Inspiron 15 5502: Service Manual
Inspiron 15 5502: Service Manual
Inspiron 15 5502: Service Manual
Service Manual
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. Other
trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contents
Contents 3
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................38
Removing the heat sink (for integrated GPU)..................................................................................................... 38
Installing the heat sink (for integrated GPU)....................................................................................................... 39
Removing the heat sink (for discrete GPU)......................................................................................................... 40
Installing the heat sink (for discrete GPU)............................................................................................................ 41
Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................42
Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................42
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................44
Power-adapter port.......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Removing the power-adapter port......................................................................................................................... 45
Installing the power-adapter port............................................................................................................................46
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Removing the speakers.............................................................................................................................................. 47
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................ 48
Power button with optional fingerprint reader.......................................................................................................... 50
Removing the power button with optional fingerprint reader..........................................................................50
Installing the power button with optional fingerprint reader............................................................................50
Touchpad............................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Removing the touchpad............................................................................................................................................. 51
Installing the touchpad...............................................................................................................................................52
I/O board.............................................................................................................................................................................54
Removing the I/O board............................................................................................................................................54
Installing the I/O board.............................................................................................................................................. 54
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Removing the system board..................................................................................................................................... 55
Installing the system board....................................................................................................................................... 57
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................................................ 60
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................60
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................... 61
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................80
4 Contents
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).............................................................................................................. 81
Display panel power rail built-in self-test (L-BIST)..............................................................................................81
Display panel built-in self-test (LCD-BIST)...........................................................................................................82
Outcome........................................................................................................................................................................ 82
System diagnostic lights..................................................................................................................................................83
Flashing BIOS (USB key).................................................................................................................................................84
Recovering the operating system................................................................................................................................. 84
Flashing the BIOS..............................................................................................................................................................84
Backup media and recovery options.............................................................................................................................85
WiFi power cycle............................................................................................................................................................... 85
Flea power release............................................................................................................................................................ 85
Contents 5
1
Working inside your computer
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. 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. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped
with your computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect your computer from all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels.
After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting your
computer to an electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the
pins and the contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the
safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal
surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to dissipate static electricity which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.
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. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is
restored when the component is replaced.
NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surfaces when
replacing a component.
6. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.
Next steps
Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Battery
Removing the 3-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Memory modules
Removing the memory modules
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
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.
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 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot one.
The figure indicates the location of the M.2 2230 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.2 2230 solid-state drive to the solid-state drive mounting bracket.
2. Slide and lift the M.2 2230 solid-state drive off M.2 slot one on the system board.
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: Before installing your M.2 2230 or M.2 2280 solid-state drive, ensure that the mounting bracket is in the correct
location. For more information, see Installing the solid-state drive mounting bracket.
The figure indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in M.2 slot one and provides a visual
representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on M.2 slot one on the system board.
2. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive into M.2 slot one on the system board.
3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the solid-state drive mounting bracket.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot one
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
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.2 2280 solid-state drive to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Slide and lift the M.2 2280 solid-state drive off the M.2 slot one on the system board.
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 solid-
state 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 is applicable if you are installing an M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one.
NOTE: Before installing your M.2 2230 or M.2 2280 solid-state drive, ensure that the mounting bracket is in the correct
location. For more information, see Installing the solid-state drive mounting bracket.
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 installation procedure.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
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.2 2230 solid-state drive or the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, whichever applicable.
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two.
The figure indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in M.2 slot two and provides a visual
representation of the removal procedure.
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 solid-
state drive.
NOTE: This procedure applies only if you are installing an M.2 2230 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two.
NOTE: Before installing your M.2 2230 or M,2 2280 solid-state drive, ensure that the mounting bracket is in the correct
location. For more information, see Installing the solid-state drive mounting bracket.
The figure indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive that is installed in M.2 slot two and provides a visual
representation of the installation procedure.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two.
The figure indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module that is installed in M.2 slot two
and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
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 solid-
state drive.
NOTE: This procedure applies only if you are installing a 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two.
NOTE: Before installing your M.2 2230 or M.2 2280 solid-state drive, ensure that the mounting bracket is in the correct
location. For more information, see Installing the solid-state drive mounting bracket.
The figure indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module that is installed in M.2 slot two
and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Wireless card
Removing the wireless card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
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. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.
5. Remove the two screws (M2x2) that secure the fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
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. Replace the two screws (M2x2) that secure the fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Route the I/O-board cable through the routing guides on the fan.
5. Connect the fan cable to the system board.
6. Connect the I/O-board cable to the system board and close the latch.
7. Adhere the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the system board.
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.
Steps
1. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the I/O board.
2. Peel the coin-cell battery from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
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.
Heat sink
Removing the heat sink (for integrated GPU)
Prerequisites
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils
in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.
CAUTION: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool
before you touch it.
NOTE: The heat sink type in your computer varies depending on the configuration ordered.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
NOTE: The heat sink type in your computer varies depending on the configuration ordered.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils
in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.
Steps
1. In reverse order (following the numeral markings on the heat sink, from 7 to 1), loosen the seven 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.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Display assembly
Removing the display assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
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.
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. Connect the display cable to the system board, close the latch, and adhere the tape that secures the display cable to the
system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Power-adapter port
Removing the power-adapter port
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Speakers
Removing the speakers
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
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.
NOTE: Note the position of the rubber grommets before lifting the speakers.
5. Lift the speakers, along with the cables, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
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.
3. Adhere the black tapes that secure the speaker cable to the touchpad bracket.
4. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M1.6x2) that secures the power-button bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Lift the power-button bracket off the power-button with optional fingerprint reader.
3. Remove the screw (M1.6x2) that secures the power button to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Lift the latch and disconnect the power-button cable (or the optional fingerprint-reader cable) from the connector on the
palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Lift the power button, along with its cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Install the I/O board.
2. Install the display assembly.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Touchpad
Removing the touchpad
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.
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. Adhere the tapes that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Align the screw holes on the touchpad bracket with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
7. Replace the three screws (M1.6x2) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
8. Route the speaker cable along the routing guide and adhere the tapes to the touchpad bracket.
Next steps
1. Install the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
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. Open the latch and disconnect the fingerprint-reader cable from the I/O board.
4. Remove the screw (M2x2) and the screw (M2x3) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Lift the I/O board off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Install the display assembly.
2. Install the coin-cell battery.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
System board
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.
4. Remove the memory modules.
5. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot one.
6. Remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from M.2 slot two.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the heat sink (UMA) or heat sink (discrete).
9. Remove the power button with optional fingerprint reader.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the heat sink.
Next steps
1. Install the system board.
2. Install the I/O board.
3. Install the touchpad.
4. Install the power button with optional fingerprint reader.
5. Install the speakers.
6. Install the power-adapter port.
7. Install the display assembly.
8. Install the heat sink (UMA) or heat sink (discrete).
9. Install the coin-cell battery.
10. Install the fan.
11. Install the wireless card.
12. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot two.
13. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive or the M.2 2280 solid-state drive in M.2 slot one.
14. Install the memory modules.
15. Install the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.
16. Install the base cover.
17. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed.
NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen
information for future reference.
Use the BIOS Setup program for the following purposes:
● Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive.
● Change the system configuration information.
● Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling
base devices.
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.
Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen.
Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a message that
prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the
system.
64 System setup
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.
● Optical Drive (if available)
● SATA Hard Drive (if available)
● Diagnostics
NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the ePSA diagnostics screen.
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
System setup 65
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.
Memory Information
Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
Memory Available Displays the total computer memory available.
Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.
Memory Channel Mode Displays single or dual channel mode.
Memory Technology Displays the technology that is used for the memory.
Device Information
Video Controller Displays the integrate graphics information of the computer.
dGPU Video Controller Displays the discrete graphics information of the computer.
Video BIOS Version Displays the video BIOS version of the computer.
Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer.
Panel Type Displays the Panel Type of the computer.
Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.
Audio Controller Displays the audio controller information of the computer.
Wi-Fi Device Displays the wireless device information of the computer.
Bluetooth Device Displays the Bluetooth device information of the computer.
Boot Mode
Boot Mode: UEFI only Displays the boot mode of this computer.
Enable Boot Devices Enables or disables boot devices for this computer.
Boot Sequence Displays the boot sequence.
BIOS Setup Advanced Mode Enables or disables advanced BIOS settings.
Default: ON.
UEFI Boot Path Security Enables or disables the system to prompt the user to enter the Admin
password when booting a UEFI boot path from the F12 boot menu.
Default: Always Except Internal HDD.
66 System setup
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.
USB Configuration
Enable Boot Support Enables or disables booting from USB mass storage devices such as external
hard drive, optical drive, and USB drive.
Enable External USB Ports Enables or disables USB ports to be functional in an operating system
environment.
SATA Operation Configures operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
Default: RAID. SATA is configured to support RAID (Intel Rapid Restore
Technology).
Keyboard Illumination Configures the operating mode of the keyboard illumination feature.
Default: Disabled. The keyboard illumination will always be off.
Keyboard Backlight Timeout on AC Configures the timeout value for the keyboard when an AC adapter is
connected to the computer. The keyboard backlight timeout value is only
effect when the backlight is enabled.
Default: 10 seconds.
Keyboard Backlight Timeout on Battery Configures the timeout value for the keyboard when the computer is running
on battery. The keyboard backlight timeout value is only effect when the
backlight is enabled.
Default: 10 seconds.
System setup 67
Table 6. System setup options—System Configuration menu (continued)
System Configuration
Default: ON.
Password Bypass Bypass the System (Boot) Password and the internal hard drive password
prompts during a system restart.
Default: Disabled.
Enable Non-Admin Password Changes Enables or disables the user to change the system and hard drive password
without the need for admin password.
Default: ON.
Enable UEFI Capsule Firmware Updates Enables or disables BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
Computrace Enable or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace(R)
Service from Absolute Software.
Intel Platform Trust Technology On Enables or disables Platform Trust Technology (PTT) visibility to the operating
system.
Default: ON.
PPI Bypass for Clear Commands Enables or disables the operating system to skip BIOS Physical Presence
Interface (PPI) user prompts when issuing the Clear command.
Default: OFF.
Clear Enables or disables the computer to clear the PTT owner information, and
returns the PTT to the default state.
Default: OFF.
Intel SGX Enables or disables the Intel Software Guard Extensions (SGX) to provide a
secured environment for running code/storing sensitive information.
Default: Software Control
SMM Security Mitigation Enables or disables additional UEFI SMM Security Mitigation protections.
Default: OFF.
68 System setup
Table 8. System setup options—Security menu (continued)
Security
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).
System Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the system password.
Enable Master Password Lockout Enables or disables the master password support.
Default: OFF.
Custom Mode Key Management Selects the custom values for expert key management.
Default: PK.
Intel SpeedStep Enables or disables the Intel SpeedStep Technology to dynamically adjust
processor voltage and core frequency, decreasing average power consumption
and heat production.
Default: ON.
Intel TurboBoost Technology Enabled or disabled the Intel TurboBoost mode of the processor. If enabled, the
Intel TurboBoost driver increases the performance of the CPU or graphics
processor.
System setup 69
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.
Auto on Time Enables the computer to automatically power on for defined days and times.
Default: Disabled. The system will not automatically power up.
Battery Charge Configuration Enables the computer to run on battery during power usage hours. Use the
below options to prevent AC power usage between certain times of each day.
Default: Adaptive. Battery settings are adaptively optimized based on your
typical battery usage pattern.
Enable Advanced Battery Charge Enables Advanced Battery Charge Configuration from the beginning of the day
Configuration to a specified work period. Advanced Battery Charged maximizes battery
health while still supporting heavy use during the work day.
Default: OFF.
Block Sleep Blocks the computer from entering Sleep (S3) mode in the operating system.
Default: OFF.
NOTE: If enabled, the computer will not go to sleep, Intel Rapid Start will
be disabled automatically, and the operating system power option will be
blank if it was set to Sleep.
Enable USB Wake Support Enables the USB devices to wake the computer from Standby mode.
Default: OFF.
Enable Intel Speed Shift Technology Enables or disables Intel Speed Shift Technology support which enables the
operating system to select the appropriate processor performance
automatically.
Default: ON.
Lid Switch Enables the computer to power up from the off state whenever the lid is
opened.
Default: ON.
70 System setup
Table 13. System setup options—Wireless menu (continued)
Wireless
WLAN Default: ON.
Enable Adapter Warnings Enables the computer to display adapter warning messages during boot.
Default: ON.
Extend BIOS POST Time Configures the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test) load time.
Default: 0 seconds.
Lock Mode Default: Lock Mode Secondary. Lock Mode Secondary = If this option is
selected, the F1-F12 keys scan the code for their secondary functions.
Pull Screen Logo Enabled or disabled the computer to display full screen logo if the image match
screen resolution.
Default: OFF.
Warnings and Errors Selects an action on encountering a warning or error during boot.
Default: Prompt on Warnings and Errors. Stop, prompt and wait for user input
when warnings or errors are detected.
NOTE: Errors deemed critical to the operation of the computer hardware
will always halt the computer.
VT for Direct I/O Enables the computer to perform Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O (VT-
d). VT-d is an Intel method that provides virtualization for memory map I/O.
Default: ON.
System setup 71
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.
NOTE: BIOS recovery is designed to fix the main BIOS block and cannot
work if the Boot Block is damaged. In addition, this feature cannot work in
the event of EC corruption, ME corruption, or a hardware issue. The
recovery image must exist on an unencrypted partition on the drive.
BIOS Auto-Recovery Enables the computer to automatically recover the BIOS without user actions.
This feature requires BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive to be set to Enabled.
Default: OFF.
Start Data Wipe CAUTION: This Secure Wipe Operation will delete information in a
way that it cannot be reconstructed.
If enabled, the BIOS will queue up a data wipe cycle for storage devices that
are connected to the motherboard on the next reboot.
Default: OFF.
Allow BIOS Downgrade Controls flashing of the system firmware to previous revisions.
Default: ON.
SupportAssist operating system Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist operating system Recovery
tool in the even of certain system errors.
Default: ON.
72 System setup
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.
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. 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 then click Drivers and Downloads.
The Drivers and Downloads section is displayed.
7. Click Find it myself.
8. Click BIOS to view the BIOS versions.
9. Identify the latest BIOS file and click Download.
10. Select your preferred download method in the Please select your download method below window, and then click
Download File.
The File Download window appears.
11. Click Save to save the file on your computer.
12. Click Run to install the updated BIOS settings on your computer.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Steps
1. Download the BIOS update .exe file to another computer.
2. Copy the .exe file onto the bootable USB flash drive.
System setup 73
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.
NOTE: Only systems with BIOS Flash Update option in the F12 One-Time Boot Menu can use this function.
74 System setup
● 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. Power on the system and press the F12 key to access the One-Time Boot Menu, Highlight BIOS Update using the mouse or
arrow keys then press Enter.
3. The flash BIOS menu will open, and then click the Flash from file.
System setup 75
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.
76 System setup
7. Once complete, the system will reboot and the BIOS update process is completed.
You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.
The Security screen is displayed.
2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.
System setup 77
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. Press Y to save the changes.
The computer restarts.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, update, or delete the existing system password, and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, update, or delete the existing setup password, and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted. If you delete the
System and/or Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.
CAUTION: Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer.
Steps
1. Remove the base cover.
2. Remove the coin-cell battery.
3. Wait for one minute.
4. Install the coin-cell battery.
5. Install the base cover.
78 System setup
NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying
Windows or your application.
System setup 79
5
Troubleshooting
SupportAssist diagnostics
About this task
The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The
SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set
of options for particular devices or device groups. It allows you to:
● Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode.
● Repeat tests
● Display or save test results
● Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options and provide extra information about the failed device(s)
● View status messages that indicate if the tests are completed successfully
● View error messages that indicate if problems were encountered during the test
NOTE: Some tests are meant for specific devices and require user interaction. Ensure that you are present in front of the
computer when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check.
80 Troubleshooting
Table 20. Functions (continued)
M-BIST L-BIST
Trigger Press the <M> key and the power Integrated into the single LED error code
button. 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 Indicates a problem with the system
board. board.
Steps
1. Press and hold both the M key and the power button to initiate M-BIST.
2. The battery-status light illuminates in amber when there is a failure with the system board.
3. Replace the system board to fix the issue.
NOTE: The battery status LED will not illuminate if there is no failure present with the system board. If further
troubleshooting is required, proceed with the applicable Guided Resolution for No Power/No POST, etc.
Next steps
L-BIST (LCD Power Rail Test) is an enhancement to the single LED error code diagnostics and is automatically initiated
during POST. L-BIST isolates if the LCD is receiving power from the system board. L-BIST checks if the system board is
supplying power to the LCD by performing an LCD Power Rail test. If there is no power going to the LCD, the battery status
LED flashes a [2,8] LED error code.
Troubleshooting 81
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.
Outcome
About this task
The following table shows the outcome of running different types of BIST.
82 Troubleshooting
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.
Troubleshooting 83
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. Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
8. The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support.
3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.
84 Troubleshooting
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.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.
4. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
5. Install the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.
6. Install the base cover.
7. Turn on your computer.
Troubleshooting 85
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:
Tips
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or
learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for
documents. your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service
Code at www.dell.com/support.
For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your
computer, see Locate the Service Tag for your Dell Laptop.
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice,
packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.