NOTE: Notice: Before uninstalling any application, be sure to back up any critical data. Then reinstall it and browse to the software vendor's website to update the software to the latest version. If your computer is locking up or stopping responding while using a particular application, try uninstalling the application completely from the computer. Uninstall, Reinstall, and Update Software If you have issues with Windows Update, see How to Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to Identify and Repair Windows Update Issues Allow all updates to install and allow the computer to reboot as necessary.
To check for updates, Click Start, then Settings, then Update & Security.
If the symptoms do not exist in safe mode, the issue is likely related to a driver or software.īe sure that your computer is running with the latest updates for Windows.
If the symptoms exist in safe mode, continue the troubleshooting steps in this article. Open applications and test the computer in safe mode. Use caution when connected to a network or the Internet while your anti-virus is disabled.įor instructions on booting into Safe Mode, see the relevant link for your operating system: NOTE: When you log in to Safe Mode, your anti-virus program is disabled. This allows us to eliminate the software as a possible root cause of the lockups or stops responding. Safe mode prevents non-essential applications and drivers from loading. Learn How to Download and Install Dell Drivers. Try updating each of these drivers individually and then retest the computer to see if the problem continues. You should update your drivers and BIOS in the following order: Be sure to regularly update your drivers to take full advantage of your hardware and software. Often, outdated drivers or BIOS settings cause lockups. To learn more about System File Checker, see How to Run System File Checker in Microsoft Windows You can also use the System File Checker to verify the computer files and folders on your computer. You can Run a Quick Test using SupportAssist.īe sure to regularly run maintenance tasks on your computer to keep it at peak performance. Windows 11 and Windows 10 have integrated computer maintenance and performance tasks, and no action is needed.įor Windows 8, type maintenance at the Start Screen, then select Perform recommended maintenance tasks automatically. If onboard diagnostics and other troubleshooting have not identified the root cause, consider running the Quick Test or Full Scan at Dell personal computer Diagnostics. For information about how to run Diagnostics, and to determine the issue, see How to Run a Preboot Diagnostic Test on a Dell Computer. To determine if your computer is experiencing a hardware problem, run the Dell Preboot System Assessment (PSA) Diagnostics. Search Dell | Search Microsoft | Search Google | Search Bingįor general information about types of error codes, see the Dell Knowledge Base article, Error Codes on Dell Commercial and Consumer products. Use the search engine of your choice to look for your specific issue as Microsoft has detailed information for each: Windows may display an error code that is associated with the shutdown, restart, lockup, or error. If you are unable to identify the issue by reverting recent changes or unplugging devices, you can troubleshoot using the steps that are listed below. If the mouse or keyboard is causing the lockup, go to the Dell Support Library page for Mouse, Keyboard, and Touchpad. Then plug wall power back into the computer and attempt to restart. Once this is completed, unplug the computer from the wall, remove the laptop battery (if applicable) and hold the power button down for approximately 15 seconds. The only devices that you should leave attached to your computer are your monitor, mouse, and keyboard, if the computer is a desktop. Small Media cradles (iPod, PDA, MP3 player, so forth).Try unplugging all devices from your computer, including: A piece of hardware may be causing the lockup.