1 Rookie
•
5 Posts
0
2610
January 13th, 2022 08:00
Black screen with no Dell Logo after switch from Legacy Boot
After switching to secure boot with my OptiPlex 9010 (because I wanted to try it out with Linux), I have been unable boot or even see the splash screen. This appears similar to this issue (dell optiplex 7010 bios screen will not show - Dell Community) and I left a reply there also.
I followed the advice of several threads of these forums to try to reset the RTC battery, including using the reset jumper pin, removing the battery for 30 seconds while the computer was unplugged and pressing the power button, and leaving the battery out and computer unplugged overnight. I also bought a new battery to replace the old one. I have unplugged all hard disk SATA cables.
When I turn the power on, it seems to do something. The Num/Screen/Caps Lock buttons work and Ctl-Alt-Del reboots the machine. I don't have a GPU card. I currently have a monitor plugged into the DisplayPort, as there are two of these, no HMDI, and one VGA connector. I currently don't have a VGA monitor. There is no internal speaker plugged in, so I don't know whether there are any system error beeps happening. I don't see any amber flashing patterns.
Is it possible that only the VGA is active during this moment? Is there any sequence that can enable some other diagnostic? Or is the machine just bricked?
Thanks in advance!
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.6K Posts
0
January 13th, 2022 08:00
Re: I currently have a monitor plugged into the DisplayPort
that is most likely reason you have black screen during POST. only the most basic VGA is giving video at the initial stage of POST. it requires least amount of firmware. analog only. no digital video. for diagnosing POST issue always use VGA when possible.
Re: I currently don't have a VGA monitor
though old fashioned they are handy when you need one. keep one around if you can. you can often find a free 17" one locally that owner does not want any more.
cbosco76
1 Rookie
•
5 Posts
0
January 13th, 2022 09:00
I ordered a VGA -> HDMI adapter cable. I'll give that a shot when it arrives.
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.6K Posts
0
January 13th, 2022 10:00
Unfortunately, VGA output -> HDMI cable would probably not work. HDMI output to VGA works w just a cable. VGA to HDMI needs a more complicated converter.
"to understand the VGA output to HDMI cable. This type of converter will not connect a VGA source to an HDMI display monitor since VGA sources receive analog signals as opposed to HDMI sources receiving digital ones.
Using a cable for transmission will only cause a passive connection since either device won’t read the signals. That is why you require an actual conversion to allow connection between the systems."
VGA to HDMI - The Ultimate Guide on How to Achieve the Best Conversion
cbosco76
1 Rookie
•
5 Posts
0
January 13th, 2022 11:00
Yes, this is an active cable that consumes power w/ a USB plug. At least according to Amazon, it's designed for this direction. Hopefully it works! Thanks for the heads up.
cbosco76
1 Rookie
•
5 Posts
0
January 15th, 2022 12:00
The VGA input to HDMI output device ($17 on Amazon) worked. I was able to disable secure boot and get my PC working again. The adapter will be handy if I ever need a VGA connection again. Thanks for the help!
user_de58c3
1 Rookie
•
2 Posts
0
September 25th, 2025 20:48
I have the exact same problem on my Precision tower 5810.the only difference is that I enabled secure boot and disabled legacy ROM. I don't have integrated graphics, and I already tried vga from my gpu to my monitor. Still nothing. The computer is still alive under the black screen