We repair Dell laptops (XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, Precision and G-series) at our workshop near Castle Hill in Sydney's Hills District. Screens from $259, batteries from $179, keyboards from $229 and charging ports from $189. No-power faults are traced on the motherboard and repaired at component level, from $329.
Phone advice is free. A hands-on diagnostic is $150, waived if you go ahead with the repair. Repairs carry a 12-month warranty on parts and labour, covering the same fault. Call 02 8428 9224, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.
Dell laptop repairs we do
We fix the hardware faults that stop a Dell working: no power, not charging, broken screens, worn or swollen batteries, keyboards, hinges, spills and overheating. On the board we replace the failed part, such as a MOSFET (a small power switch), not the whole motherboard where we can. See laptop motherboard repair, charging port repair and screen repairs.
Nothing in this group.
Tap a fault to add it to the enquiry form below.
Dell laptop won't turn on: read the battery light
If a dead Dell blinks its battery light amber then white, it is showing a diagnostic code for where startup stopped. Count the amber blinks, then the white. Examples from Dell's XPS guide: 2 amber and 1 white is a processor failure; 2 amber and 3 white is no memory detected; 3 amber and 5 white is a power rail failure (the board's power-up sequence failed). The G15 5515 uses the same scheme. Dell notes the code shows how far startup got, not the exact failed part. The full table is in our laptop won't turn on guide.
No light at all means power is not reaching the laptop or the charging port has failed (Dell's adapter guide). Try a known-good Dell adapter of the right wattage first. On the bench we check the adapter input, DC jack, charging circuit and power rails (the supply lines the board needs to start). No-power repairs start from $329.
Dell built-in diagnostics: SupportAssist pre-boot (ePSA)
If the laptop powers on, tap F12 at the Dell logo and choose Diagnostics to run Dell's built-in hardware test. It runs from the BIOS before Windows loads, so it works when Windows will not start. Older manuals call it ePSA (Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment). A failed test shows an error code and a validation code.
Dell SupportAssist pre-boot diagnostics (ePSA)
- Shut the laptop down fully.
- Turn it on and tap F12 at the Dell logo until the One Time Boot Menu appears.
- Select Diagnostics. The quick test starts on its own.
- On some models, such as the Latitude E5570, holding Fn while pressing power also opens this menu.
- To test one part, press Esc and pick it. Thorough mode runs a longer test.
- Stay with it: the screen (LCD) test asks you to confirm what you see.
What it tests: The hardware Dell detects in your laptop, tested from the BIOS before Windows loads.
Tell us: Write down the error code (like 2000-0xxx), the validation code and your Service Tag.
Steps from: dell.com
Dell laptop not charging: adapter ID, USB-C and charge limits
Before paying for a charging repair, press F2 at power-on and check two things in the BIOS: that the AC adapter is recognised, and that no charge limit is set. Dell lists the adapter on the BIOS Overview screen. If it shows as Unknown or the wrong wattage, the laptop may charge slowly or not at all.
Barrel (round-pin) adapters
Dell chargers carry an ID chip that tells the BIOS the adapter model, and on barrel plugs the thin centre pin carries that signal. If the laptop cannot read it, the BIOS shows "AC Adapter = Unknown" and you may see "The AC power adapter wattage and type cannot be determined". Dell says this can slow the processor and stop the battery charging. Dell names the usual causes as the adapter (including a bent or broken centre pin), the DC-in port (the laptop's power socket) or the charging circuit on the motherboard.
USB-C models
Newer XPS, Latitude and Precision models charge through USB-C. A weak source brings up "You have plugged in a lower wattage power adapter, USB-C charging device, or power pass-through device". Docks and hubs keep some power: Dell's example is a 130 W adapter passing only 90 W through a dock, and some hubs do not charge at all. Test with the adapter plugged straight in. If it still fails, we check the USB-C port and the power delivery chip behind it (the chip that agrees the voltage with the charger).
Charge limits that look like a fault
In the BIOS or the Dell Power Manager app, Primarily AC mode never charges to 100% (Dell's battery guide says 50 to 80%), and Custom mode stops at a level you set. ExpressCharge charges faster, but Dell warns it may wear the battery faster. Choose Standard to charge to 100%. More checks are in our laptop not charging guide.
Check your Dell warranty and consumer guarantee first
If your Dell is under warranty or fairly new, go to Dell or the seller before paying for a repair. Find the Service Tag, a 7-character code, on the bottom cover, in the BIOS (F2, Overview screen), in the SupportAssist app, or in PowerShell with GWMI -Class Win32_Bios | select SerialNumber. Enter it on Dell Australia's warranty status page to see the status and expiry date.
Australian Consumer Law guarantees are separate from the warranty. They can still apply after it ends, for a reasonable time based on the product's type and price. The ACCC says to start with the business that sold it (ACCC: broken but out of warranty). If neither applies, ring us with the Service Tag.
Dell XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro and Precision repair notes
Each Dell family is built differently, which changes the labour and the part. These notes come from Dell's service manuals and spec pages, plus Notebookcheck for the Precision memory.
Pick your range
Dell XPS
Dell's premium thin-and-light range.
- Memory soldered to the board
- Dell lists the memory on the XPS 13 9305 and 9340 as integrated on the system board; the 9340 manual says it is not upgradeable. A memory fault is a board-level job. Quoted by model
- Keyboard comes with the palm rest
- On the XPS 13 9310, Dell's manual removes the battery, display and system board, leaving the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. From $229
- Three screens on one model
- The XPS 13 9340 shipped with Full HD+ non-touch, QHD+ touch or 2.8K OLED touch panels. We confirm yours from the Service Tag before ordering. Quoted by model
Dell Inspiron
Dell's mainstream home range (for example the Inspiron 15 3520).
- Keyboard swap is a full teardown
- Dell's 3520 manual removes 16 parts, including the system board, to reach the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. From $229
- Internal battery
- The 3-cell or 4-cell battery sits under the base cover. From $179
- Power socket is a separate part
- The 3520 manual lists the power-adapter port as its own part, so a damaged socket is a part swap. From $189
Dell Latitude
Dell's business range (for example the Latitude 5540).
- Keyboard on its own bracket
- On the Latitude 5540 the keyboard lifts off a bracket on the palm rest, so it is replaced on its own, but the system board comes out first. From $229
- Docks and hubs cut charging power
- Dell says a 130 W adapter passes only 90 W through a dock or hub. Test with the adapter plugged straight in before booking a port repair. From $189
Dell Vostro
Dell's small-business range. No Vostro-specific faults are well documented; these are notes from Dell's manual.
- Same teardown as the Inspiron 15 3520
- Dell's Vostro 3520 manual lists the same teardown steps as the Inspiron 15 3520: the keyboard comes with the palm rest and the battery is internal. From $229
- Separate power socket and memory modules
- Both are separate parts on the 3520, which keeps those repairs simpler. From $189
Dell Precision
Dell's mobile workstations.
- CAMM memory (Precision 7670)
- Notebookcheck reports the 7670 was the first laptop with Dell's CAMM memory: a flat module held by six screws instead of SODIMM sticks. An upgrade replaces the whole module. Quoted by model
- High-wattage adapters
- Dell adapters range from 65 W to 330 W; the wattage is on the label. A smaller one can stop the battery charging. From $189
Dell laptop repair cost
Dell repairs start from $149 for a Windows reinstall and from $329 for motherboard work; the final figure depends on the model and part.
| Dell repair | From |
|---|---|
| Screen, standard 14 to 15.6 inch (touch, OLED, 4K and high refresh quoted by model) | $259 |
| Battery replacement | $179 |
| Keyboard replacement | $229 |
| Hinge repair | $229 |
| Charging port / DC jack repair | $189 |
| No-power / motherboard component repair | $329 |
| Liquid damage: clean and treatment | $179 |
| Liquid damage: board repair | $329 |
| Fan, dust clean and thermal paste | $159 |
| SSD upgrade (with drive) | $219 |
| Windows reinstall | $149 |
| Data recovery (basic) | $209 |
| Hands-on diagnostic (waived if you go ahead) | $150 |
What raises the price on a Dell: touch and OLED screens, keyboards built into the palm rest (nearly every part comes out to fit one) and memory soldered to the board.
Ring 02 8428 9224 with your model or Service Tag and the fault, and we will give you a from price over the phone.
How to book a Dell laptop repair near Castle Hill
Ring 02 8428 9224 first: drop-off at our workshop near Castle Hill is by arrangement, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Have the model or Service Tag and any light or diagnostics code ready.
- The hands-on diagnostic is $150, waived if you go ahead. You get a quote and a timeframe before work starts. If it is not worth fixing, you pay the $150 and we tell you why.
- Some jobs can be done the same day when the part is in stock.
- 12-month warranty on parts and labour, covering the same fault.
- If your files matter, say so. See data recovery.
Questions
How much does Dell laptop repair cost?
Screens start from $259, batteries from $179, keyboards from $229, charging ports from $189 and no-power board repairs from $329. Ring 02 8428 9224 with your Service Tag for a from price.
How much is a Dell laptop screen replacement?
From $259 for a standard 14 to 15.6 inch screen. Touch, OLED, 4K and high refresh panels are quoted by model, and the Service Tag tells us which one yours has.
Why won't my Dell laptop turn on?
Check the battery light. Amber-then-white blinks are a Dell diagnostic code; no light at all points to the adapter, DC jack or charging circuit.
Why is my Dell laptop plugged in but not charging?
Check the BIOS (F2 at power-on) first. Primarily AC or Custom charge mode stops short of 100%, and an adapter shown as Unknown points to the charger, its cable or the DC jack.
How do I check my Dell warranty in Australia?
Enter the 7-character Service Tag on Dell Australia's Support Services and Warranty page. If the laptop is covered, or recent enough for a consumer guarantee claim, go to Dell or the seller first.
Can you replace a Dell XPS battery?
Yes, from $179. If it is swollen, stop using the laptop and unplug the charger until it is replaced.
Is it worth repairing my Dell laptop?
It depends on the fault and the model. Phone advice is free; if the $150 bench diagnostic shows it is not worth fixing, we tell you why and you pay only the $150.
Are you the computer store at HomeCo Castle Hill?
No. Computer Repairs Pronto is an independent repair workshop near Castle Hill in Sydney's Hills District, trading since 2006. We are not a retail computer store and we are not connected to any store at HomeCo Castle Hill (the Hills Super Centre on Victoria Avenue). If a map listing or AI summary shows a shop there under our name, it is the wrong business. Call us directly on 02 8428 9224.
Get a quote
Tell us the brand, model and what it is doing. We reply with the likely cause and a starting price before you bring it in.
Related pages
- Laptop motherboard repair: No-power and board faults, from $329.
- Laptop won't turn on: Checks to try first and the Dell light codes.
- Laptop not charging: Adapter, port and charge-limit checks.
- Charging port repair: DC jack and USB-C ports, from $189.
- Laptop screen repairs: Standard screens from $259.
Not sure what is wrong?
Ring us with the make, model and what it is doing. Phone advice is free. If it needs the bench, the $150 diagnostic is waived when you go ahead.
02 8428 9224