Inspiron 15 5509 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P102F Regulatory Type: P102F002 September 2020 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. © 2020 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 inside your computer...................................................................................... 6 Before working inside your computer.............................................................................................................................6 Safety instructions..............................................................................................................................................................
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................38 Removing the heat sink (for integrated GPU)..................................................................................................... 38 Installing the heat sink (for integrated GPU).......................................................................................................
Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer ..............................................80 SupportAssist diagnostics...............................................................................................................................................80 Built-in self-test (BIST)................................................................................................................................................... 80 System board built-in self-test (M-BIST).......
1 Working inside your computer Before working inside your computer About this task NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Steps 1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications. 2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down. NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down instructions. 3.
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.
● ● ● ● ● 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.
2 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 #1 ● Phillips screwdriver #0 ● Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box.
Table 1. Screw list (continued) Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Solid-state drive mounting bracket Palm-rest and keyboard assembly M1.6x2 1 Solid-state drive (slot one) Palm-rest and keyboard assembly M2x3 1 Solid-state drive (slot two) Palm-rest and keyboard assembly M2x3 1 Wireless-card bracket System board M2x3 1 Fan Palm-rest and keyboard assembly M2x2 2 Heat sink (UMA) System board M2x5.85 (captive) 4 Heat sink (discrete) System board M2x5.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Base cover Battery Power-adapter port Heat sink Memory module Solid-state drive bracket M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two Speakers System board Touchpad Palm-rest and keyboard assembly Display assembly Power button with optional fingerprint reader Coin-cell battery I/O board Fan Wireless card M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.
Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. About this task The figure indicates the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 13
Steps 1. Loosen the two captive screws (M2x7.5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the seven screws (M2x4) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover starting from the recess at the display hinge and work your way around the sides to remove the base cover. 4. Lift the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5. Peel the tape and disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
Removing and installing components 15
Steps 1. Adhere the tape and connect the battery cable to the system board, if applicable. 2. Place the base cover over the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and then snap the base cover into place. 4. Tighten the two captive screws (M2x7.5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5.
Steps 1. Peel off the tape and disconnect the battery cable, if applicable. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the 3-cell battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the battery, along with its cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the 3-cell battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Install the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Connect the battery cable to the system board and adhere the tape that secures the battery cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Peel off the tape and disconnect the battery cable, if applicable. 2. Remove the five screws (M2x3) that secure the 4-cell battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the battery, along with its cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the 4-cell battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Install the five screws (M2x3) that secure the 4-cell battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Connect the battery cable to the system board and adhere the tape that secures the battery cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Lift the mylar to uncover the memory module. 2. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up. 3. Remove the memory module from the memory-module slot. NOTE: Repeat step 1 to step 3 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer. Installing the memory modules Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Lift the mylar and align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 2. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle. 3. Press the memory module down until it clicks into place. NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it. NOTE: Repeat step 1 to step 3 to if you are installing other memory module. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Solid-state drive—M.2 slot one Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive from M.2 slot one 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 in M.2 slot one. NOTE: M.2 slot one supports PCIe x4.0 SSDs only. If you have an Intel Optane Hybrid, SATA, or PCIe x2.0 SSD, install it in M.2 slot two.
NOTE: If there is only one solid-state drive in the configuration you ordered, you can install another solid-state drive in the other M.2 slot. However, you may need a solid-state drive mounting bracket (sold separately) to install the additional solidstate drive. NOTE: M.2 slot one supports PCIe x4.0 SSDs only. If you have an Intel Optane Hybrid, SATA, or PCIe x2.0 SSD, install it in M.2 slot two. NOTE: This procedure applies only if you are installing an M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one.
NOTE: M.2 slot one supports PCIe x4.0 SSDs only. If you have an Intel Optane Hybrid, SATA, or PCIe x2.0 SSD, install it in M.2 slot two. NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot one. The figure indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive that is installed in M.2 slot one and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on M.2 slot one on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into M.2 slot one on the system board. 3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2280 solid-state drive to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Installing the solid-state drive mounting bracket on M.2 slot one Prerequisites 1.
The figure provides a visual representation of the procedure to install the solid-state drive mounting bracket when replacing M.2 2280 solid-state drive with M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one. Steps 1. Slide and remove the solid-state drive mounting bracket from the mounting bracket slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Rotate the solid-state drive mounting bracket. 3. Slide the solid-state mounting bracket into the mounting slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Install the M.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Slide and lift the M.2 2230 solid-state drive off M.2 slot two on the system board. Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support an M.
Steps 1. Slide the solid-state drive mounting bracket into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, if it is not installed. 2. Align the notches on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tabs in the M.2 slot two on the system board. 3. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into M.2 slot two on the system board. 4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2280 solid-state drive to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Slide and lift the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module off M.2 slot two on the system board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support an M.
Steps 1. Align the notches on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module with the tabs in M.2 slot two on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module into M.2 slot two on the system board. 3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M1.6x2) that secures the solid-state drive mounting bracket to the M.2 2230/2280 bracket slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the solid-state drive mounting bracket from the M.2 2230/2280 bracket slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Place the solid-state drive mounting bracket into the M.2 2230/2280 bracket slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Replace the screw (M1.6x2) that secures the solid-state drive mounting bracket to M.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the wireless card. 2. Remove the bracket that secures the wireless card to the system board. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot and insert the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot. 2. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer. Table 2.
Fan Removing the fan Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The figure indicates the location of the fan and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Peel and lift the mylar covering the fan cable. 2. Peel the tape, lift the latch, and then disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board. 3. Remove the I/O-board cable from the routing guides on the fan. 4.
6. Lift the fan off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the fan Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The figure indicates the location of the fan and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the fan on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.
8. Adhere the mylar that covers the fan cable. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. NOTE: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup program settings before removing the coin-cell battery.
About this task The figure indicates the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Adhere the coin-cell battery to the coin-cell battery slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Route the coin-cell battery cable as illustrated and connect it to the I/O board. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps 1. In reverse order (following the numeral markings on the heat sink, from 4 to 1), loosen the four captive screws (M2x5.85) that secure the heat sink to the system board. 2. Lift and remove the heat sink off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the heat sink (for integrated GPU) Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the heat sink on the system board and align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board. 2. In sequential order (following the numeral markings on the heat sink, from 1 to 4), tighten the four captive screws (M2x5.85) 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.
CAUTION: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The figure indicates the location of the heat sink (discrete) and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. In reverse order (following the numeral markings on the heat sink, from 7 to 1), loosen the seven captive screws (M2x5.
Steps 1. Place the heat sink on the system board and align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board. 2. In sequential order (following the numeral markings on the heat sink, from 1 to 7), tighten the seven captive screws (M2x5.85) 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.
Steps 1. Peel off the tape that secures the display cable to the system board. 2. Open the latch, and disconnect the display cable from the system board. 3. Remove the screw (M2.5x3.5) and the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the right display hinge to the system board. 4. Remove the three screws (M2.5x5) that secure the left display hinge to the system board. 5. Lift the palm-rest and keyboard assembly up to raise the display hinges. 6.
Installing the display assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The figure indicates the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the display assembly on a clean and flat surface. 2. Align and slide the palm-rest and keyboard assembly under the display hinges.
NOTE: To avoid damaging the display, do not slide the palm-rest and keyboard assembly over the display assembly. 3. Press down the display hinges and align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Replace the screw (M2.5x3.5) and the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the right display hinge to the system board. 5. Replace the three screws (M2.5x5) that secure the left display hinge to the system board. 6.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2.5x3.5) and the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the right display hinge to the system board. 2. Lift the right display-hinge plate to uncover the power-adapter port cable. 3. Peel off the tape that secures the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 4. Disconnect the power-adapter port cable from its connector on the system board. 5. Remove the power-adapter port cable from the routing guides on the system board. 6.
Steps 1. Place the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Route the power-adapter port cable along the routing guide on the system board. 4. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 5. Adhere the tape to secure the power-adapter port cable to the system board. 6.
3. Remove the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery. About this task The figure indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board. 2. Note the routing of the speaker cables. 3. Peel off the black tapes that secure the speaker cable to the touchpad bracket. 4. Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
About this task The figure indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the speakers in the slots on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when the speakers were removed, push the grommets back in place before replacing the speakers. 2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Power button with optional fingerprint reader Removing the power button with optional fingerprint reader Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the display assembly. Remove the I/O board. About this task The figure indicates the location of the power button with optional fingerprint reader and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the screw (M1.
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the power-button with optional fingerprint reader to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the screw (M1.6x2) that secures the power button to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect the power-button cable (or the optional fingerprint-reader cable) to the connector on palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and close the latch to secure the cable to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
Steps 1. Peel the tapes that secure the speaker cable to the touchpad bracket. 2. Remove the speaker cable from the routing guide. 3. Remove the three screws (M1.6x2) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Lift the touchpad bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board. 6. Peel the tapes that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 7.
Steps 1. Align and place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Turn the computer over and open the display. Ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned along all four sides. 2. Align the screw holes on the touchpad with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x2) to secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Connect the touchpad cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the touchpad cable. 5.
I/O board Removing the I/O board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the base cover. Remove the coin-cell battery. Remove the display assembly. About this task The figure indicates the location of the I/O board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Peel off the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the I/O board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the I/O board. 3.
Steps 1. Place the I/O board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the I/O board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the screw (M2x2) and the screw (M2x3) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Connect the fingerprint reader cable to the I/O board and close the latch to secure the cable. 5. Connect the I/O-board cable to the I/O board and close the latch to secure the cable. 6.
About this task The figure indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2.5x3.5) and the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the right display hinge to the system board. 2. Pry open the right display hinge. 3. Peel the black tape that secures the I/O-board cable to fan. 4. Peel the transparent tape, open the latch, and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board. 5. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. 6. Peel the tape, open the latch, and then disconnect the display cable from the system board. 7.
Removing and installing components
Steps 1. Place the system board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x2) that secure the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lower the left display-hinge plate and replace the screw (M2.5x3.5) and the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the right display-hinge plate to the system board. 4. Connect the fan cable to the system board. 5. Connect the I/O cable to the system board and close the latch. 6. Adhere the black tape that secures the I/O cable to the fan.
Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Install the power button with optional fingerprint reader. Install the memory modules. Install the heat sink (UMA) or heat sink (discrete). Install the wireless card. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one. Install the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery. Install the base cover.
Steps After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, we are left with the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The figure indicates the location of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat surface. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 62 Install the system board. Install the I/O board. Install the touchpad. Install the power button with optional fingerprint reader. Install the speakers. Install the power-adapter port. Install the display assembly. Install the heat sink (UMA) or heat sink (discrete). Install the coin-cell battery. Install the fan. Install the wireless card. Install the M.
3 Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938.
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: 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.
One time boot menu To enter one time boot menu, turn on your computer, and then press F2 immediately. NOTE: It is recommended to shutdown the computer if it is on. The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are: ● Removable Drive (if available) ● STXXXX Drive (if available) NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.
Table 4. System setup options—System information menu (continued) Overview Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size. Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed. Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed. 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.
Table 6. System setup options—System Configuration menu System Configuration Date/Time Date Sets the computer date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Changes to the date take effect immediately. Time Sets the computer time in HH/MM/SS 24-hour format. You can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour clock. Changes to the time take effect immediately. Enable SMART Reporting Enables or disables SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) during computer startup to report hard drive errors. Default: OFF.
Table 6. System setup options—System Configuration menu (continued) System Configuration Default: ON. Table 7. System setup options—Video menu Video LCD Brightness Brightness on battery power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on battery power. Brightness on AC power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on AC power. EcoPower Enables or disables EcoPower which increases the battery life by reducing the screen brightness when appropriate. Default: ON. Table 8.
Table 8. System setup options—Security menu (continued) Security NOTE: This feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of functionality with some legacy tools and applications. Enable Strong Passwords Enables or disables strong passwords. Default: OFF. Password Configuration Control the minimum and maximum number of characters that are allowed for Admin and System passwords. Admin Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the administrator (admin) password (sometimes called the "setup" password).
Table 11. System setup options—Performance menu (continued) Performance Default: ON. Multi-Core Support Changes the number of CPU cores available to the operating system. The default value is set to the maximum number of cores. Default: All Cores. Enable C-State Control Enables or disables the CPU's ability to enter and exit low-power states. Default: ON. Table 12.
Table 13. System setup options—Wireless menu (continued) Wireless WLAN Default: ON. Bluetooth Default: ON. Wireless Device Enable Enable or disable internal WLAN/Bluetooth devices. WLAN Default: ON. Bluetooth Default: ON. Table 14. System setup options—POST Behavior menu POST Behavior Numlock Enable Enables or disables Numlock when the computer boots. Default: ON. Enable Adapter Warnings Enables the computer to display adapter warning messages during boot. Default: ON.
Table 16. System setup options—Maintenance menu Maintenance Asset Tag Creates a system Asset Tag that can be used by an IT administrator to uniquely identify a particular system. Once set in BIOS, the Asset Tag cannot be changed. Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer. BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enables the computer to recover from a bad BIOS image, as long as the Boot Block portion is intact and functioning. Default: ON.
Updating the BIOS in Windows Prerequisites It is recommended to update your BIOS (System Setup), when you replace the system board or if an update is available. About this task NOTE: If BitLocker is enabled, it must be suspended before updating the system BIOS, and then re-enabled after the BIOS update is completed. Steps 1. Restart the computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. ● Enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Submit. ● Click Detect Product and follow the on-screen instructions. 3.
3. Insert the USB flash drive into the computer that requires the BIOS update. 4. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo appears to display the One Time Boot Menu. 5. Using arrow keys, select USB Storage Device and press Enter. 6. The computer restarts to a Diag C:\> prompt. 7. Run the file by typing the complete filename and press Enter. 8. The BIOS Update Utility is displayed. Follow the on-screen instructions. Figure 1.
● AC power adapter connected to the system ● Functional system battery to flash the BIOS Perform the following steps to execute the BIOS update flash process from the F12 menu: CAUTION: Do not power off the system during the BIOS update process. Powering off the system could make the system fail to boot. Steps 1. From a power off state, insert the USB key where you copied the flash into a USB port of the system . 2.
5. Once the file is selected, Double click the flash target file, then press submit. 6. Click the Update BIOS then system will reboot to flash the BIOS.
7. Once complete, the system will reboot and the BIOS update process is completed. System and setup password Table 19. System and setup password Password type Description System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system. Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS settings of your computer. You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password: ● ● ● ● A password can have up to 32 characters. The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9. Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not valid. Only the following special characters are valid: Space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`). 3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK. 4. Press Esc and a message prompt's you to save the changes. 5.
NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows or your application.
5 Troubleshooting 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.
Table 20. Functions (continued) M-BIST L-BIST Trigger Press the key and the power button. Integrated into the single LED error code diagnostics. Automatically initiated during POST. Indicator of fault Battery LED light with Solid Amber Battery LED error code of [2,8] blinks Amber x2, then pause, then blinks White x8. Repair instruction Indicates a problem with the system board. Indicates a problem with the system board. System board built-in self-test (M-BIST) About this task Steps 1.
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.
Table 21. 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. System diagnostic lights Battery-status light Indicates the power and battery-charge status. Solid white — Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5 percent charge. Amber — Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5 percent charge. Off ● Power adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
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.
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. 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.
6 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 Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.
