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Device is Overheating

While in use, the device becomes hot to the touch then shuts off.

Blocked Vents or Fans

Computers can overheat if they are not adequately ventilated. To fix this, make sure the device is placed on a hard, flat, and clean surface to ensure proper airflow. Using a compressed air duster, gently spray your vents holding the can roughly 3 inches from the device. This process is a routine solution that should regularly be done as your device gets older. If this does not fix the issue, refer to [guide|126448|this guide] to replacing the fans.

Outdated BIOS

This model of a computer has had malfunctions in the firmware that controls the fans. The Dell Computer Company has actively worked to update these issues and should have sent out updates to resolve them. Make sure your computer’s firmware is up to date for the best possible performance. To check the BIOS version you are currently running, you must first simultaneously press the “windows+R” keys. This opens the “Run Box” where you will have to type “msinfo32” into the text box that appears. In the window that appears, your BIOS version will be in the row referenced as “BIOS Version/Date.” You can find the latest BIOS system for your laptop at dell.com/support and download it. Make sure that all tabs are closed and your computer is connected to the AC adapter before opening the download. Once you open the download, follow the on-screen instructions to update.

Insufficient Thermal Paste

The paste between the heat sink and a processor may be failing to conduct the necessary amount of heat. This can be caused by having old thermal paste or airflow between the processors. To fix this, the old paste must be cleaned from the processor and heat sink. Refer to this guide in order to [guide|126841|remove the heat sink]. This can be cleaned simply by using alcohol and a rag to wipe the old Thermal Paste away. A single drop of Thermal Paste can then be added to the center of the processor. The heat sink can then be placed back into position and be fastened.

Inoperative Screen

The device is powered on, but nothing is being displayed on the screen.

Cracked/Broken Glass

Device screens can be very fragile and fracture very easily. If your screen has been damaged, and you can physically see the damage, refer to this guide on how to [guide|126839|replace your screen.]

Internal Wiring

If there is no visible damage to your computer, the LCD within it must be damaged or bent. To fix this, you would need the entire LCD to be replaced. If this occurs it is best left to a local technician to handle the precise restoration. To see if this issue is the LCD or the computer’s hardware, try connecting the laptop to a separate monitor via HDMI. If the screen does not display on the connected monitor, you have a graphics card or CPU error.

Faulty Hard drive

When the computer can not boot up (fully or partially) or when the device can not access the internet.

Corrupted Files

Files may become corrupt if you incorrectly shut down your device, use malware-infected programs, or if you close programs while they are still running. This causes you to lose data and access to parts of your computer. By using the Command Prompt Window you may be able to repair corrupted files on your hard drive. Click the start button, then type cmd. Once the black window appears, type the code: chkdsk g:/f" followed by pressing “enter”.

Virus or Malware

A virus could have entered your device from opening links, emails, or downloading items. If your device opens random tags on the internet, lags, glitches, freezes or shuts down on its own, you might have a virus. To clear your device, use an anti-virus and anti-malware program. Also, use firewalls and adblockers to prevent pop-ups and other phishing tools so infected sites can’t reach your device.

Freezing or Unresponsive Track-Pad

Occasionally, the track-pad will freeze and become unresponsive, resulting in the cursor not being able to move for several seconds at a time.

You can turn your track-pad on and off by searching track-pad inside of the “start” bar, then based on your software, simply select or deselect the on/off option, this may also be found under “mouse properties”. If not, search the control panel and click on “mouse”.

If those options do not solve your problem(s) then refer to this guide in order to [guide|126470|replace the track-pad].

Not Charging or Holding Charge

When the computer will not charge it will eventually die and will not turn back on.

Battery not Recognized by PC

If your battery cannot hold a charge and will only turn on when connected to the AC adapter then it’s possible that your PC doesn’t recognize the battery. The first thing you can try is to charge your computer in BIOS mode. To do this restart your PC and hold the F2 key for a few seconds as it begins to boot up. Now it's in BIOS mode, leave it to charge for an hour than verify that the battery percentage has increased. To put your PC back in its standard mode restart the PC again. If that does not work the BIOS firmware likely needs to be updated. To do this you will have to find the latest BIOS system for your PC at dell.com/support and download it. Make sure that all tabs are closed and your computer is connected to the AC adapter before opening the download. Once you open the download follow the on-screen instructions to update. If you are still having trouble after this it could be that your battery is not holding a charge or your hard drive is bad.

Battery not Holding Charge

If you are sure that your PC recognizes the battery and it still doesn’t work without the AC adapter your battery is likely bad. You can check this in your settings under “battery health status.” If this is your problem it should say that the battery needs to be replaced. Refer to this guide for the proper [guide|126447|removal of the battery].

Will not Charge when Plugged In

If you plug in your PC, and it will not charge this is due to either your AC adapter or AC converter. To verify its not your AC adapter, you can use a multimeter or test it on another device. Once you confirm you have a working AC adapter then you know that you need to replace your AC converter.