Pui Yee,

Randomly restarting laptop can be either a software or a hardware issue. I recommend you to run 'hardware diagnostics' to check 'hardware functionality'. If the 'hardware diagnostic test' passes successfully, you may restore factory default settings/re-install Windows to fix 'software related issues'.

Use the following steps to run 'Diagnostics' on the machine:
- Power off the laptop
- Power it back on and at 'Dell splash screen' repeatedly tap < F12 > (If Windows logo appears, repeat the steps)
- Highlight 'Diagnostics' and tap < Enter >
- Capture error message(s) if any
Note: You may refer to this web page for more details on Dell Diagnostics: PSA (Pre-boot System Assessment)

If the 'Diagnostics' pass, you may want to explore the 'software restore' options available: Restore options for Dell Computers

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions. Glad to assist.

Hi wee813,

Laptop may auto-restart due to a hardware failure and also due to corrupt/infected software installed on it. Good that you tried replacing the hard drive; it eliminates software as the cause of the issue. On the contrary, system working fine in 'safe mode' indicates the issue as software related. Both steps produce results that look contradictory to each other. Please share some more information in regards to the issue for better understanding:

- When you start the computer, at what stage does the laptop auto restart? Does it restart before reaching the 'Desktop screen' or later? Is there any specific program installed in the laptop that causes the system tor restart?
- Does the laptop exhibit signs of overheating before shutting down?
- Have you tried booting into system setup (BIOS) to see if it restarts in that environment also? If not, please try it. To enter the BIOS, repeatedly tap <F2> at Dell splash screen when you power on the laptop
- Please tell what software' you installed in the replaced hard drive? Did you transfer any data from the old hard drive to the replaced one? Did you install any common programs? If yes, uninstall the program and recheck status.
- Have you tried doing a factory reset/windows re-install to check software corruption is the root of the issue (Note: Factory reset/Windows re-install results in data loss; please back up all personal data on an external media before attempting these tools)

I also recommend you to run 'hardware diagnostic test' on the laptop to verify 'hardware functionality'. You may refer to the steps in my previous post to initiate Dell Diagnostics on the Dell laptop.

Do reply with the findings. I would be glad to assist.

Hi Clovisius,

Please share some more information for better understanding:
- Does your laptop also gets overheated or only the adapter?
- Do you have a battery plugged in? If yes, how old is it? How much is the battery backup time (approximately)?
- If available, try using a known-good adapter to see if that works better; else, re-seat the adapter and power cable to ensure proper connectivity

You may also try the following steps:

1. Use a can of compressed air to clean the laptop vents; please ensure that they are not blocked
2. You may use the steps in my previous post to run 'hardware diagnostics'; it will check the system for any component failures
3. Flash system BIOS to update the main firmware
Note: Before flashing the BIOS please check the following:-
- Battery should have 10% or greater charge
- Adapter should be connected
- No external devices should be connected
- All other programs should be closed and documents saved

- Click Drivers and Downloads to access the 'drivers section' of your Dell laptop
- Enter 'Service Tag' of your laptop and select the 'operating system' installed
- Download the latest 'BIOS' and install (System may produce beep sounds and may restart)

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.

Hi RockStar05,

It appears to be an issue with the 'graphic drivers'. Please check if your laptop was shipped with a 'Discrete Video Card' also; if yes, try updating the 'display drivers' in the following sequence:

1. Integrated graphic drivers
- Click Drivers and Downloads to access 'drivers section' on 'Dell Support Website'
- Enter 'Service Tag' of your system to access all drivers pertinent to your notebook
- Filter 'Search Results' with the 'Operating System' installed
- Expand 'Video' to find 'Graphic Drivers'

2. Discrete graphic drivers
(Note: Few Dell systems may not have 'Discreet Display Solutions'; you may ignore this step in such a case)

3. If the issue persists, try flashing BIOS
- Expand 'BIOS' and install the latest available BIOS for the unit
Note: Before flashing the BIOS please check the following:-
- Battery should have 10% or greater charge; Adapter should be connected; No external devices should be connected; All other programs should be closed and documents saved

If you face any confusion in locating the drivers, please share the exact 'System Model' and 'Operating System' installed; also share the details of 'graphic cards' installed in the system.

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions. I would be glad to assist.

Hi RockStar05,

Thank you for the prompt response; do reply with the results at your convenience.

Glad to assist. Happy Holidays!