This does NOT affect files. We power off, remove the charger and the big battery then press and hold the power button for 60 seconds. Release, slip in the battery apply power and test.
If the Dell splash does not show, it's a hardware issue.
Try an external monitor as well and see if the Dell Fkey to clone the display (varies with model so as you have owned this for years, you know this) and see if it's a display failure.
Can you help me please, my computer crashed suddenly and I switched it off using the laptops off button. When I went to switch it back on again, all I get is a black screen. The laptop power is fine, as there is a light on the side which comes on and the fan is rotating, but I can't move from this black screen
Firstly, what are the steps I need to carry out on how to determine if this is a software issue or a hardware issue, and what advice can you give to fix this problem
Secondly (god forbid), is my documents and other files safe in the laptop's hard-drive.
I look forward to your help, thanks, Chris
(Edit) I have a Dell laptop, Inspiron , about 4 years old. Windows 10

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