This is a Dell office laptop that my mom needs to return for work tomorrow. I've been using it for a few weeks and only installed a few apps. While I was preparing to transfer pictures over USB, I briefly tried to insert the USB device into the HDMI port. It didn't fit, but the screen suddenly went black. I've held the power button down for 30–60 seconds and tried charging it, but it still won't power on. What should I check before sending it back?
3 Answers
Since it’s a Dell, try tapping F12 repeatedly immediately after pressing the power button. That may open the boot menu or built-in diagnostics. If there’s no response at all—not even LEDs or fan activity—the issue is probably power-related or a hardware failure rather than malware. Since it’s a work machine, it’s best to tell your mom and let her company’s IT department handle the repair instead of opening it further.
The USB device probably didn’t damage anything just by being near the HDMI port, especially since it didn’t fit. A sudden black screen followed by no power could involve the charger, battery, motherboard, display cable, or screen. Dell may need to replace a display assembly or internal cable, so document what happened and return it to the company’s IT support rather than trying a risky repair yourself.
First, connect the charger and leave it plugged in for a while in case the battery is completely drained. Then try powering it on while watching for any lights, fan noise, keyboard backlight, or other signs of activity. If it starts but the display stays black, connect an external monitor to help determine whether the laptop screen or its video cable is faulty.
I tried charging it and turning it on, but there are still no signs of power. I also couldn’t get anything on an external display.