Inspiron 5675, problem, blinking 3 amber, 6 white

Question

Hello,

I have problem with inspiron 5675 - after pressing power button it starts and all lights turns on and all fans starts to spin but nothing more happens. After 30-40 seconds power button starts to blink 3 times amber, short pause, 6 times white, long pause and it repeats. Tried to google what this pattern means, but can't find anything. I really would appreciate if someone can help me with this.

TarzanR · Accepted Answer

I had the same issue for the past 6 months and finally fixed it.

The main issue is the BIOS image of the Inspiron 5675 Desktop is corrupted and it needs to be flashed again. Disconnect the power cable from the Inspiron 5675 Desktop

ON A SECONDARY PC:

1. Download the latest Inspiron 5675 Desktop BIOS .RCV format from here
2. Click Other Formats to see the .RCV file
3. Rename the file and save it as BIOS_IMG.rcv
4. Copy the file to a USB thumb drive formatted as FAT32
5.Insert the USB thumb drive into the CORRUPTED BIOS PC and plug in the power cable to the Inspiron 5675 Desktop
6. Press and hold ctrl and esc key and click your power button and keep pressing ctrl and esc and wait a couple seconds until the Inspiron 5675 Desktop will boot
7. A BIOS Recovery menu will show up. Follow the procedure to recover the BIOS

Hope it works for you:)

DELL-Nat M · Answer

The blinking pattern of 3 amber and 6 white typically indicates a corrupted BIOS. This prevents the system from completing POST (Power-On Self-Test). Here’s a step-by-step guide to try and resolve this: 1. Reset CMOS  Power off the computer and unplug it. Open the case and locate the CMOS battery (a small, round CR2032 battery on the motherboard). Remove the CMOS battery for at least 10 minutes. Reinsert the battery, ensuring it’s properly seated. Power on the computer and check if the issue is resolved. 2. Initiate BIOS Recovery If resetting CMOS doesn’t work, try a BIOS recovery: On a working PC: Download the latest BIOS from Dell Support. Under Other Formats, download the .RCV file. Rename the file to BIOS_IMG.rcv and copy it to a FAT32-formatted USB drive. On the affected PC: Insert the USB drive. Plug in the power cable. Press and hold CTRL + ESC, then press the power button. Keep holding CTRL + ESC until the BIOS Recovery menu appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore the BIOS. How to Recover the BIOS on a Dell Computer or Tablet If the issue persists: If under warranty: Click the Get Help Now button at the bottom-right corner of this page to chat with Dell Tech Support. If out of warranty: The motherboard may need replacement. You can contact Dell Tech Support to request a service quotation, or reach out to a trusted local technician for a hands-on diagnosis.

Mary G · Answer

Dell support has directions for troubleshooting your model--

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln306486/dell-inspiron-5675-desktop-usage-and-troubleshooting-guide?lang=en

Check under Automated Support Tools.

fireberd · Answer

Here is the link to the manual and what diagnostic codes they list, but they don't list what you get.

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/us/en/19/inspiron-5675-gaming-desktop/inspiron5675_servicemanual/diagnostics?guid=guid-f80a08ec-bfdd-4599-abac-e9fcdb318c24&lang=en-us

The closest I can get is a possible CMOS (BIOS) problem. As a start clear the CMOS memory, with the PC powered off, remove the CR2032 CMOS battery located on the motherboard for at least 10 minutes. Reinstall, observing battery polarity. Power on and see if this helped.

The other possibility is memory. If clearing the CMOS did not fix it, with the PC powered off, reseat the memory (unplug then plug back in). See if this helps.

KooGel · Answer

Thank you guys for your time, didn't told that I am technician by myself, and all these steps with resetting bios or re-seating memory was done, also tried other memory stick, even tried other known good CPU and graphics card - still same. These links with troubleshooting and manual I had found too but there is nothing about 3-6 blinking code. If I would know what faulty part this blinking pattern describes - I could try to repair this computer.

fireberd · Answer

I suspect the motherboard is toast. Sadly, nothing to fully decode what the diagnostic code is telling you.

FWIW here is the general Dell error codes for many models, not specifically for yours.

https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-Wiki/Beep-Codes-and-PSA-Diagnostic-Chart/ta-p/5189680

Jkmalo · Answer

I tried everyone's suggestion in this comment thread for my computer and your answer is the one that worked. It was a corrupted bios image, which I simply followed your directions and now I am typing on my computer that you just saved me a thousand bucks on to say thank you.

Bronze Tarzans answer is the answer to fixing the 3 flashing amber lights followed by the 6 flashing white lights.

TarzanR · Answer

So happy for you

Gclouder · Answer

TarzanR's solution saved me a few thousand bucks. You are my personal super hero.

TarzanR · Answer

Happy For You!!

Basti523 · Answer

Thanks TarzanR. This was the perfect solution to one of my clients laptop. Saved me time troubleshooting.

Anfisa.Kovganyuk · Answer

Hello there!

I am having the same problem with my Dell Latitude 5490. Black screen, blinks six times white and three times amber. I did everything according to the instructions from TarzanR. The Dell logo appeared, then restore bios. After clicking continue nothing happens. The laptop is in the same state again. Maybe there is some special program to restore the bios?

Thanks!

bradthetechnut · Answer

If the above solution didn't work for you, you might want to repost in the Latitude forum.

dongjjongie · Answer

@Anfisa.Kovganyuk​  Did you fix this error? I have the same error and I use E5490 too

Joao Teixeira · Answer

@TarzanR​  Tks, solution for my Inspiron 3525.

Inspiron Desktops

Inspiron 5675, problem, blinking 3 amber, 6 white

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