Table of Contents
- XPS 13 Plus 9320 / XPS 9320 Service Manual
- Contents
- Working inside your computer
- Removing and installing components
- 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
- Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)
- Backup media and recovery options
- Real Time Clock—RTC reset
- Getting help and contacting Dell
DELL 9320 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 9320 by DELL which is a product in the Notebooks category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
XPS 13 Plus 9320 / XPS 9320
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P151G
Regulatory Type: P151G001
March 2022
Rev. A00
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.
© 2022 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: Working inside your computer...................................................................................... 5
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Before working inside your computer.......................................................................................................................5
Safety precautions........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection............................................................................................................... 6
ESD field service kit ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Transporting sensitive components.......................................................................................................................... 8
After working inside your computer..........................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Removing and installing components........................................................................... 9
Recommended tools........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Screw list............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Major components of XPS 13 Plus 9320......................................................................................................................10
Base cover........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Removing the base cover...........................................................................................................................................12
Installing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................14
Battery..................................................................................................................................................................................15
Lithium-ion battery precautions............................................................................................................................... 15
Removing the battery................................................................................................................................................. 16
Installing the battery....................................................................................................................................................18
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive..............................................................................................................21
Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive............................................................................................................... 22
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive............................................................................................................. 23
Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive............................................................................................................... 24
Fans...................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Removing the fans...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Installing the fans.........................................................................................................................................................27
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................28
Removing the heat sink............................................................................................................................................. 28
Installing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................29
Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................29
Removing the display assembly............................................................................................................................... 29
Installing the display assembly.................................................................................................................................. 31
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Removing the system board..................................................................................................................................... 33
Installing the system board....................................................................................................................................... 36
Power button with fingerprint reader.......................................................................................................................... 39
Removing the power button with fingerprint reader..........................................................................................39
Installing the power button with fingerprint reader............................................................................................40
Keyboard.............................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Removing the keyboard.............................................................................................................................................. 41
Installing the keyboard............................................................................................................................................... 42
Palm-rest assembly...........................................................................................................................................................44
Contents
Contents 3
Removing the palm-rest assembly.......................................................................................................................... 44
Installing the palm-rest assembly............................................................................................................................ 45
Chapter 3: Drivers and downloads............................................................................................... 47
Chapter 4: System setup............................................................................................................. 48
Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................ 48
Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................48
Boot Sequence...................................................................................................................................................................48
One time boot menu.........................................................................................................................................................49
System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................49
System and setup password........................................................................................................................................... 61
Assigning a system setup password........................................................................................................................ 61
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password..................................................................................61
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.....................................................................................62
Updating the BIOS............................................................................................................................................................ 62
Updating the BIOS in Windows................................................................................................................................62
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows..........................................................................................62
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu.....................................................................................63
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................64
Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries........................................................................................................................ 64
Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ..............................................64
System diagnostic lights..................................................................................................................................................65
SupportAssist diagnostics...............................................................................................................................................65
Built-in self-test (BIST)................................................................................................................................................... 66
System board built-in self-test (M-BIST)............................................................................................................. 66
Display panel power rail built-in self-test (L-BIST).............................................................................................66
Display panel built-in self-test (LCD-BIST)...........................................................................................................67
Outcome........................................................................................................................................................................ 67
Recovering the operating system................................................................................................................................. 68
WiFi power cycle............................................................................................................................................................... 68
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)......................................................................................................... 68
Backup media and recovery options.............................................................................................................................69
Real Time Clock—RTC reset......................................................................................................................................... 69
Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Dell................................................................................ 70
4Contents
Working inside your computer
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
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer. For Windows operating system, click Start > Power > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
1
Working inside your computer 5
5. Remove any media card and optical disk from your computer, if applicable.
6. Enter the service mode, if you are able to power on your computer.
Service Mode
Service Mode is used to cut-off power, without disconnecting battery cable from system board prior conducting repairs in
the computer.
CAUTION: If you are unable to turn on the computer to put it into Service Mode or the computer does not
support Service Mode then proceed to disconnect the battery cable. To disconnect the battery cable, follow
the steps in Removing the battery.
NOTE: Ensure that your computer is shut down and the AC adapter is disconnected.
a. Hold <B> key on the keyboard and press the power button for 3 seconds or until the Dell logo appears on the screen.
b. Press any key to continue.
c. If the AC adapter is not disconnected, a message prompting you to remove the AC adapter appears on the screen.
Remove the AC adapter and then press any key to continue the Service Mode procedure. The Service Mode procedure
automatically skips the following step if the Owner Tag of the computer is not set up in advance by the user.
d. When the ready-to-proceed message appears on the screen, press any key to proceed. The computer emits three short
beeps and shuts down immediately.
e. Once the computer shuts down, it has successfully entered Service Mode.
NOTE: If you are unable to power on your computer or unable to enter service mode skip this process.
Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or
reassembly:
●Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
●Disconnect the system and all attached peripherals from AC power.
●Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the system.
●Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
●After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
●Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are
essentially powered while turned off. The internal power enables the system to be remotely turned on (wake on LAN) and
suspended into a sleep mode and has other advanced power management features.
Unplugging, pressing and holding the power button for 15 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board.
Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done through
the use of a field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare
metal and never to a painted or non-metal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and
ensure that you remove all jewelry such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
6Working inside your computer
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
●Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes
an immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has
received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or
nonfunctional memory.
●Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory
integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
●Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not
provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts
with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
●Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
●When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
●Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD field service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components:
anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD field service kit
The components of an ESD field service kit are:
●Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly
on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
●Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never
use wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear
and tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
●ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored
kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A
wrist strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your
regional office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is
strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm
sounds if the test fails.
●Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
●Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components
Working inside your computer 7
●ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
●Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts
to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static
mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all
insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
Transporting sensitive components
When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place
these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
After working inside your computer
About this task
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
NOTE: To exit service mode, ensure to connect the AC adapter to the power-adapter port on your computer.
5. Press the power button to turn on the computer. Your computer will automatically return to normal functioning mode.
8Working inside your computer
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
●Phillips screwdriver #1
●Torx #5 (T5) screwdriver
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
Base cover Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3, Torx 5 6
Battery Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x2.5 6
Solid-state drive shield System board M2x3 1
Fans System board M1.6x2.5 4
Heat sink System board M2x3 (captive) 4
Display-assembly
cable bracket
System board M1.6x2 (captive) 3
Display-assembly
cable holder
System board M1.6x2.5 3
Display-assembly
hinges
Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2.5x5 6
2
Removing and installing components 9
Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Wireless-card bracket System board M1.6x2.3 (captive) 1
System board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x3 4
System board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x2.3 7
Power button with
fingerprint reader
Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.4x2 4
Keyboard Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.4x1.2 17
Keyboard Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x2 7
Major components of XPS 13 Plus 9320
The following image shows the major components of XPS 13 Plus 9320.
10 Removing and installing components
1. Base cover
2. System board
3. Heat sink
4. Display assembly-cable bracket
5. M.2 solid-state drive shield
6. Solid-state drive
7. Battery
8. Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
9. Display assembly
10. Power button
11. Battery-connector cover
12. Wireless-module bracket
13. Keyboard
14. Right fan
15. Left fan
Removing and installing components 11
16. Right speaker
17. Left speaker
NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These
parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for
purchase options.
Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that your computer is in Service Mode. For more information, see Step 6 in Before working inside your
computer.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
12 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Remove the six screws (M2x3, Torx 5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: A Torx #5 (T5) screwdriver is necessary to remove the six screws (M2x3, Torx 5).
2. Place your thumbs and fingers into the recess at the top edge of the base cover.
3. Use both thumbs to pry the base cover in order to release it from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Removing and installing components 13
NOTE: Do not pull on or pry the base cover from where the display assembly hinges are, doing so may damage the base
cover.
4. Move your hands to both sides of the base cover and lift the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the base cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
14 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Place and snap the base cover into place on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly before
applying slight pressure to the base cover.
2. Replace the six screws (M2x3, Torx 5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: A Torx #5 (T5) screwdriver is necessary to install the six screws (M2x3, Torx 5).
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Battery
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery 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.
Removing and installing components 15
●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.
Removing the battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
16 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Loosen the captive screw that secures the battery-connector bracket to the system board.
2. Unhook and lift the battery-connector bracket off the system board.
3. Use the pull tab on the battery power cable to disconnect the battery cable from the battery connector.
4. Remove the six screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Use the pull tab to lift the battery slightly from its top edge. This action releases the battery from the two hooks that are
located near the bottom edge of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
CAUTION: Do not lift the battery at more than an angle of 30 degrees to avoid damage to the battery and the
palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Slide the battery towards the front and lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Removing and installing components 17
Installing the battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
18 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Align the edge of the battery at an angle so that the cutouts on the battery fit into the hooks on the palm-rest and keyboard
assembly. Align the two screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly as well.
2. Lower the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly until it fits into the battery section of the palm-rest and keyboard
assembly.
3. Replace the six screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Removing and installing components 19
NOTE: Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly before
replacing the screws.
4. Connect the battery cable to the system board.
5. Line up the battery-connector bracket over the battery connector on the system board.
6. Slide the hook at the end of the battery-connector bracket under the system board. Ensure the hook fits into the underside
of the system board.
7. Tighten the captive screw on the bracket to the system board and ensure stud on the system board fits into its opening on
the battery-connector bracket.
20 Removing and installing components
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Solid-state drive
Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support an M.2 2230 solid-state drive or an M.2 2280
solid-state drive.
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive.
The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the
removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 21
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 solid-state drive shield to the system board.
2. Slide the M.2 solid-state drive shield off the system board.
3. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive out of the solid-state drive slot.
Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the
installation procedure.
22 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.
2. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Insert the tab of the M.2 solid-state drive shield into the peg on the system board.
4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 solid-state drive shield to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support an M.2 2230 solid-state drive or an M.2 2280
solid-state drive.
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive.
The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the
removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 23
Steps
1. Loosen the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 solid-state drive shield to the system board.
2. Lift the M.2 solid-state drive shield off the system board.
3. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive out of the solid-state drive slot.
4. Lift the M.2 2280 solid-state drive assembly off the system board.
Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support an M.2 2230 solid-state drive or an M.2 2280
solid-state drive.
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive.
The following image(s) indicate the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the
installation procedure.
24 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.
2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Insert the tab of the M.2 solid-state drive shield into the peg on the system board.
4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 solid-state drive shield to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Fans
Removing the fans
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the fans and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 25
Steps
1. Lift the latch of right-fan cable connector, use the pull tab of the right-fan cable to disconnect it from the system board.
2. Remove the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the right fan to the system board.
3. Lift the right fan off the system board.
4. Lift the latch of left-fan cable connector, use the pull tab of the left-fan cable to disconnect it from the system board.
5. Remove the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the left fan to the system board.
6. Lift the left fan off the system board.
26 Removing and installing components
Installing the fans
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the fans and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the screw holes of the right fan with the screw holes of the system board.
Removing and installing components 27
2. Replace the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the right fan to the system board.
3. Connect the right fan cable to the system board.
4. Align the screw holes of the left fan with the screw holes of the system board.
5. Replace the two screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the left fan to the system board.
6. Connect the left fan cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Heat sink
Removing the heat sink
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
CAUTION: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool
before you touch it.
NOTE: 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.
The following image(s) indicate the location of the heat sink and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. In reverse sequential order (4>3>2>1), loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.
2. Lift the heat sink off the system board.
28 Removing and installing components
Installing the heat sink
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: 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 grease that is provided in the kit to ensure
that thermal conductivity is achieved.
The following image(s) indicate the location of the heat sink and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the screw holes of the heat sink with the screw holes of the system board.
2. In sequential order (1>2>3>4), tighten the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Display assembly
Removing the display assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
Removing and installing components 29
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Steps
1. Loosen the three captive screws (M1.6x2) that secure the display-assembly cable bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the display-assembly cable bracket off the system board.
3. Disconnect the camera cable and the display cable from the system board.
4. Remove the three screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the camera and display-assembly cables holder to the system board.
5. Open the display to a 90-degree angle and place the computer at the edge of a flat table.
6. Remove the three screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the camera and display-assembly cables holder to the system board.
30 Removing and installing components
7. Remove the three screws (M2.5x5) that secure the left hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard
assembly.
8. Remove the three screws (M2.5x5) that secure the right hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard
assembly.
9. Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
10. After performing all the above steps, you are left with display assembly.
Installing the display assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Removing and installing components 31
Steps
1. Open the display assembly to a 90-degree angle and place the computer on the edge of a flat surface.
2. Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly at the edge of a flat table.
3. Open the hinges of the display assembly to a 90-degree angle.
4. Align the screw holes of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly to the screws holes on the hinges of the display assembly.
5. Replace the three screws (M2.5x5) that secure the left hinge to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Replace the three screws (M2.5x5) that secure the right hinge to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
7. Close the display assembly, turn the computer over and place it on the flat surface.
8. Slide the camera and display-assembly cables holder back to the system board.
9. Replace three screws (M1.6x2.5) that secure the camera and display-assembly cables holder to the system board.
10. Connect the camera cable and the display cable to the system board.
32 Removing and installing components
11. Align the screw holes on the display-assembly cable bracket with the screw holes on the system board and tighten the three
captive screws (M1.6x2).
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
System board
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot, whichever applicable.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the fans.
6. Remove the heat sink.
About this task
The following image indicates the connectors and component(s) on your system board.
Figure 1. System-board connectors
1. Wireless card 2. Camera-assembly cable connector
3. Display-assembly cable connector 4. Capacitive touch-panel cable connector
5. Left-speaker cable connector 6. Left-fan cable connector
7. Haptic-module cable connector 8. M.2 solid-state drive slot
9. Battery cable connector 10. Keyboard-daughterboard cable connector
11. Right-fan cable connector 12. Right-speaker cable connector
13. Power-button and fingerprint-reader cable connector
The following image(s) indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 33
34 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Loosen the captive screw (M1.6x2.3) that secures the wireless-module bracket to the system board.
2. Lift the wireless-module bracket off the system board.
3. Loosen the three captive screws (M1.6x2) that secure the display-assembly cable bracket to the system board.
4. Lift the display-assembly cable bracket off the system board.
5. Disconnect the wireless-module cables from the wireless module.
6. Disconnect the camera cable and the display cable from the system board.
7. Lift the latch of the capacitive touch-panel connector and use the pull tab of the cable to disconnect the capacitive
touch-panel cable.
8. Use the pull tab to disconnect the left-speaker cable.
9. Lift the latch of the haptic-module cable connector and use the pull tab of the cable to disconnect the haptic-module cable.
10. Lift the latch of the keyboard control-board connector and use the pull tab of the cable to disconnect the keyboard
control-board cable.
11. Use the pull tab to disconnect the right-speaker cable.
12. Lift the latch of the power-button connector and use the pull tab of the cable to disconnect the power-button cable.
13. Remove the four screws (M1.6x3) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
14. Remove the seven screws (M1.6x2.3) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
15. Hold the system board by the short edges, as shown in the image, and lift the board off the palm-rest and keyboard
assembly with care.
Removing and installing components 35
Installing the system board
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image indicates the connectors and component(s) on your system board.
Figure 2. System-board connectors
1. Wireless card 2. Camera-assembly cable connector
3. Display-assembly cable connector 4. Capacitive touch-panel cable connector
5. Left-speaker cable connector 6. Left-fan cable connector
7. Haptic-module cable connector 8. M.2 solid-state drive slot
9. Battery cable connector 10. Keyboard-daughterboard cable connector
11. Right-fan cable connector 12. Right-speaker cable connector
13. Power-button and fingerprint-reader cable connector
The following image(s) indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
36 Removing and installing components
Removing and installing components 37
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Hold the system board by the short edges, as shown in the image, and place the system board on the palm-rest and
keyboard assembly. Ensure that the Thunderbolt 4 ports are aligned with their corresponding port holes on the palm-rest and
keyboard assembly.
3. Replace the seven screws (M1.6x2.3) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the four screws (M1.6x3) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Connect the power-button cable and close the latch of the power-button connector.
6. Connect the right-speaker cable.
7. Connect the keyboard control-board cable and close the latch of the keyboard control-board connector.
8. Connect the touchpad cable and close the latch of the touchpad connector.
9. Connect the left-speaker cable.
10. Connect the capacitive touch-panel cable and close the latch of the capacitive touch-panel connector.
11. Connect the camera cable and the display cable to the system board.
12. Connect the wireless-module cables from the wireless module.
13. Replace the display-assembly cable bracket on the system board.
14. Tighten the three captive screws (M1.6x2) that secure the display-assembly cable bracket to the system board.
15. Replace the wireless-module bracket on the system board.
16. Tighten the captive screw (M1.6x2.3) that secures the wireless-module bracket to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the heat sink.
2. Install the fans.
3. Install the battery.
4. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot, whichever applicable.
5. Install the base cover.
38 Removing and installing components
6. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Power button with fingerprint reader
Removing the power button with fingerprint reader
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed with the following components attached:
●heat sink
●fans
●solid-state drive
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the power button with fingerprint reader and provides a visual representation of
the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Open the display assembly to a 90-degree angle and place the computer on the edge of a flat surface.
2. Remove the four screws (M1.4x2) that secure the power button bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Lift the power button bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Lift the palm-rest and keyboard assembly slightly.
5. Unthread the power-button cable through the opening on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and remove the power
button with fingerprint reader.
Removing and installing components 39
Installing the power button with fingerprint reader
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the power button with fingerprint reader and provides a visual representation of
the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Open the display assembly to a 90-degree angle and place the computer on the edge of a flat surface.
2. Thread the power-button cable through the opening on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Place the power button with fingerprint reader on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Align the screw holes of the power button with the screw holes of the power-button bracket.
5. Replace the four screws (M1.4x2) that secure the power button bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Install the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be replaced with the following components attached:
●heat sink
●fans
●solid-state drive
2. Install the battery.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
40 Removing and installing components
Keyboard
Removing the keyboard
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed with the following components attached:
●heat sink
●fans
●solid-state drive
5. Remove the power button with fingerprint reader.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 41
Steps
1. Remove the 17 screws (M1.4x1.2) that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
2. Remove the seven screws (M1.6x2) that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Lift the latch of the keyboard-backlight connector and use the pull tab of the cable to disconnect the keyboard-backlight
cable.
4. Lift the latch of the keyboard connector and use the pull tab of the cable to disconnect the keyboard cable.
5. Unthread the keyboard-backlight cable and the keyboard cable through the openings of the palm-rest assembly.
6. Lift the keyboard off the palm-rest assembly until the tabs of the keyboard are out from the openings on the palm-rest
assembly.
Installing the keyboard
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
42 Removing and installing components
Steps
1. Align the screw holes of the keyboard with the screw holes of the palm-rest assembly.
2. Thread the keyboard-backlight cable and the keyboard cable through the openings of the palm-rest assembly.
3. Replace the seven screws (M1.6x2) that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
4. Replace the 17 screws (M1.4x1.2) that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Connect the keyboard-backlight cable and close the latch of the keyboard-backlight connector.
Removing and installing components 43
6. Connect the keyboard cable and close the latch of the keyboard connector.
Next steps
1. Install the power button with fingerprint reader.
2. Install the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be replaced with the following components attached:
●heat sink
●fans
●solid-state drive
3. Install the battery.
4. Install the base cover.
5. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Palm-rest assembly
Removing the palm-rest assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed with the following components attached:
●heat sink
●fans
●solid-state drive
5. Remove the power button with fingerprint reader.
6. Remove the keyboard.
About this task
The following image(s) indicate the location of the palm-rest assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
44 Removing and installing components
Steps
After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, you are left with the palm-rest assembly.
Installing the palm-rest assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: The replacement palm-rest assembly comes pre-assembled with the following components that include the
following:
●palm rest
●speakers
●wireless-antenna modules
●touchpad
●haptic module
●keyboard control daughterboard
The following image(s) indicate the location of the palm-rest assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Removing and installing components 45
Steps
Place the palm-rest assembly on a flat surface.
Next steps
1. Install the keyboard.
2. Install the power button with fingerprint reader.
3. Install the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be replaced with the following components pre-attached:
●heat sink
●fans
●solid-state drive
4. Install the battery.
5. Install the base cover.
6. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
46 Removing and installing components
System setup
CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program.
Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly.
NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed.
NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen
information for future reference.
Use the BIOS Setup program for the following purposes:
●Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive.
●Change the system configuration information.
●Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling
base devices.
Entering BIOS setup program
About this task
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 2. Navigation keys
Keys Navigation
Up arrow Moves to the previous field.
Down arrow Moves to the next field.
Enter Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow
the link in the field.
Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.
Tab Moves to the next focus area.
NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.
Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen.
Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a message that
prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the
system.
Boot Sequence
Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for
example: USB flash drive, external optical drive, or external storage device). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the
Dell logo appears, you can:
4
48 System setup
●Access System Setup by pressing F2 key
●Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key
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)
●Optical Drive (if available)
●Solid-State 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)
●Optical Drive (if available)
●Solid-State 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 3. System setup options—Overview menu
Overview
XPS 13 Plus 9320 / XPS 9320
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.
Health Displays the battery health.
System setup 49
Table 3. System setup options—Overview menu (continued)
Overview
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 4. 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
Enable Secure Boot Enables or disables the computer to boot using only validated boot software.
50 System setup
Table 4. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu (continued)
Boot Configuration
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 5. 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.
Camera
Enable Camera Enables or disables the camera.
By default, Enable Camera is selected.
NOTE: The camera setup option may not be available, depending on the
configuration ordered.
Audio
Enable Audio Enables or disables all integrated audio controller.
Default: ON
Enable Microphone Enables or disables microphone.
By default, Enable Microphone is selected.
NOTE: The microphone setup option may not be available, depending on the
configuration ordered.
Enable Internal Speaker Enables or disables internal speaker.
By default, Enable Internal Speaker is selected.
USB/Thunderbolt Configuration
Enable USB Boot Support Enables or disables USB Boot Support.
Default: Enabled
Enable External USB Ports Enables or disables external USB ports.
Default: Enabled
System setup 51
Table 5. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu (continued)
Integrated Devices
Enable Thunderbolt™ Technology
Support
Enable Thunderbolt™ Technology Support Enables or disables Thunderbolt™ Technology support.
Default: ON
Enable Thunderbolt™ Boot Support
Enable Thunderbolt™ Boot Support Enables or disables Thunderbolt™ Boot Support.
Default: OFF
Enable Thunderbolt™ (and PCIe behind
TBT) pre-boot modules
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
Disable USB4 PCIE Tunneling Disables USB4 PCIE Tunneling.
Default: OFF
Video/Power only on Type-C Ports Limits Type-C port functionality to video or power only.
Default: OFF
Type-C Dock
Type-C Dock Override Allows user to use connected Type-C Dell docking station to provide data stream
while the external USB ports are disabled.
Default: ON
Type-C Dock Audio Allows user to have audio inputs and outputs from the connected Type-C Dell
docking station.
Default: ON
Type-C Dock LAN Enable or disable the LAN on the external ports of the connected Type-C Dell
docking station.
Default: ON
Miscellaneous Devices
Enable Fingerprint Reader Device Enables or disables the Fingerprint Reader Device.
By default, Enable Fingerprint Reader Device is selected.
Table 6. System setup options—Storage menu
Storage
SATA/NVMe Operation
SATA/NVMe Operation Configures operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
Default: AHCI/NVMe. Storage device is configured for AHCI/NVMe mode.
Storage Interface Displays the information of various onboard drives.
Port Enablement Enables or disables the M.2 PCIe SSD.
Default: ON
Drive Information Displays the information of onboard drives.
52 System setup
Table 6. System setup options—Storage menu (continued)
Storage
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 7. 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
Table 8. 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
Wireless Radio Control
Control WLAN radio Enables to sense the connection of the computer to a wired network and
subsequently disable the selected wireless radios (WLAN and/or WWAN). Upon
disconnection from the wired network, the selected wireless radios are re-
enabled.
Default: OFF
Table 9. 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
System setup 53
Table 9. System setup options—Power menu (continued)
Power
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
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 10. System setup options—Security menu
Security
TPM 2.0 Security On
TPM 2.0 Security On Select whether or not the Trusted Platform Model (TPM) is visible to the OS.
Default: ON
PPI Bypass for Enable Commands Enables or disables the OS to skip BIOS Physical Presence Interface (PPI) user
prompts when issuing TPM PPI enabled and activate commands.
Default: OFF
PPI Bypass for Disable Commands Enables or disables The OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing TPM PPI
Disable and Deactivate commands.
Default: OFF
54 System setup
Table 10. System setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security
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
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
System setup 55
Table 11. 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
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 12. 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
56 System setup
Table 12. System setup options—Update, Recovery menu (continued)
Update, Recovery
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 13. System setup options—System Management menu
System Management
Service Tag
Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
Asset Tag
Asset Tag Creates a system Asset Tag that can be used by an IT administrator to uniquely
identify a particular system. Once set in BIOS, the Asset Tag cannot be changed.
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.
System setup 57
Table 14. 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
Device Configuration HotKey Access
Device Configuration HotKey Access Configures the hotkey access of the computer.
Default: Enabled
Table 15. 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.
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.
58 System setup
Table 15. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu (continued)
Pre-boot Behavior
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.
Sign of Life
Early Logo Display Display Logo Sign of Life.
Default: ON
Early Keyboard Backlight Keyboard Backlight Sign of Life.
Default: ON
Table 16. System setup options—Virtualization menu
Virtualization Support
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
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology
(TXT)
Enables Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (TXT).
Default: OFF
DMA Protection
Enable Pre-Boot DMA Support Controls Pre-Boot DMA protection for both Internal and External ports.
Default: ON
Enable OS Kernel DMA Support Controls Kernel DMA protection for both Internal and External ports. This setting
does not directly enable DMA protection in the OS.
Default: ON
Table 17. System setup options—Performance menu
Performance
Multi-Core Support
Multiple Atom Cores Changes the number of Atom cores available to the operating system. The default
value is set to the maximum number of cores.
System setup 59
Table 17. System setup options—Performance menu (continued)
Performance
Default: All Cores
Intel® SpeedStep
Enable Intel® SpeedStep Technology Enables or disables the Intel® SpeedStep Technology to dynamically adjust
processor voltage and core frequency, decreasing average power consumption
and heat production.
Default: ON
C-State Control
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
Dynamic Tuning:Machine Learning
Enable Dynamic Tuning:Machine Learning Enabled or disabled OS capability to enhance power tuning capabilities based on
detected workloads. Note: This option is only for development only and will not be
customer visible.
Default: ON
Table 18. System setup options—System Logs menu
System Logs
BIOS Event Log
Clear BIOS Event Log Select keep or clear BIOS events logs.
Default: Keep Log
Thermal Event Log
Clear Thermal Event Log Select keep or clear Thermal events logs.
Default: Keep Log
Power Event Log
Clear Power Event Log Select keep or clear Power events logs.
Default: Keep Log
60 System setup
System and setup password
Table 19. System and setup password
Password type Description
System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system.
Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to
the BIOS settings of your computer.
You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.
NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.
Assigning a system setup password
Prerequisites
You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.
About this task
To enter the system setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.
The Security screen is displayed.
2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:
●A password can have up to 32 characters.
●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
Prerequisites
Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing
System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is
Locked.
About this task
To enter the System Setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
System setup 61
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, 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 BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
About this task
To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying
Windows or your application.
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS in Windows
Steps
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
Steps
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.
62 System setup
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.
About this task
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)
●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.
Steps
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 63
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 computer. To discharge the battery, unplug the AC adapter from the
computer and operate the computer only on battery power. When the computer will no longer turn 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 step 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 about 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.
5
64 Troubleshooting
System diagnostic lights
When static, the Service LED indicates the power mode that your computer is in. When blinking in different patterns, the power
and battery-charge status light indicates the respective issues that your computer is encountering.
Static power and battery-charge status light
The following table lists the status of your computer based on the Service LED.
Table 20. Service LED
Power and battery-charge status light Status of computer
Solid white ●The power adapter is connected, and the battery is fully charged.
●The power adapter is connected, and the battery has more than five
percent charge.
Amber The computer is running on battery, and the battery has less than five
percent charge.
Off The computer is in sleep state, hibernation, or turned off.
Table 21. LED codes
Diagnostic light codes Problem description
2,1 Processor failure
2,2 System board: BIOS or ROM (Read-Only Memory) failure
2,3 No memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) detected
2,4 Memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) failure
2,5 Invalid memory installed
2,6 System-board or chipset error
2,7 Display failure
2,8 Display power 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
About this task
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
●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
Troubleshooting 65
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)
System board built-in self-test (M-BIST)
About this task
Steps
1. Press and hold both the M key and the power button to initiate M-BIST.
2. The battery-status light illuminates in amber when there is a failure with the system board.
3. Replace the system board to fix the issue.
NOTE: The battery status LED will not illuminate if there is no failure present with the system board. If further
troubleshooting is required, proceed with the applicable Guided Resolution for No Power/No POST, etc.
Display panel power rail built-in self-test (L-BIST)
About this task
Next steps
L-BIST (LCD Power Rail Test) is an enhancement to the single LED error code diagnostics and is automatically initiated
during POST. L-BIST isolates if the LCD is receiving power from the system board. L-BIST checks if the system board is
supplying power to the LCD by performing an LCD Power Rail test. If there is no power going to the LCD, the battery status
LED flashes a [2,8] LED error code.
66 Troubleshooting
Display panel built-in self-test (LCD-BIST)
About this task
Steps
1. Press and hold the D key and then press the power button.
2. Release both the D key and the power button when the computer begins POST.
3. The display panel begins to display a solid color, or cycling through different colors.
NOTE: The sequence of colors may very due to different display panel vendor. The user only needs to ensure that the
colors are being displayed correctly without distortion or graphical anomalies.
4. The computer reboots at the end of the last solid color.
Outcome
About this task
The following table shows the outcome of running different types of BIST.
Table 22. BIST outcome
M-BIST
Off No fault detected with system board.
Solid amber Indicates a problem with the system board.
Table 22. BIST outcome
L-BIST
Off No fault detected with system board.
LED error code of [2,8] blinks Amber x2, then pause, then
blinks White x8
Indicates a problem with the system board.
Troubleshooting 67
Table 22. BIST outcome
LCD-BIST
The LCD that flashes White, Red, Green, and Blue shows that the display is working fine and there is no fault with the LCD
panel.
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
About this task
If your computer is unable to access the Internet due to WiFi connectivity issues, a WiFi power cycle procedure may be
performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:
NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)
About this task
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 turn on or boot into the operating system.
To drain residual flea power (perform a hard reset)
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.
68 Troubleshooting
3. Remove the base cover.
NOTE: The battery must be disconnected from the system board (see Steps 1 to 2 in Removing the battery).
4. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power.
5. Install the base cover.
6. Connect the power adapter to your computer.
7. Turn on your computer.
NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article 000130881 at
www.dell.com/support.
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.
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
Troubleshooting 69
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 23. 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.
6
70 Getting help and contacting Dell