Dell Laptop Microphone Not Working

 My Dell Laptop microphone apparently suddenly stopped working. I tried all sorts of troubleshooting without success. Then I came across a fix on a Microsoft support page that suggested  -  I  make sure apps have access to the microphone! This is something that is likely to happen after updating Windows 11. The suggested fix...

Select Start > Settings> Privacy & Security> Microphone and make sure Microphone access is turned on.

It's as simple as that.

Dell Monitor Power Button Failure

The power (on/off) button on my Dell 2407 WFP-HC monitor failed, fortunately in the ON position. Despite the monitor being about 8 years old it works perfectly well and I had no intentions of trashing it, so was it fixable? Lo and behold first Google search result was a YouTube video, in 4 parts, of how to repair the power button on a Dell 2407 WFP monitor by thinkofwhy.

I would advise watching all 4 videos before starting. Watch out where he mentions removing the stand and rear cover in part 4.  Removing the rear cover will make the removal of the circuit board that holds the switches much easier and its replacement. It is important to replace the button in the correct orientation, that is with the line vertical. Before I got to dismantling my monitor I discovered that if I used a blob of Blue Tack pressed on the button and turned the button to the correct orientation I could operate the button.

The problem is if your button fails in the OFF position you will not be able to watch these videos.  From the number of comments on the video's this is a common problem with this and other Dell monitors so even if yours is working ok check these instructions out before it is too late.

Part 1       

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4