Vostro 15 3515 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P112F Regulatory Type: P112F005 June 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 inside your computer...................................................................................... 6 Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Before working inside your computer....................................................................................................................... 6 Safety precautions....................
Installing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................37 Fan........................................................................................................................................................................................ 38 Removing the fan......................................................................................................................................
System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................76 System and setup password...........................................................................................................................................79 Assigning a system setup password.......................................................................................................................
1 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.
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. CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device. 5.
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.
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.
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 #0 ● Phillips screwdriver #1 ● 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 Screw type Quantity Hard-drive assembly M2x3 4 Hard-drive bracket M3x3 4 Heat sink M2x3 4 Fan M2x5 2 Power button with optional fingerprint reader M2x2 1 Display assembly M2.5x5 4 System board M2x3 3 M2x2 1 Touchpad M2x2 Big Head 2 Touchpad bracket M2x2 Big Head 3 Screw image Major components of Vostro 15 3515 The following image shows the major components of Vostro 15 3515.
1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. Touchpad Touchpad bracket Power-adapter port Solid-state drive thermal plate M.2 2280 solid-state drive Palm-rest and keyboard assembly Display assembly Memory modules Wireless card Input/Output board System board Fan Heat sink Input output board FFC Hard drive NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased.
About this task Steps 1. Push the secure digital card to release it from the card slot. 2. Slide the secure digital card out of the computer.
Installing the Secure Digital card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps Slide the secure digital into the slot until it clicks into place. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the SD card. About this task NOTE: Before removing the base cover, ensure that there is no SD card installed in the SD card slot on your computer.
Removing and installing components 17
Steps 1. Remove the six screws (M2x5) that secure the base cover to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Loosen the two captive screws. 3. Using a plastic scribe, pry open the base cover from the recesses located in the U-shaped indents at the top edge of the base cover near the hinges. 4. Lift and slide the base cover off the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 5. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. 6.
Removing and installing components 19
Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board. 2. Place and snap the base cover into place on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Tighten the two captive screws on the base cover. 4. Replace the six screws (M2x5) that secure the base cover to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the SD card. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Battery Lithium-ion battery precautions CAUTION: ● Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
● 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.
Installing the battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Place the battery on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the battery to the screw holes on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3.
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 SD card. 3. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed. NOTE: The M.2 card installed on your computer will depend on the configuration ordered. Supported card configurations on the M.2 card slot: ● M.2 2230 solid-state drive + 2230 mounting bracket ● M.
About this task NOTE: This procedure applies if you are installing a M.2 2230 solid-state drive. NOTE: The M.2 card installed on your computer will depend on the configuration ordered. Supported card configurations on the M.2 card slot: ● M.2 2230 solid-state drive + 2230 mounting bracket ● M.2 2280 solid-state drive The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.
About this task NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed. NOTE: The M.2 card installed on your computer will depend on the configuration ordered. Supported card configurations on the M.2 card slot: ● M.2 2230 solid-state drive + 2230 mounting bracket ● M.2 2280 solid-state drive The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Place the M.2 thermal plate on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. NOTE: When installing the M.2 solid-state drive to the system, tuck the tabs on the thermal plate under the hooks on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Align the screw holes on the M.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card bracket to the system board. 2. Lift the wireless card bracket from the wireless card. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the WLAN slot on the system board. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black 2. Slide the wireless card into the WLAN slot on the system board. 3. Place the wireless card bracket on the wireless card. 4.
Input/Output board Removing the Input/Output board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the SD card. 3. Remove the base cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the Input/Output board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the fingerprint reader board cable from 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 palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the I/O board to the screw holes on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the I/O board to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Connect the fingerprint reader board cable to the connector on the I/O board and close the latch. 5. Connect the I/O board power cable to the connector on the I/O board and close the latch. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2.
Steps 1. Disconnect the hard drive cable from the system board. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the hard drive assembly to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the hard drive assembly and its cable from the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Disconnect the hard drive cable from the hard drive. 5. Remove the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard drive to the hard drive bracket. 6. Slide and remove the hard drive from the hard drive bracket.
Steps 1. Place and slide the hard drive into the hard-drive bracket. 2. Align the screw holes on the hard drive bracket with the screw holes on the hard drive. 3. Replace the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard drive to the hard drive bracket. 4. Connect the hard drive cable to the hard drive. 5. Place the hard drive assembly on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 6. Align the screw holes on the hard drive assembly to the screw holes on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 7.
Memory modules Removing the memory modules Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the SD card. 3. Remove the base cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Gently pry the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up. 2. Lift at an angle and remove the memory module from its slot on the system board. 3.
Steps 1. Align the slot on the memory module with the notch on the memory module slot on the system board. 2. Slide the memory module into the slot on the system board. 3. Press down on the memory module to snap it into place. 4. Ensure that the securing clips have locked the memory module into place. NOTE: If the securing clips do not lock the memory module into place remove the memory module from the slot and repeat steps 1 to 3. 5. Repeat the above procedure for the second memory module. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board. 2. Unroute the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the speakers along with its cable from the palmrest and keyboard assembly. Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the speakers on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. 2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect the speaker cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Install the SD card. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Heat sink Removing the heat sink Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board. NOTE: Loosen the captive screws in the reverse sequential order mentioned on the heat sink [4 > 3 > 2 > 1]. NOTE: The number of screws varies depending on the configuration ordered. 2. Lift the heat sink from the system board. Installing the heat sink Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Place the heat sink on the system board. 2. Tighten the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board. NOTE: Tighten the captive screws in the sequential order mentioned on the heat sink [1 > 2 > 3 > 4]. NOTE: The number of screws varies depending on the configuration ordered. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Install the SD card. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Fan Removing the fan Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x5) that secure the fan to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the fan from the palmrest and keyboard assembly. Installing the fan Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the fan and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the fan on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Connect the fan cable to the connector on the system board. 3. Align the screw holes on the fan to the screw holes on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Replace the two screws (M2x5) that secure the fan to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Install the SD card. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Power button Removing the power button Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4.
Steps 1. Remove the single (M2x2) screws securing the power button to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the power button from the computer. Installing the power button Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power button and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Place the power-button board into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Install the single (M2x2) screws to secure the power button to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Install the IO board. Install the base cover. Install the SD card. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer. Power-button with optional fingerprint reader Removing the power button with optional fingerprint reader Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Steps 1. Remove the two (M2.5x5) screws that secure the display assembly hinge to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the display assembly hinge to access the power button. 3. Remove the (M2x2) screw that secures the power button to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Peel the fingerprint reader Flexible Flat cable from the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 5. Lift the power button with fingerprint reader, along with its cable, off the palmrest and keyboard assembly.
\ Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the power button with fingerprint reader into its slot on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the (M2x2) screw that secures the power button with fingerprint reader to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components
Steps 1. Remove the four (M2.5x5) screws that secure the display hinges to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Disconnect the display cable and the speaker cable from the system board. 3. Unroute the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Unroute the WLAN antenna cables from the routing guides on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 5. Open the display assembly to a 120 degrees and flip over the system, and place the system on a flat surface. 6.
Removing and installing components
Steps 1. Place the display assembly on the system. Align the screw holes on the display hinges with screw holes on the palmrest and keyboard assembly.
2. Gently press down on the display hinges to align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the four (M2.5x5) screws that secure the display hinges to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Route the WLAN antenna cables through the routing guides on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 5. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palmrest and keyboard assembly.
Steps NOTE: Before removing the display hinge caps, open the display hinges to 140 degrees. 1. Pinch the left hinge cap in the center. 2. Using a plastic scribe pry the inner side of the left hinge cap and remove it from the left hinge. 3. Pinch the right hinge cap in the center. 4. Using a plastic scribe pry the inner side of the right hinge cap and remove it from the right hinge.
Steps 1. Align the rib inside the left hinge cap to the outer sides. 2. Push the left hinge cap down until it clicks in place. 3. Align the rib inside the right hinge cap to the outer sides. 4. Push the right hinge cap down until it clicks in place. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 52 Install the display assembly. Install the Wireless card. Install the base cover. Install the SD card. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Display bezel Removing the display bezel Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the SD card. Remove the base cover. Remove the Wireless card. Remove the display assembly. Remove the hinge caps. About this task The following images indicate the location of the display bezel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps NOTE: The display bezel is adhered to the display panel with adhesive.
3. Continue to pry open the outer edge of the bottom side of the display bezel. . 4. Pry open the display bezel from the inner edge at the bottom side of the display assembly. 5. Lift and remove the display bezel from the display assembly NOTE: CAUTION: DO NOT use a scribe or any other objects to pry up the display bezel in the manners shown in the images below as the pressure applied on the display panel by the scribe will damage the display panel.
4. Install the base cover. 5. Install the SD card. 6. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Hinges Removing the hinges Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the SD card. Remove the base cover. Remove the WLAN card. Remove the display assembly. Remove the hinge caps. Remove the display bezel.
Steps 1. Remove the three (M2.5x3.8) from the left hinge. 2. Lift and remove the left hinge from the display assembly. 3. Remove the three (M2.5x3.8) from the right hinge. 4. Lift and remove the right hinge from the display assembly. Installing the hinges Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align and place the left hinge on the display assembly. 2. Install the three (M2.5x3.8) screws to secure the hinge to the display panel and back cover. 3. Align and place the right hinge on the display assembly. 4. Install the three (M2.5x3.8) screws to secure the hinge to the display panel and back cover. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Install the display bezel. Install the hinge caps. Install the display assembly. Install the WLAN card. Install the base cover. Install the SD card.
Display panel Removing the display panel Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the SD card. Remove the base cover. Remove the wireless card. Remove the display assembly. Remove the display bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the display panel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Use a plastic scribe to pry the display panel from the bottom-right corner. 2. Gently start prying the display panel along the left and right sides of the display back-cover using your hands. 3. Lift the bottom side of the display panel and slide it downward to release the display brackets from the slots at the top side of the display cover. 4. Gently flip the display panel assembly forward, peel back the Mylar tape securing the display cable on the rear of the display panel.
NOTE: Ensure that the panel has a clean and smooth surface to rest on to prevent damage. 5. Disconnect the display cable from the display panel assembly and lift the display panel away from the system. NOTE: Do not remove the metal brackets from the panel. Installing the display panel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Place the display panel and display assembly on a clean and flat surface. 2. Connect the display cable to the connector on the display panel and close the latch. 3. Adhere the tape to secure the display-cable connector latch to the display panel. 4. Lift and rotate the display panel, then place the display panel on the display assembly. 5. Place the display bezel on the display assembly. 6. Align the tabs on the display bezel to the slots on the display assembly.
7. Press down on the display bezel and snap the display bezel in place. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Install the display bezel. Install the display assembly. Install the wireless card. Install the base cover. Install the SD card. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Camera module Removing the camera module Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. Remove the SD card. Remove the base cover. Remove the wireless card.
Installing the camera module Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the camera module and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Adhere the camera module in its slot on the display assembly. 2. Connect the camera cable to the camera module. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Install the display panel. Install the display bezel.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the hard drive cable from the connector on the system board. 2. Remove the three screws (M2x2) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the touchpad bracket off the touchpad. 4. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad Flexible Flat cable from the connector on the system board. 5.
Steps 1. Place the touchpad into its slot on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the touchpad to the screw holes on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2x2) that secure the touchpad to the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 4. Connect the touchpad Flexible Flat cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch. 5. Place the touchpad bracket on the touchpad. 6.
System board System board connectors The following image shows the different connectors on the system board. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Fan connector IO board FFC connector eDP connector DC-in port connector Keyboard FFC connector Backlit FFC connector Memory module connectors Battery connector Touchpad FFC connector Hard-drive FFC connector WLAN connector Speaker cable connector SSD connector Removing the system board Prerequisites 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Remove the wireless card. About this task The following images indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the two (M2.5x5) screws from the right hinge. 2. Fold the right hinge up. 3. Disconnect the following cables from the system board: a. b. c. d. e.
f. Keyboard Flexible Printed cable g. Power adapter port cable h. display cable 4. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secures the system board to the palmrest. 5. Remove the single (M2x2) screw that secure the system board to the palmrest. 6. Carefully lift the system board away from the chassis. Installing the system board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Align and place the system board on the palmrest. 2. Replace the single (M2x2) screw that secures the system board to the palmrest. 3. Replace the three (M2x3) screws that secures the system board to the palmrest. 4. Connect the following cables to the system board: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.
5. Fold back the right hinge and replace the two (M2.5x5) screws to secure it to the palmrest. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Install the wireless card. Install the heat sink. Install the fan. Install the memory modules. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. Install the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. Install the battery. Install the base cover. Install the SD card. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Power-adapter port Removing the power-adapter port Prerequisites 1.
Installing the power-adapter port Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Using the alignment post, place the power-adapter port into its slot on the palmrest and keyboard assembly. 2. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the connector on the system board. 3.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove Remove the the the the the the the the the the the the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. wireless card. I/O board. hard drive assembly. memory modules. speakers. heat sink. fan. power button. display assembly. touchpad. system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the heat sink. 18. Remove the power-adapter port.
Steps Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat and clean surface and perform the post-requisites to install the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Install the power-adapter port. Install the system board. Install the touchpad. Install the display assembly. Install the power button. Install the fan. Install the heat sink. Install the speakers. Install the memory modules. Install the hard drive assembly. Install the I/O board.
3 Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading, or installing drivers, it is recommended that you read the Dell knowledge base article, Drivers and Downloads FAQs .
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.
The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are: ● Removable Drive (if available) ● STXXXX Drive (if available) NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number. ● Optical Drive (if available) ● SATA Hard Drive (if available) ● Diagnostics The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
Table 4. System setup options—Advanced menu (continued) Advanced USB Emulation Enables or disables the USB emulation feature. This feature defines how the BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware operating system, handles USB devices. USB emulation is always enabled during POST. NOTE: You cannot boot any type of USB device (floppy, hard drive, or memory key) when this option is off.
Table 4. System setup options—Advanced menu (continued) Advanced Maintenance Data Wipe on next boot Enables or disables data wipe on the next boot. Default: Disabled BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive Enables the user to recover from certain corrupted BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive or an external USB key. BIOS Auto-Recovery Enables BIOS to automatically recover BIOS without user actions.
Table 5. System setup options—Security menu (continued) Security WINDOWS SMM SECURITY MITIGATIONS TABLE (WSMT) Enables or disables configuration of platform features on Dell Client Systems with WSMT-enabled BIOS. Default: Enabled Firmware TPM Enable or disable the firmware TPM. Default: Enabled PPI Bypass for Clear Command Allows you to control the TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI). When enabled, this setting will allow the OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing the Clear command.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data 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.
NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows or your application.
5 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.
● ● ● ● ● Repeat tests Display or save test results Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s) View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully 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.
Table 9. LED codes (continued) Diagnostic light codes Problem description Recommended solutions 2,1 Processor failure Run the Intel CPU diagnostics tools. If problem persists, replace the system board. 2,3 No memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) detected Confirm that the memory module is installed properly. If problem persists, replace the memory module. 2,4 Memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) failure Reset and swap memory modules amongst the slots.
Figure 1. DOS BIOS Update Screen 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.
Steps 1. Turn off your computer. 2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer. 3. Remove the base cover. 4. Remove the battery. 5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power. 6. Install the battery. 7. Install the base cover. 8. Connect the power adapter to your computer. 9. Turn on your computer. NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article SLN85632 at www.dell.com/support.
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 10. 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.
