How to Fix a Dell Computer in Stuck Mode
To preserve battery life or conserve energy, Dell computers enter standby or hibernation mode after a period of inactivity. If the computer is stuck in sleep mode, the basic input/output system. which controls computer hardware, could be defective. In some cases, however, while it might appear as if the computer won't wake up, the monitor might be turned off or the battery might be drained. Before upgrading the BIOS to a new version, perform a few troubleshooting steps to attempt to wake the PC from hibernation or standby.
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Instructions
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Confirm that the AC adapter is connected to the notebook or that the power cable is connected to the desktop. Confirm that the power cord is connected to an electrical outlet.
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Check the front of the computer for a blue light, which indicates that the computer is in sleep mode. If no lights are flashing or illuminated, the computer is off or in hibernation mode.
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Open the lid or press the power button. Move the mouse, touch the touchpad or press a key on the keyboard if the computer fails to wake. Verify that the monitor is turned on.
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Check the battery indicator at the front of the Dell laptop. If the indicator is flashing blue and orange, the battery must cool before it can charge. Wait for the computer to cool; then try to wake the computer again.
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Hold down the power button for 10 seconds if the Dell computer remains stuck in the mode. Press the power button to turn the PC back on.
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Click "Start." Input "msinfo32.exe" or "msinfo32" into the dialog box. Press "Enter."
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Select "System Summary" from the left pane in the System Information window. Check the information next to "BIOS Version/Date" to find the date the BIOS was last updated.
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Go to Dell Support. Click "Drivers Home" from the left pane. Select a model from the options or enter your service tag.
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Select "BIOS" from the "Category" drop-down menu. Find the newest version of the BIOS, which can repair the sleep mode and hibernation mode errors.
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Click "Download." Click "Run" or "Open" to launch the file immediately, or click "Save" or "Save As" to run the file at a later time. Double-click the saved file to launch it.
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Follow the on-screen directions to patch the BIOS and update it to the latest specification. The BIOS update program should require little to no input; you may be required to read and accept the software's terms and agreements or confirm that you want to install the patch. The program will restart the PC automatically when the update is complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't run the BIOS file if the version on the website is the same as the version installed to the Dell computer.
Don't power off the computer or disconnect the power adapter while the BIOS is updating, as it could damage the PC and render it unusable.
