................................................... 52
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password........................................................................................53
Clearing CMOS settings............................................................................................................................................... 53
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords...........................................................................................53
5 Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................54
Recovering the operating system..................................................................................................................................... 54
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics......................................................................................54
Running the ePSA diagnostics.....................................................................................................................................54
System diagnostic lights.....................................................................................................................................................55
Flea power release.............................................................................................................................................................. 56
WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................. 56
6 Getting help and contacting Dell..................................................................................................57
4Contents
Working inside your computer
Before working inside your computer
About this task
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from
the network device.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise
noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your computer. For more
safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: Disconnect your computer from all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish
working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting your computer to an electrical
outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the pins and
the contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety
instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,
such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate static electricity which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables have
connectors with locking tabs or thumb-screws that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When
disconnecting cables, keep them evenly-aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting cables, ensure
that the ports and the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
1
Working inside your computer 5
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards, processors,
memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such as intermittent
problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased density, ESD protection is
an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than in
previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
•Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an immediate
and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has received a static shock and
immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or nonfunctional memory.
•Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of intermittent failures
means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM receives a static shock, but the
tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to the damage. The weakened trace may
take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded") failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
• Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not provide
adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts with increased
sensitivity to ESD damage.
• Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static packing
material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you discharge static
electricity from your body.
• Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD field service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components: anti-
static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD field service kit
The components of an ESD field service kit are:
•Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an anti-
static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal on the system
being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly on the mat. ESD-
sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
•Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist and bare
metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that is temporarily
placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD mat, and the hardware is
known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use wireless wrist straps. Always be
aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and tear, and must be checked regularly with a
wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at
least once per week.
•ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit, it is a
best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap tester is the
best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional office to find out if they have
one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your wrist and push the button to
test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test fails.
•Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts that are
insulators and often highly charged.
6Working inside your computer
•Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For example,
deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are typically installed in a
rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always look for a large open flat work
area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to accommodate the type of system that is
being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as
Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically
handling any hardware components
•ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded bags are
preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the new part arrived in.
The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be used in the original box that the
new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an ESD-protected work surface, and parts
should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the
ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
•Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be
returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static mat at all
times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while
performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
Transporting sensitive components
When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in
anti-static bags for safe transport.
Lifting equipment
Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment:
CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting device.
1. Get a firm balanced footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base, and point your toes out.
2. Tighten stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles support your spine when you lift, offsetting the force of the load.
3. Lift with your legs, not your back.
4. Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.
5. Keep your back upright, whether lifting or setting down the load. Do not add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid twisting your
body and back.
6. Follow the same techniques in reverse to set the load down.
After working inside your computer
About this task
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.
Working inside your computer 7
Removing and installing components
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
• Phillips screwdriver #0
• Phillips screwdriver #1
• Torx #5 (T5) screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
Screw list
NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws,
and then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type
is restored when the component is replaced.
NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surface when
replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3, Torx 5 8
Battery Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x2.5 5
Solid-state drive bracket System board M2x3 1
Fans System board M1.6x2.5 4
Display-assembly cable
holder
System board M1.2x2 3
Display-assembly hinges Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2.5x4.5 6
System board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x1.5 4
System board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.2x2 3
System board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.4x4 4
2
8 Removing and installing components
Major components of XPS 13 9300
The following image shows the major components of XPS 13 9300.
1. Base cover
2. Battery
3. Left fan
4. Heat sink
5. Left antenna
6. System board
7. Left speaker
8. Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
9. Display assembly
10. Right speaker
11. Display-cable bracket
12. Right antenna
13. Right fan
14. Solid-state drive shield
15. Solid-state drive
Removing and installing components 9
NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These
parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative
for purchase options.
Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
10 Removing and installing components
Removing and installing components 11
Steps
1. Remove the eight screws (M2x3, Torx 5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Starting from the bottom-left corner, use a plastic scribe to pry the base cover in the direction of the arrows to release the base cover
from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
CAUTION: Do not pull on or pry the base cover from the side where the hinges are; doing so may damage the base
cover.
3. Hold both sides of the base cover and rotate the base cover from bottom to top to remove it from the palm-rest and keyboard
assembly.
NOTE: The pins at the bottom of the base cover for grounding the antennas and the audio board are fragile. Place
the base cover on a clean surface to avoid damage to the pins.
NOTE: The following steps are applicable only if you want to further remove any other component from your
computer.
4. Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
5. Turn your computer over and press the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
Installing the base cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
12 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the system board, if applicable.
2. Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and then snap the base cover
into place.
Removing and installing components 13
3. Replace the eight screws (M2x3, Torx 5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Battery
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
• Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
• Discharge the battery as much as possible before removing it from the system. This can be done by disconnecting
the AC adapter from the system to allow the battery to drain.
• Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
• Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
• Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
• Do not bend the battery.
• Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery.
• Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental puncture or
damage to the battery and other system components.
• If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing, bending,
or crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical support for
assistance. See www.dell.com/contactdell.
• Always purchase genuine batteries from www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and resellers.
Removing the battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
14 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Remove the five screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board, if applicable.
3. Lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Removing and installing components 15
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Replace the five screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Connect the battery cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Solid-state drive
Removing the solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
16 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Loosen the captive screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the system board.
3. Using a plastic scribe, disconnect the left antenna cable from the wireless card.
4. Note the routing of the left antenna cable.
5. Starting from the wireless card, remove each antenna cable from the routing guides, toward the respective antennas.
6. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive shield and the solid-state drive to the system board.
7. Slide the solid-state drive shield from the alignment post and lift the solid-state drive shield off the system board.
8. Slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
NOTE: The size of the solid-state drive shield is specific to the size of the solid-state drive that is shipped with your
computer. The solid-state drive shield cannot be used for a different-sized solid-state drive.
Installing the solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Removing and installing components 17
Steps
1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.
2. Gently slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Align the solid-state drive shield with the alignment post, and align the screw hole on the solid-state drive shield with the screw hole on
the system board.
NOTE: The size of the solid-state drive shield is specific to the size of the solid-state drive that is shipped with your
computer. The solid-state drive shield cannot be used for a different-sized solid-state drive.
4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive shield and the solid-state drive to the system board.
5. Route the left antenna cable through the routing guides on the system board toward the wireless card.
6. Connect the left antenna cable to the wireless card.
7. Align the screw hole on the wireless-card bracket with the screw hole on the system board.
NOTE: Ensure that tab on the wireless-card bracket is inserted into the slot in the system board.
8. Tighten the captive screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
18 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Peel the tape that secures the fan A cable to the system board.
2. Disconnect the fan A cable from the system board.
3. Remove the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure fan A to the system board.
4. Lift fan A off the system board.
5. Peel the tape that secures the fan B cable to the system board.
6. Disconnect the fan B cable from the system board.
7. Remove the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure fan B to the system board.
8. Lift fan B off the system board.
Installing the fans
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the fans and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
20 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on fan B with the screw holes on the system board.
2. Replace the two screws (1.6x2.5) that secure fan B to the system board.
3. Connect the fan B cable to the system board.
4. Adhere the tape that secures the fan B cable to the system board.
5. Align the screw holes on fan A with the screw holes on the system board.
6. Replace the two screws (1.6x2.5) that secure fan A to the system board.
7. Connect the fan A cable to the system board.
8. Adhere the tape that secures the fan A cable to the system board.
Removing and installing components 21
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Heat sink
Removing the heat sink
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in
your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.
NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before
you touch it.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the heat sink and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. In reverse sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system
board.
2. Lift the heat sink off the system board.
Installing the heat sink
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.
22 Removing and installing components
NOTE: If either the system board or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal pad/paste provided in the kit to ensure
that thermal conductivity is achieved.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the heat sink and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.
2. In sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), tighten the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Display assembly
Removing the display assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 23
24 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Loosen the three captive screws that secure the display-assembly cable bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the display-assembly cable bracket off the system board.
3. Disconnect the camera cable and the display cable from the system board.
4. Remove the three screws (M1.2x2) that secure the display-assembly cable holder to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Remove the three screws (M2.5x4.5) that secure the left hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Remove the three screws (M2.5x4.5) that secure the right hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
7. Slide the palm-rest and keyboard assembly from the display assembly.
8. After performing all the above steps, you are left with display assembly.
Removing and installing components 25
Installing the display assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
26 Removing and installing components
Removing and installing components 27
Steps
1. Slide the palm-rest and keyboard assembly under the display-assembly hinges.
2. Align the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly with the screw holes on the display hinges.
3. Replace the three screws (M2.5x4.5) that secure the left hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the three screws (M2.5x4.5) that secure the right hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Align the screw holes on the display-assembly cable holder with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Replace the three screws (M1.2x2) that secure the display-assembly cable holder to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: Apply gentle torque when tightening the three screws (M1.2x2) to avoid damaging the screw threads.
7. Connect the camera cable and the display cable to the system board.
8. Align the screw holes on the display-assembly bracket with the screw holes on the system board and tighten the three captive screws.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
28 Removing and installing components
System board
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup
program after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program.
You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location of the connectors so that you can
reconnect the cables correctly after you replace the system board.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the fans.
5. Remove the heat sink.
NOTE: The system board can be removed or installed together with the heat sink attached. This simplifies the
procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and the heat sink.
6. Remove the solid-state drive.
7. Remove the display assembly.
About this task
The following image indicates the connectors on your system board.
Figure 1. System-board connectors
1. Power-button cable 2. Touchpad cable
3. Right speaker cable 4. Keyboard cable
5. Left speaker cable
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 29
30 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Loosen the captive screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the system board.
3. Using a plastic scribe, disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
4. Note the routing of the left and the right antenna cables.
5. Starting from the wireless card, remove each antenna cable from the routing guides, toward their respective antennas.
6. Open the latch, and disconnect the power-button and fingerprint reader cable from the system board.
7. Disconnect the right speaker cable from the system board.
8. Open the latch, and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board.
9. Open the latch, and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.
10. Disconnect the left speaker cable from the system board.
11. Remove the four screws (M1.6x1.5) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
12. Remove the three screws (M1.2x2) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
13. Remove the four screws (M1.4x4) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
14. Lift the system board off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Removing and installing components 31
Installing the system board
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup
program after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You
must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.
About this task
The following image indicates the connectors on your system board.
Figure 2. System-board connectors
1. Power-button cable 2. Touchpad cable
3. Right speaker cable 4. Keyboard cable
5. Left speaker cable
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
32 Removing and installing components
Removing and installing components 33
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Replace the four screws (M1.2x2) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Replace the three screws (M1.2x2) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the four screws (M1.4x4) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Connect the power-button and fingerprint reader cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
6. Connect the right speaker cable to the system board.
7. Connect the keyboard cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
8. Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
9. Connect the left speaker cable to the system board.
10. Route the left and right antenna cables through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly toward the wireless card.
11. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
12. Align the screw hole on the wireless-card bracket with the screw hole on the system board.
NOTE: Ensure that tab on the wireless-card bracket is inserted into the slot in the system board.
13. Tighten the captive screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
34 Removing and installing components
Next steps
1. Install the display assembly.
2. Install the solid-state drive.
3. Install the heat sink.
NOTE: The system board can be removed or installed together with the heat sink attached. This simplifies the
procedure and avoids breaking the thermal bond between the system board and the heat sink.
4. Install the fans.
5. Install the battery.
6. Install the base cover.
7. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the display assembly.
5. Remove the system board.
About this task
The following image indicates the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, you are left with the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Removing and installing components 35
About this task
The following image indicates the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat surface.
Next steps
1. Install the system board.
2. Install the display assembly.
3. Install the battery.
4. Install the base cover.
5. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
36 Removing and installing components
System setup
CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain
changes can make your computer work incorrectly.
NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed.
NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen
information for future reference.
Use the BIOS Setup program for the following purposes:
• Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive.
• Change the system configuration information.
• Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling base devices.
Entering BIOS setup program
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Press F2 immediately to enter the BIOS setup program.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the desktop. Then,
turn off your computer and try again.
Navigation keys
NOTE: For most of the System Setup options, changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you
restart the system.
Table 2. Navigation keys
Keys Navigation
Up arrow Moves to the previous field.
Down arrow Moves to the next field.
Enter Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link
in the field.
Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.
Tab Moves to the next focus area.
NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.
Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen.
Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a message that prompts
you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the system.
One time boot menu
To enter one time boot menu, turn on your computer, and then press F2 immediately.
NOTE: It is recommended to shutdown the computer if it is on.
4
38 System setup
The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are:
• Removable Drive (if available)
• STXXXX Drive (if available)
NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.
• Optical Drive (if available)
• SATA Hard Drive (if available)
• Diagnostics
NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen.
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
System setup options
NOTE: Depending on this computer and its installed devices, the items that are listed in this section may or may not be
displayed.
Table 3. System setup options—System information menu
Overview
XPS 13 9300
BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag Displays the Asset Tag of the computer.
Manufacture Date Displays the manufacture date of the computer.
Ownership Date Displays the ownership date of the computer.
Express Service Code Displays the express service code of the computer.
Ownership Tag Displays the ownership tag of the computer.
Signed Firmware Update Displays whether the signed firmware update is enabled.
Default: Enabled
Battery Displays the battery health information.
Primary Displays the primary battery.
Battery Level Displays the battery level.
Battery State Displays the battery state.
Health Displays the battery health.
AC Adapter Displays whether an AC adapter is connected. If connected, the AC adapter type.
PROCESSOR
Processor Type Displays the processor type.
Maximum Clock Speed Displays the maximum processor clock speed.
Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed.
Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed.
Core Count Displays the number of cores on the processor.
Processor ID Displays the processor identification code.
Processor L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 Cache size.
Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size.
Microcode Version Displays the microcode version.
Intel Hyper-Threading Capable Displays whether the processor is Hyper-Threading (HT) capable.
System setup 39
Overview
64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used.
MEMORY
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
Memory Available Displays the total computer memory available.
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Channel Mode Displays single or dual channel mode.
Memory Technology Displays the technology that is used for the memory.
DEVICES
Panel Type Displays the Panel Type of the computer.
Video Controller Displays the integrate graphics information of the computer.
Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.
Wi-Fi Device Displays the Wi-Fi device installed in the computer.
Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.
Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.
Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.
Bluetooth Device Displays whether a Bluetooth device is installed in the computer.
Pass Through MAC Address Displays the MAC address of the video pass-through.
Table 4. System setup options—Boot options menu
Boot options
Boot Mode
Boot Mode: UEFI only Displays the boot mode of this computer.
Enable Boot Devices Enables or disables Windows Boot Manager and UEFI Hard Drive.
By default, Windows Boot Manager is selected
By default, UEFI Hard Drive is selected
Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.
Advanced Boot Options
Enable UEFI Network Stack Enables or disables UEFI Network Stack.
Default: ON
UEFI Boot Path Security Enables or disables the system to prompt the user to enter the Admin password
when booting a UEFI boot path from the F12 boot menu.
Default: Always Except Internal HDD
Table 5. System setup options—System Configuration menu
System Configuration
Date/Time
Date Sets the computer date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Changes to the date take effect
immediately.
Time Sets the computer time in HH/MM/SS 24-hour format. You can switch between 12-
hour and 24-hour clock. Changes to the time take effect immediately.
Storage Interface
Port Enablement Enables the selected onboard drives.
40 System setup
System Configuration
Default: ON
SATA Operation Configures operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
Default: RAID On. SATA is configured to support RAID (Intel Rapid Restore
Technology).
Drive Information Displays the information of various onboard drives.
Enable SMART Reporting Enables or disables Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART).
Default: OFF
Enable Audio Enables or disables all integrated audio controller.
Default: ON
Enable Microphone Enables or disables microphone.
By default, Enable Microphone is selected.
Enable Internal Speaker Enables or disables internal speaker.
By default, Enable Internal Speaker is selected.
USB Configuration Enables or disables booting from USB mass storage devices such as external hard
drive, optical drive, and USB drive.
By default, Enable USB Boot Support is selected.
By default, Enable External USB Ports is selected.
Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration
Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support Enables or disables Thunderbolt Technology Support.
Default: ON
Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support Enables or disables Thunderbolt Boot Support.
Default: OFF
EnableThunderbolt (and PCIe behind TBT)
pre-boot modules
Enables or disables to allow or disallow PCIe devices to be connected through a
Thunderbolt adapter during pre-boot.
Default: OFF
Miscellaneous Devices Enables or disables various onboard devices.
Enable Camera Enables or disables the camera.
By default, Enable Camera is selected.
Touchscreen Enables or disables the touchscreen.
By default, Touchscreen is selected.
Enable Fingerprint Reader Device Enables or disables the Fingerprint Reader Device.
By default, Enable Fingerprint Reader Device is selected.
Enable MediaCard Enables to switch all media cards On/Off or set the media card to read-only state.
By default, Enable Secure Digital (SD) Card is selected.
Keyboard Illumination Configures the operating mode of the keyboard illumination feature.
Default: Bright. Enable the keyboard illumination feature at 100% brightness level.
Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC Configures the timeout value for the keyboard when an AC adapter is connected to
the computer. The keyboard backlight timeout value is only effect when the backlight
is enabled.
Default: 10 seconds
System setup 41
System Configuration
Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery Configures the timeout value for the keyboard when the computer is running on
battery. The keyboard backlight timeout value is only effect when the backlight is
enabled.
Default: 10 seconds
Table 6. System setup options—Video menu
Video
LCD Brightness
Brightness on battery power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on battery power.
Default: 50
Brightness on AC power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on AC power.
Default: 100
Table 7. System setup options—Security menu
Security
Enable Admin Setup Lockout Enables or disables the user from entering BIOS Setup when an Admin Password is
set.
Default: OFF
Password Bypass Bypass the System (Boot) Password and the internal hard drive password prompts
during a system restart.
Default: Disabled
Enable Non-Admin Password Changes Enables or disables the user to change the system and hard drive password without
the need for admin password.
Default: ON
Non-Admin Setup Changes
Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
Default: ON
Absolute Enables, disables or permanently disable the BIOS module interface of the optional
Absolute Persistence Module service from Absolute Software.
Default: Enabled
TPM 2.0 Security On Select whether or not the Trusted Platform Model (TPM) is visible to the OS.
Default: ON
PPI Bypass for Enable Commands Enables or disables the OS to skip BIOS Physical Presence Interface (PPI) user
prompts when issuing TPM PPI enabled and activate commands.
Default: OFF
PPI Bypass for Disable Commands Enables or disables The OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing TPM PPI
Disable and Deactivate commands.
Default: OFF
PPI Bypass for Clear Commands Enables or disables the operating system to skip BIOS Physical Presence Interface
(PPI) user prompts when issuing the Clear command.
Default: OFF
Attestation Enable Enables to control whether the TPM Endorsement Hierarchy is available to the OS.
Disabling this setting restricts the ability to use the TPM for signature operations.
Default: ON
42 System setup
Security
Key Storage Enable Enables to control whether the TPM Endorsement Hierarchy is available to the OS.
Disabling this setting restricts the ability to use the TPM for storing owner data.
Default: ON
SHA-256 Enables or disables the BIOS and the TPM to use the SHA-256 hash algorithm to
extend measurements into the TPM PCRs during BIOS boot.
Default: ON
Clear Enables or disables the computer to clear the PTT owner information, and returns the
PTT to the default state.
Default: OFF
TPM State Enables or disables the TPM. This is the normal operating state for the TPM when
you want to use its complete array of capabilities.
Default: Enabled
SMM Security Mitigation Enables or disables additional UEFI SMM Security Mitigation protections.
Default: OFF
NOTE: This feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of
functionality with some legacy tools and applications.
Intel SGX Enables or disables the Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX) to provide a secured
environment for running code/storing sensitive information.
Default: Software Control
Table 8. System setup options—Passwords menu
Passwords
Enable Strong Passwords Enables or disables strong passwords.
Default: OFF
Password Configuration
Admin Password Min Specify the minimum number of characters allowed for Admin password.
Default: 4
Admin Password Max Specify the maximum number of characters allowed for Admin password.
Default: 32
System Password Min Specify the minimum number of characters allowed for System password.
Default: 4
System Password Max Specify the maximum number of characters allowed for System password.
Default: 32
Admin Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the administrator (admin) password (sometimes called the
"setup" password).
System Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the system password.
Enable Master Password Lockout Enables or disables the master password support.
Default: OFF
Table 9. System setup options—Secure Boot menu
Secure Boot
Enable Secure Boot Enables or disables the computer to boos using only validated boot software.
Default: ON
System setup 43
Secure Boot
NOTE: For Secure Boot to be enabled, the computer needs to be in UEFI
boot mode and the Enable Legacy Option ROMs option needs to be
turned off.
Secure Boot Mode Selects the Secure Boot operation mode.
Default: Deployed Mode
NOTE: Deployed Mode should be selected for normal operation of Secure
Boot.
Table 10. System setup options—Expert Key Management menu
Expert Key Management
Enable Custom Mode Enables or disables the keys in the PK, KEK, db, and dbx security key databases to be
modified.
Default: OFF
Custom Mode Key Management Selects the custom values for expert key management.
Default: PK
Table 11. System setup options—Performance menu
Performance
Multi-Core Support
Active Cores Changes the number of CPU cores available to the operating system. The default
value is set to the maximum number of cores.
Default: All Cores
Intel SpeedStep
Enable Intel SpeedStep Technology Enables or disables the Intel SpeedStep Technology to dynamically adjust processor
voltage and core frequency, decreasing average power consumption and heat
production.
Default: ON
Enable C-State Control Enables or disables the CPU's ability to enter and exit low-power states.
Default: ON
Intel Turbo Boost Technology
Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology Enabled or disabled the Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor. If enabled, the Intel
TurboBoost driver increases the performance of the CPU or graphics processor.
Default: ON
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
Enable Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Enabled or disabled the Intel Hyper-Threading mode of the processor. If enabled, the
Intel Hyper-Threading increases the efficiency of the processor resources when
multiple threads run on each core.
Default: ON
Table 12. System setup options—Power Management menu
Power Management
Wake on AC Enables the computer to turn on and go to boot when AC power is supplied to the
computer.
Default: OFF
Wake on Dell USB-C Dock Enables connecting a Dell USB-C Dock to wake the computer from Standby.
44 System setup
Power Management
Default: ON
Auto On Time Enables the computer to automatically power on for defined days and times.
Default: Disabled. The system will not automatically power up.
Block Sleep Blocks the computer from entering Sleep (S3) mode in the operating system.
Default: OFF
NOTE: If enabled, the computer will not go to sleep, Intel Rapid Start will
be disabled automatically, and the operating system power option will be
blank if it was set to Sleep.
Battery Charge Configuration Enables the computer to run on battery during power usage hours. Use the below
options to prevent AC power usage between certain times of each day.
Default: Adaptive. Battery settings are adaptively optimized based on your typical
battery usage pattern.
Enable Advanced Battery Charge
Configuration
Enables Advanced Battery Charge Configuration from the beginning of the day to a
specified work period. Advanced Battery Charged maximizes battery health while still
supporting heavy use during the work day.
Default: OFF
Peak Shift Enables the computer to run on battery during peak power usage hours.
Default: OFF
Wireless Radio Control
Control WLAN radio Enables to sense the connection of the computer to a wired network and
subsequently disable the selected wireless radios (WLAN and/or WWAN). Upon
disconnection from the wired network, the selected wireless radios are re-enabled.
Default: OFF
Wake on LAN Enables or disables the computer to turn on by a special LAN signal.
Default: Disabled
Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables the Intel Speed Shift Technology support. Setting this option to
enable allows the operating system to select the appropriate processor performance
automatically.
Default: ON
Lid Switch
Power On Lid Open Enables the computer to power up from the off state whenever the lid is opened.
Default: ON
Table 13. System setup options—Wireless menu
Wireless
Wireless Device Enable Enable or disable internal WLAN/Bluetooth devices.
By default, WLAN is selected.
By default, Bluetooth is selected.
Table 14. System setup options—POST Behavior menu
POST Behavior
Numlock Enable
Enable Numlock Enables or disables Numlock when the computer boots.
System setup 45
POST Behavior
Default: ON
Fn Lock Enables or disables the Fn lock mode.
Default: ON
Lock Mode Default: Lock Mode Secondary. Lock Mode Secondary = If this option is selected, the
F1-F12 keys scan the code for their secondary functions.
Warnings and Errors Selects an action on encountering a warning or error during boot.
Default: Prompt on Warnings and Errors. Stop, prompt, and wait for user input when
warnings or errors are detected.
NOTE: Errors deemed critical to the operation of the computer hardware
will always halt the computer.
Enable Adapter Warnings Enables or disables the computer to display adapter warning messages when
adapters with too little power capacity are detected.
Default: ON
Enable Dock Warning Messages Enables or disables dock warning messages.
Default: ON
Fastboot Configures the speed of the UEFI boot process.
Default: Thorough. Performs complete hardware and configuration initialization during
boot.
Extend BIOS POST Time Configures the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test) load time.
Default: 0 seconds
Full Screen Logo Enabled or disabled the computer to display full screen logo if the image match
screen resolution.
Default: OFF
Mouse/Touchpad Defines how the computer handles mouse and touchpad input.
Default: Touchpad and PS/2 Mouse. Leave the integrated touchpad enabled when an
external PS/2 mouse is present.
Sign of Life
Early Logo Display Display Logo Sign of Life.
Default: ON
Early Keyboard Backlight Keyboard Backlight Sign of Life.
Default: ON
MAC Address Pass-Through Replaces the external NIC MAC address (in a supported dock or dongle) with the
selected MAC address from the computer.
Default: System Unique MAC Address.
Table 15. System setup options—Virtualization menu
Virtualization
Intel Virtualization Technology Enables the computer to run a virtual machine monitor (VMM).
Default: ON
VT for Direct I/O Enables the computer to perform Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O (VT-d).
VT-d is an Intel method that provides virtualization for memory map I/O.
Default: ON
46 System setup
Table 16. System setup options—Maintenance menu
Maintenance
Asset Tag
Asset Tag Creates a system Asset Tag that can be used by an IT administrator to uniquely
identify a particular system. Once set in BIOS, the Asset Tag cannot be changed.
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enables the computer to recover from a bad BIOS image, as long as the Boot Block
portion is intact and functioning.
Default: ON
NOTE: BIOS recovery is designed to fix the main BIOS block and cannot
work if the Boot Block is damaged. In addition, this feature cannot work
in the event of EC corruption, ME corruption, or a hardware issue. The
recovery image must exist on an unencrypted partition on the drive.
BIOS Auto-Recovery Enables the computer to automatically recover the BIOS without user actions. This
feature requires BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive to be set to Enabled.
Default: OFF
Start Data Wipe CAUTION: This Secure Wipe Operation deletes information in a way that
it cannot be reconstructed.
If enabled, the BIOS will queue up a data wipe cycle for storage devices that are
connected to the motherboard on the next reboot.
Default: OFF
Allow BIOS Downgrade Controls flashing of the system firmware to previous revisions.
Default: ON
Table 17. System setup options—System Logs menu
System Logs
Power Event Log
Clear POWER Event Log Select keep or clear Power events.
Default: Keep
BIOS Event Log
Clear Bios Event Log Select keep or clear BIOS events.
Default: Keep
Thermal Event Log
Clear Thermal Event Log Select keep or clear Thermal events.
Default: Keep
Table 18. System setup options—SupportAssist menu
SupportAssist
Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console and
for Dell operating system Recovery tool.
Default: 2.
SupportAssist OS Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist operating system Recovery tool
in the even of certain system errors.
Default: ON
System setup 47
SupportAssist
BIOSConnect Enables or disables cloud Service OS recover if the main operating system fails to
boot with the number of failures equal to or greater than the value specified by the
Auto OS Recovery Threshold setup option.
Default: ON
Updating the BIOS in Windows
Prerequisites
It is recommended to update your BIOS (System Setup), when you replace the system board or if an update is available. For laptops,
ensure that your computer battery is fully charged and connected to a power outlet.
About this task
NOTE: If BitLocker is enabled, it must be suspended prior to updating the system BIOS, and then re-enabled after the
BIOS update is completed.
Steps
1. Restart the computer.
2. Go to Dell.com/support.
• Enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Submit.
• Click Detect Product and follow the instructions on screen.
3. If you are unable to detect or find the Service Tag, click Choose from all products.
4. Choose the Products category from the list.
NOTE: Choose the appropriate category to reach the product page
5. Select your computer model and the Product Support page of your computer appears.
6. Click Get drivers and click Drivers and Downloads.
The Drivers and Downloads section opens.
7. Click Find it myself.
8. Click BIOS to view the BIOS versions.
9. Identify the latest BIOS file and click Download.
10. Select your preferred download method in the Please select your download method below window, click Download File.
The File Download window appears.
11. Click Save to save the file on your computer.
12. Click Run to install the updated BIOS settings on your computer.
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Updating BIOS on systems with BitLocker enabled
CAUTION: If BitLocker is not suspended before updating the BIOS, the next time you reboot the system it will not
recognize the BitLocker key. You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress and the system will ask for
this on each reboot. If the recovery key is not known this can result in data loss or an unnecessary operating system re-
install. For more information on this subject, see Knowledge Article: https://www.dell.com/support/article/sln153694
Updating your system BIOS using a USB flash drive
About this task
If the system cannot load into Windows but there is still a need to update the BIOS, download the BIOS file using another system and save
it to a bootable USB Flash Drive.
48 System setup
NOTE: You will need to use a bootable USB Flash drive. Please refer to the following article for further details: https://
www.dell.com/support/article/sln143196/
Steps
1. Download the BIOS update .EXE file to another system.
2. Copy the file e.g. O9010A12.EXE onto the bootable USB Flash drive.
3. Insert the USB Flash drive into the system that requires the BIOS update.
4. Restart the system and press F12 when the Dell Splash logo appears to display the One Time Boot Menu.
5. Using arrow keys, select USB Storage Device and click Return.
6. The system will boot to a Diag C:\> prompt.
7. Run the file by typing the full filename e.g. O9010A12.exe and press Return.
8. The BIOS Update Utility will load, follow the instructions on screen.
Figure 3. DOS BIOS Update Screen
Updating the Dell BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu
environments
If you want to update the system BIOS in a Linux environment such as Ubuntu, see https://www.dell.com/support/article/sln171755/.
Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot
menu
Updating your system BIOS using a BIOS update .exe file copied to a FAT32 USB key and booting from the F12 one time boot menu.
About this task
BIOS Update
You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB key or you can also update the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot
menu on the system.
Most Dell systems built after 2012 have this capability and you can confirm by booting your system to the F12 One-Time Boot Menu to see
if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your system. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS update option.
NOTE: Only systems with BIOS Flash Update option in the F12 One-Time Boot Menu can use this function.
Updating from the One-Time Boot Menu
System setup 49
To update your BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu, you will need:
• USB key formatted to the FAT32 file system (key does not have to be bootable)
• BIOS executable file that you downloaded from the Dell Support website and copied to the root of the USB key
• AC power adapter connected to the system
• Functional system battery to flash the BIOS
Perform the following steps to execute the BIOS update flash process from the F12 menu:
CAUTION: Do not power off the system during the BIOS update process. Powering off the system could make the
system fail to boot.
Steps
1. From a power off state, insert the USB key where you copied the flash into a USB port of the system .
2. Power on the system and press the F12 key to access the One-Time Boot Menu, Highlight BIOS Update using the mouse or arrow
keys then press Enter.
3. The Bios flash menu will open then click the Flash from file.
4. Select external USB device
50 System setup
5. Once the file is selected, Double click the flash target file, then press submit .
6. Click the Update BIOS then system will reboot to flash the BIOS.
System setup 51
7. Once complete, the system will reboot and the BIOS update process is completed.
System and setup password
Table 19. System and setup password
Password type Description
System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system.
Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the
BIOS settings of your computer.
You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.
NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.
Assigning a system setup password
Prerequisites
You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.
About this task
To enter the system setup, press F2F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.
The Security screen is displayed.
2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:
• A password can have up to 32 characters.
• The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.
52 System setup
• Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not valid.
• Only the following special characters are valid: Space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`).
3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK.
4. Press Esc and a message prompt's you to save the changes.
5. Press Y to save the changes.
The computer reboots.
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password
Prerequisites
Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing System and/or
Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is Locked.
About this task
To enter the System Setup, press F2F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, alter, or delete the existing system password and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, alter, or delete the existing setup password and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted. If you delete
the System and/or Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.
5. Press Esc and a message prompt's you to save the changes.
6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.
The computer reboot.
Clearing CMOS settings
About this task
CAUTION: Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
NOTE: The battery must be disconnected from the system board (see Step 4 in Removing the base cover).
3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
4. Before you turn on your computer, follow the steps in Installing the base cover.
5. Turn on your computer.
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
About this task
To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying
Windows or your application.
System setup 53
Troubleshooting
Recovering the operating system
When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell SupportAssist OS
Recovery.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a standalone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers installed with Windows 10 operating system. It
consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating system. It enables you
to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state.
You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary
operating system due to software or hardware failures.
For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at www.dell.com/
support.
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA)
diagnostics
About this task
The ePSA diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The ePSA is embedded with the
BIOS and is launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device
groups allowing you to:
• Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
• Repeat tests
• Display or save test results
• Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
• View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
• View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer
terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
Running the ePSA diagnostics
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4. Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed.
6. To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7. Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
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54 Troubleshooting
System diagnostic lights
When static, the power and battery-charge status light indicates the power mode that your computer is in. When blinking in different
patterns, the power and battery-charge status light indicates the respective issues that your computer is encountering.
Static power and battery-charge status light
The following table lists the status of your computer based on the power and battery-charge status light.
Table 20. Power and battery-charge status light
Power and battery-charge status light Status of computer
Solid white • The power adapter is
connected and the battery is
fully charged.
• The power adapter is
connected and the battery
has more than 5 percent
charge.
Amber The computer is running on
battery and the battery has less
than 5 percent charge.
Off The computer is in sleep state,
hibernation, or turned off.
Blinking power and battery-charge status light
The power and battery-status light blinks alternately between amber and off to indicate issues that your computer is encountering.
For example, the power and battery-status light blinks amber two times followed by a pause, and then blinks white three times followed by
a pause. This 2,3 pattern continues until the computer is turned off indicating no memory or RAM is detected.
The following table shows the different power and battery-status light patterns and the associated issues.
Table 21. LED codes
Diagnostic light codes Problem description
2,1 Processor failure
2,2 System board: BIOS or ROM (Read-Only Memory) failure
2,3 No memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) detected
2,4 Memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) failure
2,5 Invalid memory installed
2,6 System-board or chipset error
2,7 Display failure
2,8 LCD power rail failure.
3,1 CMOS battery failure
3,2 PCI, video card/chip failure
3,3 Recovery image not found
3,4 Recovery image found but invalid
3,5 Power-rail failure
3,6 System BIOS Flash incomplete
3,7 Management Engine (ME) error
Troubleshooting 55
Flea power release
About this task
Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains on the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery has been
disconnected from the system board. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to release the flea power:
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
NOTE: The battery must be disconnected from the system board (see Step 4 in Removing the base cover).
3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
4. Install the base cover.
5. Turn on your computer.
WiFi power cycle
About this task
If your computer is unable to access the Internet due to WiFi connectivity issues, a WiFi power cycle procedure may be performed. The
following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:
NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.
56 Troubleshooting
Getting help and contacting Dell
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources:
Table 22. Self-help resources
Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com
My Dell
Tips
Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux
Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions,
product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software
updates, and so on.
www.dell.com/support
Dell knowledge base articles for a variety of computer concerns. 1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. Type the subject or keyword in the Search box.
3. Click Search to retrieve the related articles.
Learn and know the following information about your product:
• Product specifications
• Operating system
• Setting up and using your product
• Data backup
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Factory and system restore
• BIOS information
See Me and My Dell at www.dell.com/support/manuals.
To locate the Me and My Dell relevant to your product, identify
your product through one of the following:
• Select Detect Product.
• Locate your product through the drop-down menu under View
Products.
• Enter the Service Tag number or Product ID in the search
bar.
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice,
packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
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Getting help and contacting Dell 57