Manufacturer and model directory
Dell computer model troubleshooting
Dell computer troubleshooting covers 8 model families: Dell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware), XPS 14 9440, XPS 16 9640, Inspiron 16 5640, Latitude 5450, Precision 5690 and 2 more. Choose the complete Dell model family before opening a fix, and read the model number off your label first.
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38 complete records in this directoryDell Alienware m16 R2 will not turn on or start
Open record Dell · slowDell Inspiron 16 5640 is running very slowly
Open record Dell · stuck startupDell Inspiron 16 5640 is stuck at startup, automatic repair or recovery
Open record Dell · overheatingDell Inspiron 16 5640 runs hot or the fan is loud
Open record Dell · battery drainDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) battery drains too quickly
Open record Dell · BluetoothDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) Bluetooth is missing, will not pair or disconnects
Open record Dell · cameraDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) camera or microphone is not working in calls
Open record Dell · external monitorDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) external monitor is not detected or uses the wrong resolution
Open record Dell · slowDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) is running very slowly
Open record Dell · stuck startupDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) is stuck at startup, automatic repair or recovery
Open record Dell · keyboardDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) keyboard or trackpad is not working correctly
Open record Dell · update failedDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) operating-system update will not install
Open record Dell · overheatingDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) runs hot or the fan is loud
Open record Dell · black screenDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) screen is black, blank or flickering
Open record Dell · storage fullDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) storage is full or nearly full
Open record Dell · USB not recognizedDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) USB or Thunderbolt device is not recognized
Open record Dell · not chargingDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) will not charge
Open record Dell · Wi-FiDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting
Open record Dell · won't startDell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) will not turn on or start
Open record Dell · BluetoothDell Latitude 5450 Bluetooth is missing, will not pair or disconnects
Open record Dell · won't startDell Latitude 5450 will not turn on or start
Open record Dell · BluetoothDell OptiPlex 7020 Bluetooth is missing, will not pair or disconnects
Open record Dell · slowDell OptiPlex 7020 is running very slowly
Open record Dell · won't startDell OptiPlex 7020 will not turn on or start
Open record Dell · battery drainDell Precision 5690 battery drains too quickly
Open record Dell · slowDell Precision 5690 is running very slowly
Open record Dell · stuck startupDell Precision 5690 is stuck at startup, automatic repair or recovery
Open record Dell · black screenDell Precision 5690 screen is black, blank or flickering
Open record Dell · storage fullDell Precision 5690 storage is full or nearly full
Open record Dell · USB not recognizedDell Precision 5690 USB or Thunderbolt device is not recognized
Open record Dell · not chargingDell Precision 5690 will not charge
Open record Dell · Wi-FiDell Precision 5690 will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting
Open record Dell · won't startDell Precision 5690 will not turn on or start
Open record Dell · cameraDell XPS 14 9440 camera or microphone is not working in calls
Open record Dell · external monitorDell XPS 14 9440 external monitor is not detected or uses the wrong resolution
Open record Dell · USB not recognizedDell XPS 14 9440 USB or Thunderbolt device is not recognized
Open record Dell · won't startDell XPS 14 9440 will not turn on or start
Open record Dell · USB not recognizedDell XPS 16 9640 USB or Thunderbolt device is not recognized
Open recordFind your model
Model numbers covered, and where each one's answers are
Match the identifier on your appliance or device label to a row below. Dell answers here cover these model numbers.
| Family | Model numbers | Published specs |
|---|---|---|
| Dell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision and Alienware) | XPS 13 9340, XPS 14 9440, XPS 16 9640, Inspiron 14 5440, Inspiron 16 5640, Latitude 5450 and 7450, Precision 5690 and Alienware m16 R2; also Latitude 7450 (Latitude 7450) | 9 researched |
| XPS 14 9440 | XPS 14 9440 | 4 researched |
| XPS 16 9640 | XPS 16 9640 | 4 researched |
| Inspiron 16 5640 | Inspiron 16 5640 | 4 researched |
| Latitude 5450 | Latitude 5450 | 4 researched |
| Precision 5690 | Precision 5690 | 4 researched |
| Alienware m16 R2 | Alienware m16 R2 | 4 researched |
| OptiPlex 7020 | OptiPlex 7020 | 4 researched |
Troubleshooting a Dell laptop or desktop
Dell machines have the SupportAssist tool for diagnostics, updates and a built-in preboot test: press F12 at the Dell logo for the boot menu, where Diagnostics runs a hardware check, and F2 opens BIOS Setup. The Service Tag, a seven-character code on the underside or the back, identifies the exact configuration and is what Dell support asks for. Battery and charger faults often show as a blinking LED code on the front of the laptop, which the manual lists.
Dell business lines such as Latitude and OptiPlex also use drivers and firmware from Dell's support site for the Service Tag you enter.
Dell laptops and desktops carry a Service Tag, a short code on the base or the back, that identifies the exact configuration and lets you download the right drivers and BIOS from Dell's support site. Many faults follow a driver or BIOS update, so check Dell's page for your Service Tag, and use SupportAssist or Dell Command Update to find pending updates.
Dell's pre-boot diagnostics, started by pressing F12 at the logo and choosing Diagnostics, test memory, drive and other hardware and give an error code that Dell support can look up. For battery and charger problems, check that the charger wattage matches the laptop and that the charger light is on. Dell business desktops such as the OptiPlex may ship without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so check the configuration.
Where is the Service Tag on a Dell?
On a sticker on the bottom of a laptop or the back or side of a desktop, and in the BIOS and Windows system information.