When turning on my Dell Inspiron lap top, It starts with the dell and Inspiron bit and then the screen goes black. The lap top is just over a year old and we have never experienced any problems with it at all, it was working fine last night and I logged off correctly and then this morning it is just a blank/black screen.

if you do not even see the bios bootup screen then likeley either the light pack or the video card on the laptop is dead

If the battery is good, mine died after 4 years, check the settings in Power Options, look for dim when on battery power. Increase the % to Max or 100%. see what happens. Still have problem consider replacing Battery.

More battery tips for you:sony laptop battery apple laptop akku

Usually what happens with my Dell Inspiron desktop, even on safe mode it goes to the logon screen. I have never experienced that with my Dell Inspiron 1318. When you log in and it shows you the black screen, try pressing the function buttons. Try F8 or F12. You should be able to start the computer in Safe Mode. If possible, enter Safe Mode with Networking so that you are able to search the web. If you don't mind me asking, why is it that you need safe mode? Is it a virus?

• Start -> Run -> cmd.exe
• Then type the following "net stop messenger" after which you'll see "messenger service is stopping".

To start it again for any reason open the command prompt again (Start -> Run -> cmd.exe) and type "net start messenger"
Now you can be assured that your world will become silent. No more pop-up black screens.

if it works fine in safe mode you should try a system restore . most of the time a problem that gos away in safe mode is driver related . IE software don't think you have a hard ware issue. you can call dell if you do not have the disk . 1-866-751-6079 call this number it's dell's Spanish tech support number but this is the fastest way to reach a real person at dell . just ask them to speak English and they will.

As it works ok in safe mode, I suggest you check that your graphics drivers are up to date.

You should be able to download the latest from the Dell website.

Have you tried this:
1. After removing the battery
2. Press and hold the power button for at least 10 sec.
3. Put back the battery
4. Turn it on

if this doesnt work, there could be a problem with your operating system. Try accessing safe mode if you can login .TAP F8 continously on the dell logo screen, and it will open advance boot options. (Just select safe mode) If safe mode boots properly try running system restore to restore it back to the previous date where your computer is still booting to windows. Hope this helps

Press and hold the "Ctrl" and "F11" keys simultaneously when the Dell splash screen appears. The "Dell PC Restore by Symantec" window will appear. Click "Restore."
Just make sure you have saved all your data before doing that.

Just a possibility but have you tried downloading this from the manufacturers website this being Dell? If not then try that to see if it works.
good luck