Dell XPS 420 amber light troubleshooting NEED HELP!

Blinking amber power button is usually either a power supply problem or possibly a motherboard issue.

If you use a power strip or surge protector, remove those. With the PC off and unplugged, press/hold power button for ~15 sec. Reconnect PC directly to the wall outlet and see if it boots now.

This is what the manual (page 70) says about blinking amber:

• IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER —
• The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem may exist.
• Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).
• Ensure that all components and cables are properly installed and securely connected to the system board (see "System Board Components"

You can find instructions in the manual to reseat all the cables between motherboard and components. Also reseat the RAM modules and PCI cards in their slots too.

NOTE: DELL FORUMS WILL BE UNDERGOING SITE MAINTENANCE, AUG 21 - AUG 23. USERS WILL BE ABLE TO SEARCH AND READ THE FORUMS BUT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LOG IN OR MAKE NEW POSTS DURING THIS PERIOD.

Hi Chris,

You may check if the power supply is fine by using the integrated tester on the PSU.

To check if the PSU on your system model has integrated tester, see if an LED and a button are integrated into the back of the power supply. If yes, try the below steps:

• Ensure the power cord is plugged into the system.
• Press and hold the button located near the LED on the power supply.

If the LED is solid green while you hold the button down, then the test has passed, indicating a Power Good status. If the LED does not light up at all, then the test has failed, indicating a Power Bad status.

You may run the test individually on the power supply by disconnecting the power cables from the system board and all internal devices. Plug the power to the power supply and run the test.

If the power supply is fine, reattach each device one at a time and run the test individually again.

If the LED does not light up at all, then the test has failed, indicating a Power Bad status. Replace the last device you added.

Keep me posted with the results. I will be glad to assist you further.        

I don't have the light on the power supply or the button... the diagnostic lights don't come on, as the tower will not.

Chris

Could be a power supply issue, try installing a 'known' working power supply and see if this makes a difference.

The XPS 420 does not use a Dell proprietary power supply, standard ATX power supplies with either, a 24-pin or 20+4-pin, main motherboard power connector, are compatible and can be installed.

Because the XPS420 have an open back panel, a power supply with or without the on/off switch can be used, you should be able to buy a replacement from most local and online computer stores.

A power supply, with five SATA power connectors, is required.

Bev.

Chris

Could be a power supply issue, try installing a 'known' working power supply and see if this makes a difference.

The XPS 420 does not use a Dell proprietary power supply, standard ATX power supplies with either, a 24-pin or 20+4-pin, main motherboard power connector, are compatible and can be installed.

Because the XPS420 have an open back panel, a power supply with or without the on/off switch can be used, you should be able to buy a replacement from most local and online computer stores.

A power supply, with five SATA power connectors, is required.

Bev.

Hi Chris,

If there are no lights on the power button and system is not turning on at all, the issue could be with the power supply.

You may consider replacing power supply for your system.

If you are residing in the US, you may contact Dell spares for replacement parts. Please click on the link

http://dell.to/11GOIPD