Table of Contents
- XPS 13 9305 Service Manual
- Contents
- Safety instructions
- Removing and installing components
- Removing the base cover
- Replacing the base cover
- Removing the battery
- Replacing the battery
- Removing the solid-state drive
- Replacing the solid-state drive
- Removing the speakers
- Replacing the speakers
- Removing the coin-cell battery
- Replacing the coin-cell battery
- Removing the heat sink - i3 processor only
- Replacing the heat sink - i3 processor only
- Removing the fans - i3 processor only
- Replacing the fans - i3 processor only
- Removing the heat-sink and fan assembly - i5/i7 processor only
- Replacing the heat-sink and fan assembly - i5/i7 processor only
- Removing the display assembly
- Replacing the display assembly
- Removing the headset port
- Replacing the headset port
- Removing the system board
- Replacing the system board
- Removing the power button with fingerprint reader
- Replacing the power button with fingerprint reader
- Removing the keyboard
- Replacing the keyboard
- Removing the palm-rest assembly
- Replacing the palm-rest assembly
- Drivers and downloads
- System setup
- Troubleshooting
- Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries
- Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer
- System-diagnostic lights
- SupportAssist diagnostics
- Built-in self-test (BIST)
- Recovering the operating system
- WiFi power cycle
- Backup media and recovery options
- Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)
- Real Time Clock—RTC reset
- Getting help and contacting Dell
DELL 9305 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 9305 by DELL which is a product in the Notebooks category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
XPS 13 9305
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P82G
Regulatory Type: P82G004
August 2021
Rev. A02
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.
© 2021 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.
Chapter 1: Safety instructions....................................................................................................... 7
Before working inside your computer............................................................................................................................. 7
Before you begin ...........................................................................................................................................................7
After working inside your computer................................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Removing and installing components........................................................................... 9
Recommended tools........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Screw list............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Major components of XPS 13 9305...............................................................................................................................10
Chapter 3: Removing the base cover............................................................................................ 13
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................13
Chapter 4: Replacing the base cover............................................................................................ 15
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Chapter 5: Removing the battery................................................................................................. 17
Lithium-ion battery precautions..................................................................................................................................... 17
Prerequisites........................................................................................................................................................................17
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................17
Chapter 6: Replacing the battery................................................................................................. 19
Lithium-ion battery precautions..................................................................................................................................... 19
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................20
Chapter 7: Removing the solid-state drive................................................................................... 21
Prerequisites........................................................................................................................................................................21
Procedure to remove M.2 2280 and M.2 2230 solid-state drives.........................................................................21
Procedure to remove M.2 2280 solid-state drive................................................................................................ 21
Procedure to remove M.2 2230 solid-state drive............................................................................................... 22
Chapter 8: Replacing the solid-state drive...................................................................................23
Procedure to replace M.2 2280 and M.2 2230 solid-state drives.........................................................................23
Procedure to replace 2280 solid-state drive........................................................................................................ 23
Procedure to replace 2230 solid-state drive........................................................................................................ 23
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................24
Chapter 9: Removing the speakers.............................................................................................. 25
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................25
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................25
Chapter 10: Replacing the speakers.............................................................................................26
Contents
Contents 3
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................26
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................26
Chapter 11: Removing the coin-cell battery..................................................................................27
Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Chapter 12: Replacing the coin-cell battery................................................................................. 28
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................28
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................28
Chapter 13: Removing the heat sink - i3 processor only............................................................... 29
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................29
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................29
Chapter 14: Replacing the heat sink - i3 processor only............................................................... 30
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................30
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................30
Chapter 15: Removing the fans - i3 processor only....................................................................... 31
Prerequisites........................................................................................................................................................................31
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................31
Chapter 16: Replacing the fans - i3 processor only...................................................................... 33
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................33
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................34
Chapter 17: Removing the heat-sink and fan assembly - i5/i7 processor only...............................35
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................35
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................35
Chapter 18: Replacing the heat-sink and fan assembly - i5/i7 processor only...............................37
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................38
Chapter 19: Removing the display assembly................................................................................ 39
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................39
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................39
Chapter 20: Replacing the display assembly................................................................................ 42
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................42
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................43
Chapter 21: Removing the headset port....................................................................................... 44
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................44
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................44
Chapter 22: Replacing the headset port...................................................................................... 46
4Contents
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................46
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Chapter 23: Removing the system board..................................................................................... 48
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................48
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................48
Chapter 24: Replacing the system board..................................................................................... 50
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................50
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................51
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program...............................................................................................51
Chapter 25: Removing the power button with fingerprint reader.................................................52
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................52
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................52
Chapter 26: Replacing the power button with fingerprint reader.................................................53
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................53
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................53
Chapter 27: Removing the keyboard............................................................................................ 54
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................54
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................54
Chapter 28: Replacing the keyboard............................................................................................55
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................55
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................55
Chapter 29: Removing the palm-rest assembly............................................................................56
Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................56
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................56
Chapter 30: Replacing the palm-rest assembly............................................................................ 57
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................57
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Chapter 31: Drivers and downloads..............................................................................................58
Chapter 32: System setup........................................................................................................... 59
Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................ 59
Navigation keys................................................................................................................................................................. 59
Boot Sequence.................................................................................................................................................................. 59
One time boot menu.........................................................................................................................................................60
System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................60
System and setup password...........................................................................................................................................70
Assigning a system setup password........................................................................................................................ 71
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password..................................................................................71
Clearing CMOS settings............................................................................................................................................. 71
Contents 5
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.....................................................................................72
Updating the BIOS............................................................................................................................................................ 72
Updating the BIOS in Windows................................................................................................................................ 72
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows..........................................................................................72
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu.....................................................................................72
Chapter 33: Troubleshooting....................................................................................................... 74
Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries........................................................................................................................ 74
Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ..............................................74
System-diagnostic lights................................................................................................................................................. 75
SupportAssist diagnostics............................................................................................................................................... 75
Built-in self-test (BIST)................................................................................................................................................... 76
M-BIST........................................................................................................................................................................... 76
LCD Built-in Self Test (BIST)................................................................................................................................... 76
Recovering the operating system..................................................................................................................................77
WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................77
Backup media and recovery options............................................................................................................................. 77
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)..........................................................................................................77
Real Time Clock—RTC reset..........................................................................................................................................78
Chapter 34: Getting help and contacting Dell.............................................................................. 79
6Contents
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.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: 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 thumbscrews 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.
CAUTION: Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries in laptops. Swollen batteries should not be used
and should be replaced and disposed properly.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
Before working inside your computer
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Before you begin
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.
1
Safety instructions 7
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
After working inside your computer
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
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.
8 Safety instructions
Removing and installing components
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
●Phillips screwdriver #0
●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 surfaces 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
Keyboard Palm-rest assembly M1.6x1.5 29
Fingerprint-reader
board
Palm-rest assembly M1.6x1.5 1
Power button Palm-rest assembly M1.4x1.7 2
System board Palm-rest assembly M1.6x2.5 10
Speakers Palm-rest assembly M2x2 4
Heat sink System board M2x3 4
Fans System board M1.6x3L 2
Heat-sink and fan
assembly
System board M2x3 4
Heat-sink and fan
assembly
System board M1.6x3 2
Headset port Palm-rest assembly M1.6x3 1
2
Removing and installing components 9
Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Display assembly Palm-rest assembly M2.5x4 4
Wireless antenna and
camera cable bracket
System board M1.6x3L 1
Display cable bracket System board M1.6x2.5 2
Solid-state drive shield
and solid-state drive
System board M2x3L 1
Battery Palm-rest assembly M2x2 4
Battery Palm-rest assembly M1.6x4 1
Base cover Palm-rest assembly M2x3, Torx 8
Major components of XPS 13 9305
The following image shows the major components of XPS 13 9305.
10 Removing and installing components
1. Base cover
2. Battery
3. System board
4. Keyboard
5. Palm-rest assembly
6. Right speaker
7. Solid-state drive shield
8. Solid-state drive
9. Left speaker
10. Display assembly
11. Headset port
12. Power button with fingerprint reader
13. Camera-cable bracket
14. Coin-cell battery
15. Heat-sink and fan assembly
NOTE: Applicable to computers with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors only. The heat sink and the fans in computers with
Intel Core i3 processor are separate units.
Removing and installing components 11
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.
12 Removing and installing components
Removing the base cover
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
CAUTION: To avoid causing damage to the computer, do not pry the base cover from the rear near the hinges.
CAUTION: Torx T5 screws can strip easily when removed, particularly if the screws were treated with thread-
locking adhesive. Ensure that the screwdriver bit is inserted firmly and seated straight into the screw head
when removing the screw.
1. Remove the eight screws (M2x3, Torx T5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
2. With the computer face-down, open the computer at an angle.
3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the palm-rest assembly starting from the front left and right corner.
3
Removing the base cover 13
4. Moving the base cover from left to right, release the clips securing the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Lift the base cover from the palm-rest assembly.
14 Removing the base cover
Replacing the base cover
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and slide in the base cover into
place.
2. Replace the eight screws (M2x3, Torx) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
4
Replacing the base cover 15
16 Replacing the base cover
Removing the battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the system and
operate the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no longer
turns on when the power button is pressed.
●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.
●Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed properly. For guidelines on how to
handle and replace swollen Lithium-ion batteries, see Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries.
Prerequisites
Remove the base cover.
Procedure
1. Ensure that the battery cable is disconnected from the system board.
5
Removing the battery 17
2. Remove the four screws (M2x2) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Remove the screw (M1.6x4) that secures the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
4. Lift the battery off the palm-rest assembly.
5. Turn the computer over, open the display, and press the power button for about 5 seconds to ground the computer.
18 Removing the battery
Replacing the battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the system and
operate the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no longer
turns on when the power button is pressed.
●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.
●Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed properly. For guidelines on how to
handle and replace swollen Lithium-ion batteries, see Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries.
Procedure
1. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Replace the four screws (M2x2) that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Replace the screw (M1.6x4) that secures the battery to the palm-rest assembly.
6
Replacing the battery 19
Removing the solid-state drive
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
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.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure to remove M.2 2280 and M.2 2230 solid-
state drives
Procedure to remove M.2 2280 solid-state drive
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive shield and the solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and remove the solid-state drive shield from the solid state drive slot.
3. Lift the solid-state drive at an angle, then slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
NOTE: The 2280 solid-state drive has a unique thermal plate and cannot be interchanged with the 2230 solid-state
drive thermal plate.
7
Removing the solid-state drive 21
Procedure to remove M.2 2230 solid-state drive
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive shield and the solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and remove the solid-state drive shield from the solid state drive slot.
3. Lift the solid-state drive at an angle, then slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
NOTE: The 2230 solid-state drive has a unique thermal plate and cannot be interchanged with the 2280 solid-state
drive thermal plate.
22 Removing the solid-state drive
Replacing the solid-state drive
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
Procedure to replace M.2 2280 and M.2 2230 solid-
state drives
Procedure to replace 2280 solid-state drive
1. Align the notches on the solid-state drive with the tabs in the solid-state drive slot, then slide the solid-state drive at an
angle into the solid-state drive slot.
2. Slide the solid-state drive shield into the solid-state drive shield slot. Then align the screw hole on the solid-state drive shield
and solid-state drive to the screw hold on the system board.
NOTE: The 2280 solid-state drive has a unique thermal plate and cannot be interchanged with the 2380 solid-state
drive thermal plate.
3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board.
Procedure to replace 2230 solid-state drive
1. Align the notches on the solid-state drive with the tabs in the solid-state drive slot, then slide the solid-state drive at an
angle into the solid-state drive slot.
8
Replacing the solid-state drive 23
2. Slide the solid-state drive shield into the solid-state drive shield slot. Then align the screw hole on the solid-state drive shield
and solid-state drive to the screw hold on the system board.
NOTE: The 2230 solid-state drive has a unique thermal plate and cannot be interchanged with the 2280 solid-state
drive thermal plate.
3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board.
Post-requisites
1. Replace the battery.
2. Replace the base cover.
24 Replacing the solid-state drive
Removing the speakers
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure
1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
2. Remove the four screws (M2x2) that secure the left and right speakers to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Note the speaker-cable routing and peel off the tapes (4) that secure the speaker cable to the keyboard.
4. Lift the left and right speakers, along with their cables, off the palm-rest assembly.
9
Removing the speakers 25
Replacing the speakers
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Using the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly, place the left speaker on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Route the speaker cable on the system board and adhere the tape to the system board.
3. Using the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly, place the right speaker on the palm-rest assembly.
4. Replace the four screws (M2x2) that secure the speakers to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1. Replace the battery.
2. Replace the base cover.
10
26 Replacing the speakers
Removing the coin-cell battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program’s settings to default. It is
recommended that you note the BIOS setup program’s settings before removing the coin-cell battery.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure
1. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.
2. Note the location of the coin-cell battery and pry it off the system board.
11
Removing the coin-cell battery 27
Replacing the coin-cell battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Adhere the coin-cell battery to the system board.
2. Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board.
Post-requisites
1. Replace the battery.
2. Replace the base cover.
12
28 Replacing the coin-cell battery
Removing the heat sink - i3 processor only
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you
touch it.
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.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure
1. In reverse-sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the heat sink to the
system board.
2. Lift the heat sink off the system board.
13
Removing the heat sink - i3 processor only 29
Replacing the heat sink - i3 processor only
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.
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.
Procedure
1. Align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.
2. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the heat sink to the system board in sequential order (as indicated on the heat
sink).
Post-requisites
1. Replace the battery.
2. Replace the base cover.
14
30 Replacing the heat sink - i3 processor only
Removing the fans - i3 processor only
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure
1. Remove the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket from the system board.
3. Disconnect and lift the camera cable from the system board, peeling off the tape securing the camera cable to the fans.
4. Disconnect the right-fan cable from the system board.
5. Disconnect the left-fan cable from the system board.
6. Remove the two screws (M1.6x3) that secure the left and the right fan to the system board.
7. Lift the left and the right fans along with their cables off the system board.
15
Removing the fans - i3 processor only 31
32 Removing the fans - i3 processor only
Replacing the fans - i3 processor only
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Align the screw holes on the left and the right fans with the screw holes on the system board.
2. Replace the two screws (M1.6x3) that secure the left and the right fans to the system board.
3. Connect the left- fan and the right-fan cables to the system board.
4. Connect the camera cable to the system board.
5. Align the screw hole on the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket to the screw hole on the system board.
6. Replace the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket to the system board.
7. Adhere the tape that secures the camera cable to the fans.
16
Replacing the fans - i3 processor only 33
Removing the heat-sink and fan assembly -
i5/i7 processor only
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you
touch it.
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.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure
1. Remove the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket from the system board.
3. Disconnect and lift the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket from the system board, peeling off the tape securing the
camera cable to the heat-sink and fan assembly.
4. Disconnect the left fan cable from the system board.
5. Disconnect the right fan cable from the system board.
17
Removing the heat-sink and fan assembly - i5/i7 processor only 35
6. In reverse-sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the heat-sink and
fan assembly to the system board.
7. Remove the two screws (M1.6x3) that secure the heat-sink and fan assembly to the system board.
8. Lift the heat-sink and fan assembly along with the left-fan and the right-fan cable off the system board.
36 Removing the heat-sink and fan assembly - i5/i7 processor only
Replacing the heat-sink and fan assembly -
i5/i7 processor only
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat-sink and fan assembly can damage the system board and processor.
NOTE: If either the system board or the heat-sink and fan assembly is replaced, use the thermal pad/paste provided in the
kit to ensure there is thermal conductivity.
Procedure
1. Align the screw holes on the heat-sink and fan assembly with the screw holes on the system board.
2. Replace the two screws (M1.6x3) that secure the heat-sink and fan assembly to the system board.
3. Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the heat-sink and fan assembly to the system board in sequential order (as
indicated on the heat-sink and fan assembly).
4. Connect the right fan cable to the system board.
5. Connect the left fan cable to the system board.
6. Connect the camera cable to the system board.
7. Align the screw hole on the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket to the screw hole on the system board
8. Replace the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket to the system board.
18
Replacing the heat-sink and fan assembly - i5/i7 processor only 37
Removing the display assembly
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure
1. Remove the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless antenna and camera-cable bracket from the system board.
3. Disconnect and lift the camera-cable from the system board, peeling off the tape securing the camera-cable to the fans.
4. Remove the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the display-cable bracket to the system board.
5. Lift the display-cable bracket from the system board.
6. Disconnect the display cable from the system board.
7. Disconnect the antenna cables from the system board.
8. Remove the four screws (M2.5x4) securing the display hinges to the palm-rest assembly.
19
Removing the display assembly 39
9. Manually open the hinges to a 90-degree angle.
10. Gently slide and lift the display assembly from the palm-rest assembly.
40 Removing the display assembly
Removing the display assembly 41
Replacing the display assembly
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Ensure that the hinges are open to a 90-degree angle. Slide the palm-rest assembly under the hinges of the display
assembly.
2. Using the alignment posts, press the display hinges down on the palm-rest assembly, aligning the screw holes on the display
hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Connect the antenna cables to the system board.
The following table provides the antenna cable color schemes for the wireless card supported by your computer.
Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color
Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black
20
42 Replacing the display assembly
4. Replace the four screws (M2.5x4) securing the display hinges to the palm-rest assembly and connect the camera cable to
the system board, adhering the tape securing the camera cable to the fans.
5. Align the screw hole on the wireless antenna and camera cable bracket to screw hole on the system board.
6. Replace the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the wireless antenna and camera cable bracket to the system board.
7. Connect the display cable to the system board.
8. Align the screw holes on the display-cable bracket with the screw holes on the system board.
9. Replace the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the display-cable bracket to system board.
Post-requisites
1. Replace the battery.
2. Replace the base cover.
Replacing the display assembly 43
Removing the headset port
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
Procedure
1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x4) that secure the left hinge to the palm-rest assembly.
2. Place the top surface of the computer on a flat and clean surface, then open and close the computer.
21
44 Removing the headset port
3. Disconnect the headset-port cable from the system board.
4. Remove the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the headset port to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Lift the headset port from the system board.
Removing the headset port 45
Replacing the headset port
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Place the headset port in its slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Replace the screw (M1.6x3) that secures the headset port to the palm-rest assembly
3. Reconnect the headset-port cable to the system board.
4. Using the alignment posts, press the right display hinge down to the palm-rest assembly aligning the screw holes on the
display hinge to the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
5. Replace the two screws (M2.5x4) that secure the left hinge to the palm-rest assembly.
22
46 Replacing the headset port
Removing the system board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
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.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Remove the solid-state drive.
4. Remove the fans (i3 processor only).
5. Remove the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
Procedure
1. Disconnect the antenna cables from the system board.
2. Disconnect the headset-port cable from the system board.
3. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
4. Open the latch and disconnect the fingerprint-reader cable from the system board. Skip this step if the power button does
not have the fingerprint reader.
5. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.
6. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller cable from the system board.
7. Remove the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the display-cable bracket to the system board.
8. Lift the display-cable bracket from the system board.
9. Using the pull tab, disconnect the display cable from the system board.
23
48 Removing the system board
10. Remove the 10 screws (M1.6x2.5) securing the system board to the palm-rest assembly.
11. Lift the system board from the palm-rest assembly.
Removing the system board 49
Replacing the system board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
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.
Procedure
1. Using the alignment posts, place the system board on the palm-rest assembly and align the screw holes on the system board
with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Replace the 10 screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Connect the display cable to the system board.
4. Align and place the display cable bracket on the system board.
5. Replace the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the display cable bracket to the system board.
6. Connect the keyboard-controller cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
7. Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
8. Connect the fingerprint-reader cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable. Skip this step if the power
button does not have the fingerprint reader.
9. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.
10. Connect the headset-port cable to the system board.
24
50 Replacing the system board
11. Connect the antenna cables to the system board.
The following table provides the antenna cable color schemes for the wireless card supported by your computer.
Table 3. Antenna-cable color scheme
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color
Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black
Post-requisites
1. Replace the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
2. Replace the fans (i3 processor only).
3. Replace the solid-state drive.
4. Replace the battery.
5. Replace the base cover.
Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program
1. Turn on or restart your computer.
2. Press F2 when the Dell logo is displayed to enter the BIOS setup program.
3. Navigate to the Main tab and enter the Service Tag in the Service Tag Input field.
NOTE: Service tag is the alphanumeric identifier located at the back side of your computer.
Replacing the system board 51
Removing the power button with fingerprint
reader
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Remove the solid-state drive.
4. Remove the fans (i3 processor only).
5. Remove the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
6. Remove the system board.
Procedure
1. Remove the two screws (M1.4x1.7) that secure the power button to the palm-rest assembly.
2. Remove the screw (M1.6x1.5) that secures the fingerprint-reader board to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Lift the power button from the palm-rest assembly.
4. Peel and lift the power button cable from the keyboard.
5. Lift the fingerprint-reader board from the palm-rest assembly.
25
52 Removing the power button with fingerprint reader
Replacing the power button with fingerprint
reader
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Place the fingerprint-reader board into its slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Place the power button into its slot on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Pressing down on the power button, replace the two screws (M1.4x1.7) that secure the power button to the palm-rest
assembly.
4. Adhere the power button cable to the keyboard.
5. Replace the screw (M1.6x1.5) that secures the fingerprint-reader board to the palm-rest assembly.
Post-requisites
1. Replace the system board.
2. Replace the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
3. Replace the fans (i3 processor only).
4. Replace the solid-state drive.
5. Replace the battery.
6. Replace the base cover.
26
Replacing the power button with fingerprint reader 53
Removing the keyboard
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Remove the solid-state drive.
4. Replace the fans (i3 processor only).
5. Replace the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
6. Remove the system board.
7. Remove the power button with fingerprint reader.
Procedure
1. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the keyboard-controller board.
2. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-controller board cable from the keyboard-controller board.
3. Remove the 29 screws (M1.6x1.5) that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
4. Peel the keyboard-backlight cable and the keyboard-controller board cable to the keyboard.
5. Slide the keyboard out from under the hinges off the palm-rest assembly.
27
54 Removing the keyboard
Replacing the keyboard
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1. Adhere the thermal pad and foil sticker that is shipped with the keyboard onto the replacement keyboard.
2. Align the screw holes on the keyboard with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly and slide the keyboard under the
display hinges into the palm rest assembly.
3. Replace the 29 screws (M1.6x1.5) that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
4. Adhere the keyboard-backlight cable and the keyboard-controller board cable to the keyboard.
5. Slide the keyboard-backlight cable into the keyboard-controls board and close the latch to secure the cable.
6. Slide the keyboard-controls board cable into the keyboard-controls board and close the latch to secure the cable.
Post-requisites
1. Replace the power button with fingerprint reader.
2. Replace the system board.
3. Replace the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
4. Replace the fans (i3 processor only).
5. Replace the solid-state drive.
6. Replace the battery.
7. Replace the base cover.
28
Replacing the keyboard 55
Removing the palm-rest assembly
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Remove the speakers.
4. Remove the display assembly.
5. Remove the headset port.
6. Replace the fans (i3 processor only).
7. Replace the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
8. Remove the system board.
9. Remove the power button with fingerprint reader.
10. Remove the keyboard.
Procedure
After performing all the pre-requisites, we are left with the palm-rest assembly.
29
56 Removing the palm-rest assembly
Replacing the palm-rest assembly
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
Place the palm-rest assembly face down on a clean and flat surface.
Post-requisites
1. Replace the keyboard.
2. Replace the power button with fingerprint reader.
3. Replace the system board.
4. Replace the heat sink (i3 processor only) or heat-sink and fan assembly (i5/i7 processor only).
5. Replace the fans (i3 processor only).
6. Replace the headset port.
7. Replace the display assembly.
8. Replace the speakers.
9. Replace the battery.
10. Replace the base cover.
30
Replacing the palm-rest assembly 57
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
Turn on (or restart) your computer and press F2 immediately.
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 4. 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.
Boot Sequence
Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for
example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can:
●Access System Setup by pressing F2 key
●Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key
32
System setup 59
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
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
One time boot menu
To enter one time boot menu, turn on your computer, and then press F12 immediately.
NOTE: It is recommended to shutdown the computer if it is on.
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
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 5. System setup options—Overview menu
Overview
XPS 13 9305
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
Primary Displays the primary battery.
Battery Level Displays the battery level.
Battery State Displays the battery state.
60 System setup
Table 5. System setup options—Overview menu (continued)
Overview
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.
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 6. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu
Boot Configuration
Boot Mode: UEFI only Displays the boot mode of this computer.
Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.
Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot Enables or disables boot from Secure Digital card.
By default, Enable Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot is selected.
Secure Boot
System setup 61
Table 6. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu (continued)
Boot Configuration
Enable Secure Boot Enables or disables the computer to boot using only validated boot software.
Default: OFF
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.
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 7. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu
Integrated Devices
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.
Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration Enables or disables booting from USB mass storage devices such as external hard
drive, optical drive, and USB drive.
By default, Enable External USB Ports is selected.
By default, Enable USB Boot Support is selected.
Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support Enables or disables Thunderbolt Boot Support.
Default: OFF
Enable Thunderbolt (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
Camera
Enable Camera Enables or disables the camera.
By default, Enable Camera is selected.
Audio
Enable Audio Enables or disables all integrated audio controller.
Default: ON
Enable Microphone Enables or disables microphone.
By default, Enable Microphone is selected.
62 System setup
Table 7. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu (continued)
Integrated Devices
Enable Internal Speaker Enables or disables internal speaker.
By default, Enable Internal Speaker is selected.
USB configuration
Enable USB Boot Support Enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices such as external hard
drive, optical drive, and USB drive.
Enable External USB Ports Enable or disable booting from USB mass storage devices connected to external
USB port.
Table 8. System setup options—Storage menu
Storage
SATA/
SATA Configure operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
Default: Disabled
Storage Interface Displays the information of various onboard drives.
M.2 PCIe SSD Enables or disables the M.2 PCIe SSD.
Default: ON
Drive Information Displays the information of onboard drives.
M.2 PCIe SSD Enables or disables the M.2 PCIe SSD.
Default: ON
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.
Table 9. System setup options—Display menu
Display
Display 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
Touchscreen
Touchscreen Enables or disables the touchscreen.
Default: ON
Full Screen Logo
Full Screen Logo Enabled or disabled the computer to display full screen logo if the image match
screen resolution.
Default: OFF
System setup 63
Table 10. System setup options—Connection menu
Connection
Wireless Device Enable Enable or disable internal WLAN/Bluetooth devices.
By default, WLAN is selected.
By default, Bluetooth is selected.
Enable UEFI Network Stack
Enable UEFI Network Stack Enables or disables UEFI Network Stack.
Default: ON
Table 11. System setup options—Power menu
Power
Battery Configuration
Battery 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.
Advanced Configuration
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
Enable Peak Shift Enables the computer to run on battery during peak power usage hours.
Default: OFF
Thermal Management
Thermal Management Adjusts system performance, noise, and temperature.
Default: Optimized. Standard setting for balance of performance, noise, and
temperature.
USB Wake Support
Wake on Dell USB-C Dock Enables connecting a Dell USB-C Dock to wake the computer from Standby.
Default: ON
Block Sleep
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.
Lid Switch
Enable Lid Switch Enables or disables the lid switch.
Power On Lid Open Enables the computer to power up from the off state whenever the lid is opened.
Default: ON
64 System setup
Table 11. System setup options—Power menu (continued)
Power
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
Table 12. System setup options—Security menu
Security
TPM 2.0 Security 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
TPM 2.0 Security On Select whether or not the Trusted Platform Model (TPM) is visible to the OS.
Default: ON
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
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
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
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
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.
Data Wipe on Next Boot
System setup 65
Table 12. System setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security
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
Absolute
Absolute Enables, disables or permanently disable the BIOS module interface of the
optional Absolute Persistence Module service from Absolute Software.
Default: Enabled
UEFI Boot Path Security
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 13. System setup options—Passwords menu
Passwords
Admin Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the administrator (admin) password (sometimes called
the "setup" password).
System Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the system password.
Password Configuration
Upper Case Letter Enables or disables the requirement for at least one upper case letter.
Default: OFF
Lower Case Letter Enables or disables the requirement for at least one lower case letter.
Default: OFF
Digit Enables or disables the requirement for at least one digit number.
Default: OFF
Special Character Enables or disables the requirement for at least one special character.
Default: OFF
Minimum Characters Specify the minimum number of characters allowed for the password.
Default: 4
Password Bypass
Password Bypass Bypass the System (Boot) Password and the internal hard drive password
prompts during a system restart.
Default: Disabled
Password Changes
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
Admin Setup Lockout
66 System setup
Table 13. System setup options—Passwords menu (continued)
Passwords
Enable Admin Setup Lockout Enables or disables the user from entering BIOS Setup when an Admin Password
is set.
Default: OFF
Master Password Lockout
Enable Master Password Lockout Enables or disables the master password support.
Default: OFF
Table 14. System setup options—Update, Recovery menu
Update, Recovery
UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates
Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
Default: ON
BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive
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 Downgrade
Allow BIOS Downgrade Controls flashing of the system firmware to previous revisions.
Default: ON
SupportAssist OS Recovery
SupportAssist OS Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool in the event
of certain system errors.
Default: ON
BIOSConnect
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
Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold
Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console
and for Dell operating system Recovery tool.
Default: 2
Table 15. System setup options—System Management menu
System Management
Service Tag
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag
System setup 67
Table 15. System setup options—System Management menu (continued)
System Management
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.
AC Behavior
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 LAN
Wake on LAN Enables or disables the computer to turn on by a special LAN signal.
Default: Disabled
Auto On Time
Auto On Time Enables the computer to automatically power on for defined days and times.
Default: Disabled. The system will not automatically power up.
Table 16. System setup options—Keyboard menu
Keyboard
Fn Lock Options
Fn Lock Options 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.
Keyboard Illumination
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
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
Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery
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 17. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu
Pre-boot Behavior
Adapter Warnings
Enable Dock Warning Messages Enables or disables dock warning messages.
Default: ON
Warnings and Errors
Warnings and Errors Selects an action on encountering a warning or error during boot.
68 System setup
Table 17. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu (continued)
Pre-boot Behavior
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.
USB-C Warnings
Enable Dock Warning Messages Enables or disables dock warning messages.
Default: ON
Fastboot
Fastboot Configures the speed of the UEFI boot process.
Default: Thorough. Performs complete hardware and configuration initialization
during boot.
Extend BIOS POST Time
Extend BIOS POST Time Configures the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test) load time.
Default: 0 seconds
MAC Address Pass-Through
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.
Mouse/Touchpad
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.
Table 18. System setup options—Virtualization menu
Virtualization
Intel Virtualization Technology
Enable Intel Virtualization Technology (VT) Enables the computer to run a virtual machine monitor (VMM).
Default: ON
VT for Direct I/O
Enable Intel 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
Table 19. 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
System setup 69
Table 19. System setup options—Performance menu (continued)
Performance
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 20. System setup options—System Logs menu
System Logs
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
Power Event Log
Clear POWER Event Log Select keep or clear Power events.
Default: Keep
System and setup password
Table 21. 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.
70 System setup
NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.
Assigning a system setup password
You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.
To enter the system setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
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:
●At least one special character: ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` { | }
●Numbers 0 through 9.
●Upper case letters from A to Z.
●Lower case letters from a to z.
3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK.
4. Press Esc and save the changes as prompted by the pop-up message.
5. Press Y to save the changes.
The computer restarts.
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password
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.
To enter the System Setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
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, update, or delete the existing system password, and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, update, 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 prompts you to save the changes.
6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.
The computer restarts.
Clearing CMOS settings
CAUTION: Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer.
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
3. Remove the coin-cell battery.
4. Wait for one minute.
5. Replace the coin-cell battery.
6. Connect the battery cable to the system board.
7. Replace the base cover.
System setup 71
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
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.
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS in Windows
1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. Click Product support. In the Search support box, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the SupportAssist feature to automatically identify your computer. You
can also use the product ID or manually browse for your computer model.
3. Click Drivers & Downloads. Expand Find drivers.
4. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
5. In the Category drop-down list, select BIOS.
6. Select the latest version of BIOS, and click Download to download the BIOS file for your computer.
7. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
8. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the on-screen instructions.
For more information, see knowledge base article 000124211 at www.dell.com/support.
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in Updating the BIOS in Windows to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information, see the knowledge base article 000145519 at www.dell.com/support.
3. Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5. Restart the computer and press F12 .
6. Select the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
The BIOS Update Utility appears.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update.
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu
Update your computer BIOS using the BIOS update.exe file that is copied to a FAT32 USB drive and booting from the F12
One-Time boot menu.
BIOS Update
You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB drive or you can also update the BIOS from the F12
One-Time boot menu on the computer.
Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12
One-Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the
BIOS supports this BIOS update option.
NOTE: Only computers with BIOS Flash Update option in the F12 One-Time boot menu can use this function.
Updating from the One-Time boot menu
To update your BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu, you need the following:
●USB drive formatted to the FAT32 file system (key does not have to be bootable)
72 System setup
●BIOS executable file that you downloaded from the Dell Support website and copied to the root of the USB drive
●AC power adapter that is connected to the computer
●Functional computer battery to flash the BIOS
Perform the following steps to perform the BIOS update flash process from the F12 menu:
CAUTION: Do not turn off the computer during the BIOS update process. The computer may not boot if you turn
off your computer.
1. From a turn off state, insert the USB drive where you copied the flash into a USB port of the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and press F12 to access the One-Time Boot Menu, select BIOS Update using the mouse or arrow keys
then press Enter.
The flash BIOS menu is displayed.
3. Click Flash from file.
4. Select external USB device.
5. Select the file and double-click the flash target file, and then click Submit.
6. Click Update BIOS. The computer restarts to flash the BIOS.
7. The computer will restart after the BIOS update is completed.
System setup 73
Troubleshooting
Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries
Like most laptops, Dell laptops use lithium-ion batteries. One type of lithium-ion battery is the lithium-ion polymer battery.
Lithium-ion polymer batteries have increased in popularity in recent years and have become standard in the electronics industry
due to customer preferences for a slim form factor (especially with newer ultra-thin laptops) and long battery life. Inherent to
lithium-ion polymer battery technology is the potential for swelling of the battery cells.
Swollen battery may impact the performance of the laptop. To prevent possible further damage to the device enclosure or
internal components leading to malfunction, discontinue the use of the laptop and discharge it by disconnecting the AC adapter
and letting the battery drain.
Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed of properly. We recommend contacting Dell product
support for options to replace a swollen battery under the terms of the applicable warranty or service contract, including options
for replacement by a Dell authorized service technician.
The guidelines for handling and replacing Lithium-ion batteries are as follows:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery before removing it from the system. To discharge the battery, unplug the AC adapter from the system
and operate the system only on battery power. When the system will no longer power on when the power button is pressed,
the battery is fully discharged.
●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 type to pry on or against the battery.
●If a battery gets stuck in a device as a result of swelling, do not try to free it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a battery
can be dangerous.
●Do not attempt to reassemble a damaged or swollen battery into a laptop.
●Swollen batteries that are covered under warranty should be returned to Dell in an approved shipping container (provided
by Dell)—this is to comply with transportation regulations. Swollen batteries that are not covered under warranty should be
disposed of at an approved recycling center. Contact Dell product support at https://www.dell.com/support for assistance
and further instructions.
●Using a non-Dell or incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a
compatible battery purchased from Dell that is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other
computers with your computer. Always purchase genuine batteries from https://www.dell.com or otherwise directly from
Dell.
Lithium-ion batteries can swell for various reasons such as age, number of charge cycles, or exposure to high heat. For more
information on how to improve the performance and lifespan of the laptop battery and to minimize the possibility of occurrence
of the issue, see Dell Laptop Battery - Frequently Asked Questions.
Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of
your Dell computer
Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for your
Dell computer, we recommend entering the Service Tag or Express Service Code at www.dell.com/support.
For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your computer, see Locate the Service Tag for your Dell Laptop.
33
74 Troubleshooting
System-diagnostic lights
Power and battery-status light
The power and battery status light indicates the power and battery status of the computer. These are the power states:
Solid white:Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5% charge.
Amber:Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5% charge.
Off:
●Power adapter is connected, and the battery is fully charged.
●Computer is running on battery, and the battery has more than 5% charge.
●Computer is in sleep state, hibernation, or turned off.
The power and battery-status light may blink amber or white according to pre-defined "beep codes" indicating various failures.
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 different power and battery-status light patterns and associated problems.
NOTE: The following diagnostic light codes and recommended solutions are intended for Dell service technicians to
troubleshoot problems. 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.
Table 22. Diagnostic-light LED codes
Diagnostic light codes
(Amber,White)
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 - SBIOS message
3,1 Coin-cell 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
SupportAssist diagnostics
The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The
SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set
of options for particular devices or device groups. It allows you to:
●Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode.
●Repeat tests
●Display or save test results
Troubleshooting 75
●Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options and provide extra information about the failed device(s)
●View status messages that indicate if the tests are completed successfully
●View error messages that indicate if problems were encountered during the test
NOTE: Some tests are meant for specific devices and require user interaction. Ensure that you are present in front of the
computer when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check.
Built-in self-test (BIST)
M-BIST
M-BIST (Built In Self-Test) is the system board's built-in self-test diagnostics tool that improves the diagnostics accuracy of
system board embedded controller (EC) failures.
NOTE: M-BIST can be manually initiated before POST (Power On Self Test).
How to run M-BIST
NOTE: M-BIST must be initiated on the system from a power-off state either connected to AC power or with battery only.
1. Press and hold both the M key on the keyboard and the power button to initiate M-BIST.
2. With both the M key and the power button held down, the battery indicator LED may exhibit two states:
a. OFF: No fault detected with the system board
b. AMBER: Indicates a problem with the system board
3. If there is a failure with the system board, the battery status LED will flash one of the following error codes for 30 seconds:
Table 23. LED error codes
Blinking Pattern Possible Problem
Amber White
2 1 CPU Failure
2 8 LCD Power Rail Failure
1 1 TPM Detection Failure
2 4 Unrecoverable SPI Failure
4. If there is no failure with the system board, the LCD will cycle through the solid color screens described in the LCD-BIST
section for 30 seconds and then power off.
LCD Built-in Self Test (BIST)
Dell laptops have a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent
problem with the LCD (screen) of the Dell laptop or with the video card (GPU) and PC settings.
When you notice screen abnormalities like flickering, distortion, clarity issues, fuzzy or blurry image, horizontal or vertical lines,
color fade etc., it is always a good practice to isolate the LCD (screen) by running the Built-In Self Test (BIST).
How to invoke LCD BIST Test
1. Power off the Dell laptop.
2. Disconnect any peripherals that are connected to the laptop. Connect only the AC adapter (charger) to the laptop.
3. Ensure that the LCD (screen) is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).
4. Press and hold D key and Power on the laptop to enter LCD built-in self test (BIST) mode. Continue to hold the D key, until
the system boots up.
76 Troubleshooting
5. The screen will display solid colors and change colors on the entire screen to white, black, red, green, and blue twice.
6. Then it will display the colors white, black and red.
7. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities (any lines, fuzzy color or distortion on the screen).
8. At the end of the last solid color (red), the system will shut down.
NOTE: Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot diagnostics upon launch, initiates an LCD BIST first, expecting a user intervention
confirm functionality of the LCD.
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 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/serviceabilitytools. Click SupportAssist and then, click SupportAssist OS Recovery.
WiFi power cycle
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.
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.
Backup media and recovery options
It is recommended to create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with Windows. Dell proposes
multiple options for recovering Windows operating system on your Dell PC. For more information. see Dell Windows Backup
Media and Recovery Options.
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)
Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains in the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery is
removed.
For your safety, and to protect the sensitive electronic components in your computer, you are requested to drain residual flea
power before removing or replacing any components in your computer.
Draining residual flea power, also known as a performing a "hard reset", is also a common troubleshooting step if your computer
does not power on or boot into the operating system.
To drain residual flea power (perform a hard reset)
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.
Troubleshooting 77
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power.
6. Install the battery.
7. Install the base cover.
8. Connect the power adapter to your computer.
9. Turn on your computer.
NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article 000130881 at
www.dell.com/support.
Real Time Clock—RTC reset
The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover the recently launched model Dell
Latitude and Precision systems from No POST/No Boot/No Power situations. You can initiate the RTC reset on the system
from a power-off state only if it is connected to AC power. Press and hold the power button for 25 seconds. The system RTC
reset occurs after you release the power button.
NOTE: If AC power is disconnected from the system during the process or the power button is held longer than 40
seconds, the RTC reset process gets aborted.
The RTC reset will reset the BIOS to Defaults, un-provision Intel vPro and reset the system date and time. The following items
are unaffected by the RTC reset:
●Service Tag
●Asset Tag
●Ownership Tag
●Admin Password
●System Password
●HDD Password
●Key Databases
●System Logs
NOTE: The IT administrator's vPro account and password on the system will be un-provisioned. The system needs to go
through the setup and configuration process again to reconnect it to the vPro server.
The below items may or may not reset based on your custom BIOS setting selections:
●Boot List
●Enable Legacy Option ROMs
●Secure Boot Enable
●Allow BIOS Downgrade
78 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 24. Self-help resources
Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com
My Dell app
Tips
Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press
Enter.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and
learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and
documents.
Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or
Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for
your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service
Code at www.dell.com/support.
For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your
computer, see Locate the Service Tag on your computer.
Dell knowledge base articles for a variety of computer
concerns 1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. On the menu bar at the top of the Support page, select
Support > Knowledge Base.
3. In the Search field on the Knowledge Base page, type the
keyword, topic, or model number, and then click or tap the
search icon to view the related articles.
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 about your purchase invoice,
packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
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