I have an older Dell Inspiron 24 that contains files and documents I'd like to recover. It spent quite a long time in storage after a move, and although it previously would not power on at all, it now starts briefly and then shuts off.
I'm using a known-good power adapter with the correct wattage and connector, but the computer reports that a 0 W AC adapter is connected. I've tried two compatible adapters with the same result. I'm wondering whether the issue could be the power port, battery, or some other internal component.
When I press the power button, I hear a faint electronic sound, almost like a DVD drive spinning, before the system powers down. It won't stay on long enough for me to enter the BIOS. What troubleshooting steps should I try to recover the files or possibly get the computer working again?
4 Answers
Some Dell systems let you disable the AC adapter check in the BIOS, which can help when the computer doesn’t recognize the adapter’s identification signal. Since yours shuts down before you can enter setup, though, that option probably won’t be useful until the power problem is addressed.
If the files are the priority, the simplest approach is to remove the internal hard drive and connect it to another computer using a compatible USB drive enclosure or adapter. If the drive itself is still healthy, you should be able to copy the documents without repairing the whole computer.
That was my backup plan, but I wanted to see whether I could get the entire computer working first. I probably make things harder by being stubborn, but I appreciate the suggestion.
If the battery has failed badly, it may interfere with startup on some older systems. Remove or disconnect the battery, plug in the charger, and try powering on with AC only. If that works, the battery can be replaced later; if it doesn’t, the adapter-recognition circuit, charging port, or motherboard may be at fault.
Try a full power reset: disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery if it’s removable, then hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Reconnect only the adapter and try starting it again. This can clear a stuck power-management state.
Unfortunately, it powers off immediately, so I can’t get into the BIOS at the moment.