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

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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. :)

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-09-16T15:47:23+00:00

    I'm sorry but this answer sounds like you did not take the time to read the rest of the thread suggesting exactly the same thing: ...."restart". This is what everyone has been doing and it does not solve the problem. 

    From my perspective, a tablet should not be this hard to wake up. I do product testing at my job and every single Dell Venue I receive has this problem. I had a demo unit sent to us last year and it was worse than the ones Dell has in production today, but still they have the wake up problem. I have also tested several MS Surface tablets and not a single one has this wake up problem, although I have to admit Windows 8.1 has it's share of bugs. So I have to point the finger at Dell on this one. They should take a lesson from Apple and Microsoft as I have never seen an iPad or MS Surface that takes a PhD just to wake it up.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-09-16T11:54:11+00:00

    Thank God for your post, gracie! I was so worried. I thought it would not turn back on again. problem fixed.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-09-10T13:31:16+00:00

    Hello Trudy,

    Try to restart the computer, hold the power button for 10 -15 seconds and see if the computer shuts down completely. Once this is done restart the computer and see if you can use the computer efficiently.

    If that doesn't help then try disconnecting the external devices and check if the computer works fine.

    If you are able to boot to the computer then try to get the event logs to help you better.

    Open the link and follow the instructions in to get the event logs so that we can see which application is faulty.

    a) Open Control Panel, Go to System and Security, Click Administrative Tools and select View Event Logs.

    b) Select Window****s Logson the left side of the window.

    c) You will see a number of sub-categories. Selecting any of these categories will bring up a series of event logs in the center of the screen.

    d) Any entries listed as “Error”.

    e) Double click any found errors to investigate.

    f) Here you will be presented with any relevant information regarding your errors. Often this will simply display the error codereported by the error. However, other errors or warnings could provide clues to cause of the issue.

    (Also applies to Windows 8.1)

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-information-appears-in-event-logs-Event-Viewer

    Additional Information:

    Troubleshoot problems waking computer from sleep mode

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/266283

    Note: Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

    Hope this helps. Otherwise, feel free to write us back for further assistance and we will be glad to help you ahead.

    Thank you

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-09-08T16:12:39+00:00

    I have the same problem.  It has been three days now and I am unable to wake up my Venue 8 Pro.

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