Hi NikkiC,

On the Dimension 9200, a solid amber power button light indicates that the power supply is functioning, but the system is not processing data.

 If the Diagnostic LEDs remain lit up at number 2 and number 3, it indicates storage device configuration or failure.  A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred and you may have to reseat all power and data cables.

Check the link below to troubleshoot the No Post issue you are facing on your computer. Remove all external peripherals and try to power on the system again.

Why Won't my Desktop Computer Turn On? - go to the NO POST section: http://dell.to/1aBMEQ1

Click on this link to run the Built-in PSA Diagnostics on your computer: http://dell.to/13GzoTf

If you are comfortable doing so, remove the hard drive, and memory from the computer and check if the system powers up. Click on this link for a manual for the XPS 9200/410. Follow the instructions under the "Before You Begin" carefully prior to dis-assembling the system:

 Manuals and Documents for XPS 410: http://dell.to/1f03GbE

Please reply if you have further queries.

Thanks & regards,
Babita S
#iworkforDell
To know more about Dell Product Support, Drivers & Downloads, Order & Dispatch status -> choose your region ->
US Customers; UK Customers; India Customers. For Dell support videos click Here

Hi Babita

I tried unplugging and replugging the cables from the motherboard that go to the various drives, at both ends  - still the same.  I then tried unplugging them from the motherboard - I assume that is what you meant? - and powering up but it was exactly the same.

I would really appreciate any help you can give me on this. (I'm afraid I'm a bit useless with computers, so simple instructions would be good too).

Thanks!

Hi NikkiC,

Thank you for your trying the steps mentioned.

Remove all memory chips in the computer and try powering up the system without any memory, does it power up fine? Try the same with the hard drive removed from the system. If the power LED and diagnostic indicators change, it may mean that the particular device was causing the problem with the system and needs to be replaced. If the LEDs do not change, run the hardware diagnostics.

How to Start PSA Diagnostics?:

• 1.Turn the computer off.
• 2.Turn the computer back on.
• 3.Immediately at the Dell logo screen, starting tapping the key once a second until the One Time Boot menu appears (if the computer boots to Windows turn the computer off and try again)
• 4.At the One Time Boot menu, press the arrow key to highlight Diagnostics, PSA+ or Enter ePSA, then press to begin the PSA
• 5.Write down any Error Codes and Validation codes listed.
• Some systems do not have an F12 key, to access the boot options you have to press the <0> (zero) key at the Dell logo screen.

When you run the diagnostics, it will help us determine the exact point of failure. The link for the manual also has troubleshooting steps which will help you determine the exact reason for failure. This is the link again:

Manuals and Documents for Dimension 9200/XPS 410: http://dell.to/1f03GbE

Please keep us posted on the results.

Thanks & regards,
Babita S
#iworkforDell
To know more about Dell Product Support, Drivers & Downloads, Order & Dispatch status -> choose your region ->
US Customers; UK Customers; India Customers. For Dell support videos click Here

Hi

I also thought I'd mention that when I try to start up the computer, the dell logo flashes up, then the screen goes black and the monitor goes to straight to standby.

Thanks

Hi

I tried doing what you asked.  I unplugged the 2 hard drives and tried starting up - same.  I then plugged them back in and removed the 2 memory cards - same.  I then put them back in and tried the tapping F12 key thing.   Still nothing.  The Dell logo flashes up and then the screen goes black and the monitor goes to standby.  The on button is lit solid amber every time and when pressed, 2 and 3 light up.  

I have looked on the manual (advanced troubleshooting) but it just says that 2,3 is a floppy or hard drive problem.  I have tried several times to plug/unplug the cables but it has made no difference.  

Could one (or both) of the hard drives have failed?  If so, does that mean that we will have lost all our files?  

Thanks

Hi NikkiC,

Thank you for your reply.

Did you hear any beeps from the system when you removed the memory chips? If you did hear beeps, it indicates that the system detects no memory is installed. If you did not hear any beeps when the memory chips were removed, then the memory connectors/slots on the motherboard may have gone bad and you have to replace the motherboard.

Yes, there is a possibility that the hard drives have failed and you may have to change the hard drives. However, since you mentioned that you changed the motherboard, did the system boot to the desktop successfully after you changed the motherboard? Has the raid configuration/ SATA Operation been set correctly in the System Setup?

Setting the Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

• Enter System Setup by pressing F2 continously at startup
• Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Drives and press .
• Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight SATA Operation and press .
• Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight RAID On, press , and then press .
• Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and then press to exit System Setup and resume the boot process.

OR

Once in the System Setup screen, go to Maintenance > Load Defaults > press Continue > then Save & Exit.

Please try the steps mentioned above and reply with results.

Thanks & regards,
Babita S
#iworkforDell
To know more about Dell Product Support, Drivers & Downloads, Order & Dispatch status -> choose your region ->
US Customers; UK Customers; India Customers. For Dell support videos click Here