Why won't my Dell Venue 8 Pro Windows Tablet turn on?

Anonymous
2014-02-04T17:06:49+00:00

I was using my new Dell Venue 8 Pro Windows tablet with 32 GB (I got it this Christmas) when all of a sudden the screen went blank and turned this almost black color, with a slight glow to it. I tried turning it back on, pressing the power button and the Windows button, but it refused to respond. I plugged it into the charger and let it charge overnight, no change whatsoever. The screen still had a slight glow to it and it stayed blank no matter which buttons I pressed. I've tried unplugging it and plugging it in again, no response. The only thing that happens when I plug it into the charger is that the white battery light comes on. I tried plugging it into the computer, no difference. I had been sorting through eBooks in my virtual library on my tablet when the screen went blank on me, could this be a factor? Honestly, I have no idea what the cause for this odd behavior is, if anybody has some hints or ideas as to this problem, please respond to my question. I'm really at my wit's end! Thank you in advance, graceSGZ

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2014-02-05T22:23:50+00:00

Ok, so I searched up a bunch of help articles on the Microsoft site and the Dell site, and I found an online manual for my tablet. I finally got it to turn on by pressing and holding the power button for ten seconds and then another ten seconds. Based on my research, I'm guessing that somehow I managed to shut off the screen on my tablet without turning the tablet itself off, and that I shut it down. Because when I got it to turn back on, it was like I had shut it down, where I had to sign in and everything. Whatever the cause, I'm glad I fixed it, and I hope that if anybody else has this same problem,  my question and how I fixed it will help them too. 

UPDATE: If you're still having trouble, you can try scrolling through the comments; I have posted more detailed instructions in one of the comments. :)

Was this answer helpful?

300+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

147 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-02-01T20:36:47+00:00

    Thanks a bunch.  This did the trick.  The second time I pressed the on button it took only about 4 seconds and it turned on.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-01-28T17:30:47+00:00

    I had the same issues.  Here are some potential solutions.

    1. The original AC adapter has a higher wattage.  For example, AC adapters for iPad won't work with Dell Venue 8 Pro.  (One for Kindle fire worked (5W) for me, but no guarantee!)
    2. As with all other Windows 8/8.1 computers, it takes a few days after purchase to go through all the updates.  While updating, your tablet may act funny.
    3. Long pressing the power buttons (10 sec) may work.  I were able to make it work for several time.  Some people suggest to press the power and Windows buttons together.
      1. There is a way to go into diagnostic mode... I think it was a combination of the power and Windows, but I may be wrong.  I could not find the original site that told me.  (I don't have my tablet with me now so I cannot test.)
    4. You can also run online diagnostic (http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/dell-venue-8-pro/diagnose)

    I did all that, but the problem persisted...  Since I had my Dell Venue 8 Pro only for two weeks, I was ready to return the unit, but I decided to give Dell support a try.  They actually found out that my unit has some issue on its board.  Apparently, the board (or part of it) has been back ordered, and now I am waiting for two week... Something is telling me that many people have the same issue.  ;)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-01-27T22:08:56+00:00

    I tried the 10 second thing and it didn't work my screen is still black

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-01-17T20:19:44+00:00

    Thank you so much!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments