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Article Number: 000129583

How To Troubleshoot No POST, No Power, No Video Issues on a Dell Desktop

Summary: The following article is a step-by-step guide you through how to troubleshoot start up issues with your desktop.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Instructions

If you need help with a laptop, browse to the Dell Technologies Knowledge Base article: How to Troubleshoot a No POST Issue on a Dell Laptop

Table of Contents:

  1. Definitions
  2. No Post issues
  3. No Power issues
  4. No Video issues
  5. No Boot issues
  6. Clear CMOS settings
  7. Beep Codes and Error Messages
  8. Dell Diagnostics
  9. Further Information

Definitions

We can define the four states as follows:

No Power On Self-Test (POST)

Once the Power button is pressed, the desktop goes through a series of internal checks. If any of these checks fail, the desktop does not boot to Windows. The diagnostic Light Emitting Diode (LED)s and or power button LED should illuminate to indicate the problem.

No Power

Once the Power button is pressed, no Diagnostics LEDs illuminate nor does the Power button LED. The desktop does not boot to Windows and there are no signs of power to the desktop, keyboard, or mouse.

No Video

Once the Power button is pressed, the desktop turns on and goes through the POST checks where you may see the Diagnostic LED's illuminate for a short period. The Power button LED and the keyboard LEDs illuminate but there is no sign of video on the display. You may hear Windows login sounds, but the screen is blank.

No Boot

Once the desktop has loaded the Dell splash screen and finished the POST checks, the Dell splash screen goes off and hands over to the Operating System. If the operating system does not start for any reason, this is called a No Boot.

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No Post Issues

The term POST stands for Power-On Self-Test. It is a series of checks the desktop goes through whenever it starts. If the desktop fails any of these tests, it stops the start-up process and reports a fault. This informative YouTube video (English only, not available in China) gives general information about this topic.

Indications of a failed POST include:

  • The desktop displays the Dell logo and does not move past that point, it has probably failed POST.
  • The power light is lit up, and it is amber or orange. This is usually an indicator that it has failed POST.
  • You see text on a black screen. The desktop is performing the POST. Where the desktop stays in that condition and does not move past it, it has probably failed POST.
  • The monitor displays anything at all during the startup process but is now black. This probably indicates that the desktop failed POST.
  • The desktop is beeping, diagnostic LEDs, or Power LEDs are flashing. Note down the pattern in which it beeps or flashes and the colors seen.
  • The desktop does not beep and the Diagnostic LEDs, CAPS, NUM, and Scroll Lock lights are not flashing or lit. Unplug all connections from the desktop and remove all media communication devices. (For example: External monitors.) Reconnect one device at a time and check if the desktop functions.

Try these quick steps to: Recover your computer from a POST or startup issue

Note:

Follow the link below to continue troubleshooting if you have a Laptop or Tablet:

Listed in the table below are a series of errors and suggested troubleshooting. To determine the error on your desktop, consult the diagnostic indicators that are built into your Dell desktop.

Note: The diagnostic LEDs only serve as an indicator of the progress through the POST process. These LEDs do not indicate the problem that caused the POST routine to stop.
Problem Description Suggested Resolution
The desktop is either turned off or not receiving power.
A possible motherboard failure has occurred.
  • Unplug the desktop. Allow one minute for the power to drain. Plug the desktop into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.
  • Reseat all internal cables.
  • Contact us
A possible motherboard, power supply (PSU), or device failure has occurred.
  • Power off the desktop, but leave the desktop plugged in. Press and hold the test button on the rear of the power supply unit. If the LED next to the switch illuminates, contact us.
  • If the LED next to the switch does not illuminate, disconnect all internal and external devices, and press and hold the test button on the PSU. If it illuminates, there could be a problem with a device.
  • If the LED still does not illuminate, remove the PSU connections from the motherboard, then press and hold the power supply button. If it illuminates, contact us.
  • If the LED still does not illuminate, contact us.
  • If available, install a verified working PSU and check if the desktop completes POST.
No CPU present
  • Reinstall the Central Processor Unit (CPU). Restart the desktop. If the desktop still fails to boot, inspect the CPU socket for damage.
  • Install a verified working CPU. If the desktop still fails to boot with the same diagnostic indicators, contact us.
Memory modules are detected, but a memory power failure has occurred.
  • If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules, then reinstall one module and restart the desktop. If the desktop starts up, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error. If only one memory module is installed, try moving it to a different Dual Inline memory module (DIMM) connector and restart the desktop.
  • If available, install verified working memory of the same type into your desktop. (See our How to Diagnose and Resolve Common Memory Issues on a Dell Desktop article for more memory support.)
A possible CPU or motherboard failure has occurred.
  • Replace the CPU with a known good CPU. If the desktop still fails to boot, inspect the CPU socket for damage.
  • If the desktop still fails to boot with the same diagnostic indicators, contact us.
BIOS may be corrupt or missing.
  • The desktop hardware is operating, but the BIOS may be corrupt or missing.
  • Download the current BIOS version from our Support site.
A possible motherboard failure has occurred.
  • Remove all device cards from the Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) and PCI-E slots and restart the desktop. If the desktop boots, add the device cards back one by one until you find the faulty one.
Power connector not installed properly.
  • Reseat the 2x2 power connector from the power supply unit.
  • If the desktop still does not boot, check the pins on both the power supply cable and the pins on the Motherboard for damage.
Possible device card or motherboard failure has occurred.
  • Remove all device cards from the PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the desktop. If the desktop boots, add the device cards back one by one until you find the faulty one.
A possible motherboard failure has occurred.
  • Disconnect all internal and external devices, and restart the desktop. If the desktop, add the device cards back one by one until you find the faulty one.
  • If the problem persists, contact us.
A possible battery failure has occurred on the coin-cell battery.
  • Remove the coin-cell battery for one minute, reinstall the battery, and restart.
  • If the desktop still does not POST after this, contact us.
The desktop is in a normal on condition.
The diagnostic lights are not lit after the desktop successfully boots to the operating system.
  • Ensure that the display is connected and turned on.
  • If there is no display, see the No Video Troubleshooting below.
A possible processor failure has occurred.
  • Reseat the processor.
  • Install a verified working processor of the same type.
  • If the desktop still fails to boot with the same diagnostic indicators, contact us.
Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
  • If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see your service manual), then reinstall one module (see your service manual and restart the desktop. If the desktop starts up continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
  • If available, install working memory of the same type into your desktop. (See our How to Diagnose and Resolve Common Memory Issues on a Dell Desktop article for more support with this.)
A possible graphics card failure has occurred.
  • Reseat any installed graphics cards.
  • If available, install a verified working graphics card into your desktop.
A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred.
  • Reseat all power and data cables.
  • If available, replace cables with verified working cables.
  • If the issue persists, replace the Floppy Drive or Hard Drive with a verified working unit.
A possible USB failure has occurred.
  • Reinstall all USB devices, and check all cable connections.
No memory modules are detected.
  • If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see your service manual), then reinstall one module (see your service manual) and restart the desktop. If the desktop starts up continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
  • If available, install working memory of the same type into your desktop. (See our How to Diagnose and Resolve Common Memory Issues on a Dell Desktop article for more information.)
Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error has occurred. 
A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
  • Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting the desktop.
  • If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, then remove a different card and restart the desktop.
  • Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the desktop starts up, troubleshoot the last card that is removed from the desktop for resource conflicts.
A possible motherboard resource or hardware failure has occurred.
  • Clear CMOS
  • Disconnect all internal and external devices, and restart the desktop. If the desktop boots, add the device cards back one by one until you find the faulty one.
  • If the problem persists, contact us.
Another failure has occurred.
  • Ensure that all hard drive and optical drive cables are properly connected to the motherboard.
  • If there is an error message on the screen identifying a problem with a device, check the device to ensure it is functioning properly. (For example: The floppy drive or hard drive.)
  • If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device, check the setup to ensure that the boot sequence is correct for the devices that are installed on your desktop.

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No Power Issues

Desktops have a power light that glows when it is receiving power.

The front panel of the desktop case has an LED near or in the power button.

Try these quick steps: Recover your Dell computer from a power issue

Use the following steps to resolve a desktop no-power situation:

  1. Try a different wall outlet, and power the desktop on.

  2. Reseat the power cable which is connected to the Power Supply of the desktop and turn it on.

  3. Swap the power cable of the Monitor with the desktops power cable and turn it on.

  4. Check the power supply unit (PSU). To verify if the power supply unit of the Dell desktop is working, see the following Dell Technologies knowledge base article: How to Run a Power Supply Unit Self-Test On a Dell Desktop or All-in-One Computer 

Identifying desktop startup issues - No POST

Duration: 01:15
Closed captions: Subtitles are available in English only.

For more information about Desktop No Power Issues, check out this links page:

The table lists errors and suggested troubleshooting for that error. To determine the error on your desktop, consult the diagnostic indicators that are built into your Dell desktop. You can find guides to these indicators on the articles listed below:

Note: The diagnostic LEDs only serve as an indicator of the progress through the POST process. These LEDs do not indicate the problem that caused the POST routine to stop.
Problem Description Suggested Resolution
The desktop is either turned off or not receiving power.
  • Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the desktop and the electrical outlet.
  • Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the desktop turns on properly.
  • Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on.
  • Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device.
  • Use a verified working Power cable.
  • Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the motherboard.
  • All power supply units include a self-test ability in an isolation mode. A test button and LED are on the side of the unit where the AC plug is located. Ensure that the power cable is connected to the supply and press the test button to test the PSU.
  • If the PSU LED does not illuminate, remove the PSU cables from the motherboard and test again. If the LED still does not illuminate when the test button is pressed, contact us.
  • If after removing the cables from the motherboard and the PSU LED illuminates, one of the attached devices or components could be faulty. Remove all attached components, reattach the PSU cables and using the PSU test button, install each component individually to test.
  • Install a verified working PSU.

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No Video issues

The power indicators are lit but there is no video seen on the desktop's display during the startup process. It indicates a No Video issue.

If your monitor has a power supply, ensure that the monitor has a power light showing that it is turned on.

Try these quick steps: Resolve video issues on a Dell computer

Troubleshoot a No Video issue by clicking the following link:

The following table gives both an error and the suggested troubleshooting for that error. To know what the error is on your desktop, you must consult the diagnostic indicators that are built into your Dell desktop. You can find guides to these indicators on the articles listed below:

NOTE: The diagnostic LEDs only serve as an indicator of the progress through the POST process. These LEDs do not indicate the problem that caused the POST routine to stop.
Problem Description Suggested Resolution
The desktop is in a normal on condition.
The diagnostic lights are not lit after the desktop successfully boots to the operating system but there is no display showing.
  • Ensure that the display is connected to the correct port and turned on.
  • Ensure that the display data cable is not damaged and replace if necessary.
  • Ensure that the correct Input Source on the display is correctly selected.
  • Remove the data cable from the desktop. A Self-Test box should appear on the display.
  • If the Self-Test box does not appear on the display, replace the display with a verified working unit.
  • If there is still no display showing, check if the video was shown during the POST routine.
  • If video was shown during POST, the display or graphics driver could be the cause.
  • Restart the desktop into Safe Mode. To load Safe Mode, see: How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11 or Windows 10
  • This loads the Advanced Boot Menu. Select Safe Mode. Install the current versions of the display and graphics card drivers. Restart the desktop and check for video.
  • If available, replace the graphics card with a verified working card.
  • If both graphics card and monitor work ok on another desktop, then contact us.

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No Boot Issues

After the desktop completes the Power-On Self-Test, it attempts to boot the operating system.

If it advances past the Dell logo screen and then stops responding attempting to load the operating system, it is most likely a No Boot issue.

Troubleshoot further on the links below:

Choose the article appropriate to your Operating System (OS):

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Clear CMOS Settings

The Real-time-clock Reset (RTCRST) jumper allows you to clear Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). The NVRAM is cleared when the jumper is closed. (You can use the jumper from the password bridge.) Remember that it is always best practice to remove the power cable from the desktop before opening the lid or access panel and going inside. AC power must be applied to the desktop for about 10 seconds while the jumper is closed to properly clear the CMOS. (This does not necessarily mean turning the desktop on, putting power across the motherboard is enough.) Go to How to Perform a BIOS or CMOS Reset and Clear the NVRAM on Dell Computers for visual guides to this process.

Pins 1-2 shorted clears NVRAM.

Warning: Resetting the CMOS on this platform clears the Management Engine BIOS Extension (MEBx) settings including the MEBx password and all configured settings.

  1. Disconnect the external power from the desktop.

  2. Remove the desktop cover.

  3. Locate the 2-pin password connector (PSWD) on the motherboard.

  4. Remove the 2-pin jumper plug.

  5. Locate the 2-pin CMOS jumper RTCRST on the motherboard.

  6. Move the 2-pin jumper plug from the PSWD pins onto the RTCRST pins for approximately 5 secs.

  7. Return the 2-pin jumper plug to the PSWD pins.

  8. Replace the desktop cover.

  9. Connect your desktop to main power again, and turn it on.

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Beep Codes and Error Messages

The desktop might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the display cannot show errors or problems. This series of beeps called a beep code, can be used to help identify various problems.

See the following article: Understanding Beep Codes on a Dell Desktop Personal Computer

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Dell Diagnostics

Dell Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA)s have been improved to streamline the entire diagnostic process.

Note: These diagnostics have been included on many, but not ALL Desktops.

During the boot process, the ePSAs can be accessed from a cold boot. Press the power button ON and repeatedly press the F12 key until the BIOS Boot Menu appears on the screen.

Use the keyboard up and down arrow keys to select Diagnostics on the menu and press the Enter key. The ePSA begins by checking an area in system memory to ensure it is safe and then loads itself into the verified memory area. Then automatically begins high-level algorithms on all system memory to ensure integrity. It next creates a graphical menu listing all discovered devices in the desktop.

Note: For further information about ePSA Diagnostics, check out:

Here are some things to remember when running the ePSA Diagnostics:

  • While the tests are running, the pointer (mouse or touchpad) is disabled. To exit the tests, press ESC.
  • The version number of the ePSA Diagnostics is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen.
  • The activity indicators (bars) that appear during the memory tests are not used as an indication of progress. They show the location of the memory being tested.
  • Any errors along with the error code are displayed on the right side of the screen under the Results Window. A message also appears if a test fails.

Diagnose Hardware Issues

Duration: 01:34
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.

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Further Information

These four issues are the most common reasons why you would troubleshoot a problem outside of your Operating System.

They break down into three outcomes:

  1. You identify a hardware issue that reseating does not resolve and contact us to arrange a repair.

  2. You identify a software issue and either resolve the issue or contact us for a resolution:

  3. Going through the troubleshooting results in fixing the fault, without a clear reason why:

How to contact us on Twitter

Duration: 01:36
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.

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Additional Information

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

Battery SLN153751_en_US__8Power(1) Browse to our Battery and Power site for additional resources and information

Monitors More information and support for your Dell monitor, laptop, or tablet screen can be found on our Monitor Support site.

Out of Warranty support Out of warranty? That is not a problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.

Note: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and China personal computer customers. (Server and Storage products are not applicable.)

Article Properties

Affected Product

Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, G Series, Fixed Workstations

Product

XPS

Last Published Date

02 May 2024

Version

15

Article Type

How To

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