Latitude 7420 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P135G/P136G Regulatory Type: P135G001/P136G001 January 2021 Rev.
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Contents Chapter 1: Working on your computer........................................................................................... 6 Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Service mode..................................................................................................................................................................
Installing the audio board........................................................................................................................................... 41 Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 42 Removing the speakers........................................................................................................................................
Flashing the BIOS...............................................................................................................................................................81 WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................ 81 BIOS recovery............................................................................................................................................
1 Working on your computer Topics: • Safety instructions Safety instructions Prerequisites 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 the following conditions exist: ● You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
3. [For models configured with an Owner Tag] When the Owner Tag information appears on the screen, press any key to proceed. NOTE: The Service Mode procedure will automatically skip this step if the Owner Tag of the system is not set up in advance by the manufacturer. 4. Ensure that the AC adapter has been disconnected and press any key to proceed.
5. When the ready-to-proceed message appears on the screen, press any key to proceed. The system emits three short beeps and shuts down immediately. Once the system shuts down, you can perform replacement procedures without disconnecting the battery cable from the system board. To exit Service Mode, connect AC adapter and press the power button to power on the system. The system will automatically return to normal functioning mode.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer. CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device. 5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable. Safety precautions The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
● 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.
2 Removing and installing components NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Table 1. Screw list (continued) Component Screw type Quantity NOTE: Screws are part of the base cover. Solid-state drive M2x2 2 WWAN M2x2.5 1 3-cell Battery M2.5x4 1 Captive screws 4 M2x4 1 Captive screws 4 Heatsink assembly M2x2.5 6 Palmrest antenna M2x2 1 M2x2.5 2 M2x2 3 M2.5x5 4 Audio board M2x2.5 1 SmartCard reader M2x2.5 4 System board M2x2 3 M2x2.5 4 M2x3 2 M2x4 2 I/O board M2x4 2 Power button with fingerprint reader M1.6x1.
Table 1. Screw list (continued) Component Screw type Quantity Keyboard M1.6x1.
Major components of your system 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Battery I/O board Heatsink Solid-state drive cover System board Speakers Audio board Palmrest assembly Display assembly Keyboard assembly Power button with fingerprint reader SmartCard reader Palmrest antenna WWAN card shield Solid-state drive Solid-state drive shield WWAN card NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased.
Installing the micro-SD card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the micro-SD card reader slot and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps Insert the micro-SD card into its slot until it clicks into place. SIM card tray Removing the SIM card tray Prerequisites Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Insert a pin into the release hole to release the SIM card tray. 2. Push the pin to disengage the lock, and eject the SIM card tray. 3. Slide the SIM card tray out of the slot on the system. 4. Remove the SIM card from the SIM card tray. 5. Slide and push the SIM card tray back into the slot. Installing the SIM card tray Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the necessary component before the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align and place the SIM card in the dedicated slot on the SIM card tray. 2. Slide the SIM card tray into the slot in the system [6], and push it to lock in place. Next steps Follow the procedure in After working on your computer. Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the microSD card. 3. Enter the service mode.
About this task Removing and installing components 19
Steps 1. Loosen the eight captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer. 2. Use a plastic scribe to pry open the base cover, starting from the U-shaped recesses near the hinges at the top edge of the base cover. CAUTION: Do not slide the scribe through the edge of the top side of the base cover as it damages the latches inside the base cover. 3. Pry open the left and right sides of the base cover. 4. Pry open the bottom side of the base cover. 5.
Removing and installing components 21
Steps 1. Connect the battery cable. 2. Align and place the base cover on the computer, and snap the base cover latches into place. 3. Tighten the eight captive screws to secure the base cover to the computer. Next steps 1. Install the microSD card. 2. NOTE: Plug-in AC before powering up your computer. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer. Solid-state drive Removing the solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x2) that secures the SSD shield and remove the shield from the SSD. 2. Remove the screw (M2x2) that secures the SSD to the system board. 3. Slide and remove the solid-state drive from the M.2 slot on the system board. NOTE: A thermal pad is included with the SSD plate and must always be adhered to the plate. If the thermal pad gets separated from the plate or is adhered to the SSD, stick back the thermal pad to the SSD plate before reinstalling the plate to the SSD.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the SSD with the tab on the M.2 slot and slide the SSD into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Replace the screw (M2x2) that secures the SSD to the system board. 3. Replace the SSD shield, press to fit it firmly to cover the SSD, securing it with (M2x2) screw. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Install the microSD card. 3. NOTE: Plug-in AC before powering up your computer. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Using a plastic scribe, pry and remove the WWAN card shield covering the WWAN card. NOTE: Pry open the WWAN card shield from the recess on the top left corner. 2. Loosen the single (M2x2.5) screw and remove the WWAN-card bracket. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the connectors on the WWAN card. 4. Slide and remove the WWAN card out from the M.2 slot on the system board.
Installing the WWAN card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the WWAN card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the notch on the WWAN card with the tab on the WWAN-card slot and slide the WWAN into the M.2 slot on the system board. 2. Connect the antenna cables to the connectors on the WWAN card. 3.
Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Install the microSD card. 3. NOTE: Plug-in AC before powering up your computer. 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.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the battery and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. 2. Disconnect the speaker cable from the speaker board and release the speaker cable from the routing guides over the upper right side of the battery. 3. Remove the single (M2.5x4) screw and the four captive screws that secure the battery to the computer. 4. Lift and remove the battery from the computer.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. NOTE: If the battery is disconnected from system board, there is delay during computer boot as the computer undergoes RTC reset. Steps 1. Align and place the battery into the computer. 2. Install the single (M2.5x4) screw and four captive screws to secure the battery in place. 3.
Removing the 4-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the microSD card. 3. Remove the base cover. NOTE: If the battery is disconnected from system board, there is delay during computer boot as the computer undergoes RTC reset. About this task The following images indicate the location of the battery and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. 2.
4. Lift the battery and remove the battery from the computer. Installing the 4-cell battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. NOTE: If the battery is disconnected from system board, there is delay during computer boot as the computer undergoes RTC reset. Steps 1.
3. Connect the speaker cable to the speaker board and reroute the speaker cable into its routing channel over the upper right side of the battery. 4. Connect the battery cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Install the microSD card. 3. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer. Heatsink assembly Removing the heatsink assembly Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer. Remove the microSD card.
Installing the heatsink assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the heatsink assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align and place the heatsink assembly into its slot in the computer. 2. Replace the two (M2x2.5) screws on the fan casing and four (M2x2.
Palmrest antenna module Removing the palmrest antenna module Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the microSD card. 3. Remove the base cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the palmrest antenna module and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the (M2x2) screw that secures the palmrest bracket to the system board. 2.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the palmrest antenna module and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the palmrest antenna module on the system and replace the two (M2x2.5) screws that secure it to the system. 2. Reroute the antenna cables through the routing channel and connect them to the WLAN module on the system board. 3. Replace the (M2x2) screw that secures the WLAN bracket to the system board. Next steps 1.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Remove the single (M2x2) securing the WLAN card bracket to the antenna cables. 2. Lift the bracket from the WLAN card module on the system board. 3. Disconnect the WLAN antenna cables from the WLAN module. 4. Disconnect the WWAN antenna cable and release the cable from the rubber guides on the system board. 5. Remove the two (M2x2) securing the display cable bracket to the system board. 6. Lift to remove the display cable bracket from the computer. 7.
8. Open the display lid to 90º angle and remove the four (M2.5x5) screws securing the hinges to the palmrest assembly. 9. Remove the display assembly from the computer. NOTE: NOTE: The display assembly is a Hinge-Up Design (HUD) assembly and cannot be further disassembled once it is removed from the bottom chassis. If any components in the display assembly are malfunctioning and must be replaced, replace the entire display assembly. Figure 1.
Removing and installing components 39
Steps 1. Align and place the display assembly at a convenient angle to the bottom chassis. 2. Replace the four (M2.5x5) screws securing the hinges to the bottom chassis. 3. Route the display cable along the guiding tabs and connect the display, camera, touch screen, sensor board cables to the system board. 4. Connect the antenna cable to the WLAN module on the system board. 5. Replace the WLAN bracket on the antenna connector of the WLAN module on the system board. 6.
4. Remove the base cover. 5. Remove the battery. About this task The following images indicate the location of the audio board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect and peel the audio board FFC from the system board. 2. Remove the M2x2.5 screw that secures the audio board to the computer. 3. Lift and remove the audio board from the computer.
Steps 1. Align and replace the audio board into its slot in the computer. 2. Replace the M2x2.5 screw to secure the audio board to the computer. 3. Connect the audio board FFC to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the battery. 2. Install the base cover. 3. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer. Speakers Removing the speakers Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 42 Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer. Remove the microSD card. Remove the base cover.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the speakers and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Release the cable from the tabs on the palmrest assembly. 2. Lift and remove the speakers from the computer chassis. Installing the speaker Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Replace the speaker into the slot in the computer. 2. Route the speaker cable along the cable guides on the palmrest assembly. NOTE: While replacing the speakers, route the speaker cable into the routing channels along the bottom side of the palmrest assembly. Route the speaker cable underneath the LED board FFC. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Install the battery. Install the base cover. Install the microSD card. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
2. 3. 4. 5. Remove Remove Remove Remove the the the the microSD card. base cover. battery. speaker. About this task The following images indicate the location of the smart card reader and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Disconnect the touchpad module and peel the FFC cable from over the touchpad module. 2. Disconnect the smart card reader and NFC module cables from the USH board. 3. Remove the four (M2x2.5) screws and slide the smart card reader out from its slot in the chassis. Installing the smart card reader Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Slide the smart card reader into its slot in the computer chassis and secure it using the four (M2x2.5) screws. 2. Adhere the smart card reader and NFC module cable and connect it to the USH board. 3. Adhere the touchpad FFC cable along the sides of the touchpad module and connect it to the system board. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Install the speaker. Install the battery. Install the base cover. Install the microSD card. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
9. Remove the heatsink assembly. CAUTION: Remove the heatsink assembly before removing the system board as there are two (M2x3) screws underneath the heatsink that secures the system board to the computer. NOTE: For configurations shipped with a carbon fiber palmrest and without WWAN antennas, the dummy SIM card tray must removed from the system before removing the system board. To remove the dummy SIM card tray, push the release latch inwards and then slide dummy card tray out of the computer.
Steps 1. Remove the single (M2x2.5) screw from the finger print reader bracket and remove the bracket from the computer. 2. Disconnect the fingerprint reader FPC from the system board. 3. Remove the single (M2x2) screw and lift the bracket from the antenna cables. 4. Disconnect the WLAN antenna cables from the WLAN module on the system board. 5. Remove the single (M2x2) screw and lift the bracket from the WWAN card. 6.
Removing and installing components
Steps 1. Replace the system board into the computer chassis and tighten it using the single (M2x2.5) screw (for computer configuration with fingerprint reader on power button) or four (M2x2.5) screws (for computer configuration without fingerprint reader), two (M2x4) screws, and two (M2x3) screws securing the system board in place. 2. Connect the speakers board FPC, tweeter cable, audio board FFC, touchpad FFC, USH board FFC and, LED board FFC to the system board. 3.
I/O board Removing the I/O board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer. Enter the service mode. Remove the microSD card. Remove the SIM card. Remove the base cover. Remove the solid-state drive. Remove the WWAN card. Remove the battery. Remove the heatsink assembly. Remove the system board. About this task The following images indicate the location of the I/O board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the I/O board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Replace the I/O board into its slot in the computer. 2. Secure the I/O board to the computer using two (M2x4) screws. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Install Install Install Install Install Install Install Install the the the the the the the the system board. heatsink assembly. battery. WWAN card. solid-state drive. base cover. SIM card.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove the the the the the the the SIM card. base cover. solid-state drive. WWAN card. battery. heatsink assembly. system board. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power button with fingerprint reader and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two (M1.6x1.7) screws securing the power button with fingerprint reader to the computer. 2.
Steps 1. Replace the power button with fingerprint reader into its slot in the computer. 2. Secure the power button with fingerprint reader to the computer using the two (M1.6x1.7) screws. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Install Install Install Install Install Install Install Install the the the the the the the the system board. heatsink assembly. battery. WWAN card. solid-state drive. base cover. SIM card. microSD card. NOTE: Plug-in AC before powering up your computer.
7. 8. 9. 10. Remove Remove Remove Remove the the the the heatsink assembly. audio board. system board. I/O board. About this task The following images indicate the location of the keyboard and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Peel the LED board FFC, USH board FFC, touchpad FFC and SmartCard reader FFC from the back of the keyboard. 2. Disconnect the keyboard FPC and keyboard backlight FPC from the touchpad module. 3. Remove the 26 (M1.6x1.7) screws that secure the keyboard assembly to the computer. 4. Carefully lift the keyboard assembly to remove it from the computer. 5. Remove the two (M2x2) screws securing the keyboard to the keyboard support plate. 6. Separate the keyboard from the keyboard support plate.
Removing and installing components
Steps 1. Align and place the keyboard on the keyboard support plate and secure it using the two (M2x2) screw. 2. Replace the keyboard assembly in to its slot in the computer. 3. Connect the keyboard FPC and keyboard backlight FPC to the touchpad module. 4. Replace the 26 (M1.6x1.7) screws that secure the keyboard assembly to the computer. 5. Adhere the LED board FFC, USH board FFC , touchpad FFC and, SmartCard reader FFC to the back of the keyboard. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove the the the the the the the the the the the WWAN card. battery. heatsink assembly. display assembly. speaker. smart card reader. audio board. system board. I/O board. power button with finger print reader. keyboard. Steps After performing the pre-requisite steps, you are left with the palmrest assembly.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Install the I/O board. Install the system board. Install the audio board. Install the smart card reader. Install the speaker. Install the display assembly. Install the heatsink assembly. Install the battery. Install the WWAN card. Install the solid-state drive. Install the base cover. Install the SIM card Install the microSD card. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
3 Software This chapter details the supported operating systems along with instructions on how to install the drivers. Topics: • Downloading Windows drivers Downloading Windows drivers Steps 1. Turn on the notebook. 2. Go to Dell.com/support. 3. Click Product Support, enter the Service Tag of your notebook, and then click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto detect feature or manually browse for your notebook model. 4. Click Drivers and Downloads. 5.
4 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: 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.
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. 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. Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen.
Table 2. System setup options—System information menu (continued) Overview Signed Firmware Update Displays whether the Signed Firmware Update is enabled on your system. Battery Information Primary Displays that battery is primary. Battery Level Displays the battery level of the system. Battery State Displays the battery state of the system. Health Displays the battery health of the system. AC Adapter Displays whether the AC adapter is connected or not. Battery Type Displays the type of battery.
Table 3. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu Boot Configuration Boot Sequence Boot mode Displays the boot mode. Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence. Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot Enable or disable the SD card read-only boot. By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card Boot option is not enabled. Secure Boot Enable Secure Boot Enable or disable the secure boot feature. By default, the option is not enabled. Secure Boot Mode Enable or disable to change the secure boot mode options.
Table 4. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu (continued) Integrated Devices Disable USB4 PCIE Tunneling Disable the USB4 PCIE Tunneling option. By default, the option is disabled. Video/Power only on Type-C Ports Enable or disable the Type-C port functionality to video or only power. By default, the Video/Power only on Type-C Ports option is disabled. Type-C Dock Override Enables to use connected Type-C Dell Dock to provide data stream with external USB ports disabled.
Table 5. System setup options—Storage menu (continued) Storage By default, the Secure Digital (SD) Card Read-Only Mode option is not enabled. Table 6. System setup options—Display menu Display Display Brightness Brightness on battery power Enable to set screen brightness when the system is running on battery power. Brightness on AC power Enable to set screen brightness when the system is running on AC power. Full Screen Logo Enable or disable full screen logo. By default, the option is not enabled.
Table 8. System setup options—Power menu Power Battery configuration Enables the system to run on battery during peak power usage hours. Use the table Custom Charge Start and Custom Charge Stop, to prevent AC power usage between certain times of each day. By default, the Adaptive option is enabled. Advanced Configuration Enable Advanced Battery Charge Configuration Enable or disable the advanced battery charge configuration. Peak Shift Enables the system to run on battery during peak power usage hours.
Table 9. System setup options—Security menu (continued) Security Clear Enables to clear the TPM owner information and returns the TPM to the default state. By default, the Clear option is disabled. PPI ByPass for Clear Commands Controls the TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI). By default, the PPI ByPass for clear Commands option is disabled.
Table 10. System setup options—Passwords menu (continued) Passwords Password Bypass When enabled, this always prompts for system and internal hard drive passwords when powered on from the off state. By default, the Disabled option is selected. Password Changes Enable Non-Admin Password Changes Enable or disable to change system and hard drive password without the need for admin password. By default, the option is disabled.
Table 12. System setup options—System Management menu System Management Service Tag Display the Service Tag of the system. Asset Tag Create a system Asset Tag. AC Behavior Wake on AC Enable or disable the wake on AC option. By default, the option is disabled. Wake on LAN Wake on LAN Enable or disable the system to power on by special LAN signals when it receives a wakeup signal from the WLAN. By default, the Disabled option is selected.
Table 14. System setup options—Pre-boot Behavior menu (continued) Pre-boot Behavior Enable Adapter Warnings Enable or disable the warning messages during boot when the adapters with less power capacity are detected. By default, the option is enabled. Warning and Errors Enable or disable the action to be done when a warning or error is encountered. By default, the Prompt on Warnings and Errors option is enabled. USB-C Warnings Enable Dock Warning Messages By default, the option is enabled.
Table 16. System setup options—Performance menu (continued) Performance C-States Control Enable C-State Control Enable or disable additional processor sleep states. By default, the option is enabled. Intel TurbocBoost Technology Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology Enable or disable Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor. By default, the option is enabled. Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Enable Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Enable or disable Hyper-Threading in the processor.
3. If you are unable to detect or find the Service Tag, click Choose from all products. 4. Choose the Products category from the list. NOTE: Choose the appropriate category to reach the product page. 5. Select your computer model and the Product Support page of your computer appears. 6. Click Get drivers and click Drivers and Downloads. The Drivers and Downloads section opens. 7. Click Find it myself. 8. Click BIOS to view the BIOS versions. 9. Identify the latest BIOS file and click Download. 10.
Figure 2. DOS BIOS Update Screen System and setup password Table 18. System and setup password Password type Description System password Password that you must enter to log on 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.
● Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not allowed. ● Only the following special characters are allowed: space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`). 3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK. 4. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes. 5. Press Y to save the changes. The computer reboots.
5 Troubleshooting Topics: • • • • • • • • • • • Recovering the operating system Backup media and recovery options Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics Diagnostic LED behavior Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset) Flashing BIOS (USB key) Flashing the BIOS WiFi power cycle BIOS recovery M-BIST LCD Built-in Self Test (BIST) 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
● View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed. For more information, see Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA or PSA Error Codes) . Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2.
Table 19. Diagnostic LED behavior (continued) Blinking pattern Amber White Problem description 2 4 Memory/RAM failure Suggested resolution ● ● 2 5 Invalid memory installed ● ● Reset and swap memory modules amongst the slots. If problem persists, replace the memory module. Reset and swap memory modules amongst the slots. If problem persists, replace the memory module. 2 6 System board/Chipset Error Replace the system board. 2 7 LCD failure (SBIOS message) Replace the LCD module.
Flashing BIOS (USB key) Steps 1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program file. 2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information see the knowledge base article SLN143196 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 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen. 6.
BIOS recovery The BIOS recovery is designed to fix the main BIOS, and cannot work if the boot is damaged. The BIOS recovery will not work in the event of EC corruption, ME corruption, or a hardware related issue. The BIOS recovery image should be available on the unencrypted partition on the drive for BIOS recovery feature.
h. Copy both the BIOS files BIOS_CUR.rcv and BIOS_PRE.rcv to the recovery folder on Local Disk (E). i. In the Command Prompt window, at the DISKPART prompt, type set id=DE. After the executing this command, the partition Local Disk (E) will not be accessible by the OS. 5. Shut the system down, remove the hard drive, and install the hard drive into the original system. 6.
LCD Built-in Self Test (BIST) Dell laptops have a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with the LCD (screen) of the Dell laptop or with the video card (GPU) and PC settings. When you notice screen abnormalities like flickering, distortion, clarity issues, fuzzy or blurry image, horizontal or vertical lines, color fade etc., it is always a good practice to isolate the LCD (screen) by running the Built-In Self Test (BIST).
6 Getting help Topics: • Contacting Dell Contacting Dell Prerequisites NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. About this task Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: Steps 1.
