Dell Optiplex 960 yellow 34 code

Question

Hello this morning when I turned on my dell optiplex it had a error code of 34, I searched online that I had to remove memory slots and reads them so I did. after I did the computer still shows up with 34 code but no beeps no display too.

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

Fan working or psu getting warm are not sure signs of working psu.  A failing or failed psu can do both. Your dilemma is you do not know whether it is motherboard or psu having issue.  To prove motherboard is bad, you need a good working psu that fails to make pc post.  On the other hand if a good psu revives 960, then the OEM psu is bad.  If you do not have access to a good psu, it may not be worth having someone repair the system for you, as repair shop cost likely exceeds getting a working complete system that is newer.

bradthetechnut · Accepted Answer

3,4 error code from 960 manual:

Capture+_2021-08-22-20-48-09.png

Capture+_2021-08-22-20-49-12.png

If one RAM stick at a time doesn't work, it may be time for new RAM, it can fail. This should be done before suspecting MB or PSU.

Speedstep mentioned not messing with jumpers because there's no need to. Replacing size 2032 CMOS battery is just 1 way to reset CMOS/BIOS/NVRAM. This is in Dell documentation I linked before. https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000124377/how-to-perform-a-bios-or-cmos-reset-and-clear-the-nvram-on-dell-systems

If replacing RAM doesn't work, then MB could be at fault.

With PC powered off, but plugged in, push test button on PSU. Does the green light come on? If it does, this isn't as much a PSU test as a test to make sure peripherals are good. Do this with external peripherals unplugged as to simply be testing internal peripherals. Please also let us know if green light doesn't come on. This isn't a RAM test.

redxps630 · Answer

If you have no video you have a No Post issue. First thing to do is to reset CMOs jumper on motherboard to clear CMOs settings and replace CMOs battery with a brand new one.

m4rv · Answer

How would I do that?

speedstep · Answer

@m4rv

Don't mess with jumpers.

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 computer.
If the computer starts normally, 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 DIMM connector and restart the computer. If available, install verified working memory of the same type into your computer.

redxps630 · Answer

Locate the 2-pin CMOS jumper labeled RTCRST on the system board. Move the 2-pin jumper plug from the password jumper to the pins on the CMOS jumper. Plug the power cable to the computer and wait for 10 seconds for the CMOS to clear.

960 service manual p. 50 shows jumper location.

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-960_service%20manual_en-us.pdf#page50

m4rv · Answer

Ok I put the jumper onto the RT thing after that when I plug in my cable it still shows this (never clicked the turn on button)

redxps630 · Answer

After clear CMOs you need to put the jumper back on password pins.  Otherwise pc would not boot.

m4rv · Answer

I've already done that, it still shows up with the error 34 no beep no display

redxps630 · Answer

next test is to use a verified working 24/4 pin psu. Note if your 960 is MT, a standard ATX psu can be used. If 960 is DT/SFF, motherboard uses mini 24 pin ATX socket. You would need a 24 pin to mini 24 pin adapter to test.

m4rv · Answer

How would I do that? My psu is fine I think, its fan works and the PSU temp becomes hot after normally how it does. Same with the CPU fan.

bradthetechnut · Answer

By the way, if the CMOS battery hasn't been replaced within the last 5 years, now is a good time to do so and see if that changes PC's behavior first.

Dell Optiplex 960 Documentation

Optiplex 960 Service Manual. If unfamiliar with replacing the battery, use "battery" for a search term.

m4rv · Answer

Update: I've drained my excess PSU power from starting up by holding the button for 30 seconds +- and removed every ram and put it back again each by each. And found the problem one ram stick is damaged (it has a scratch on the golden pin) and whenever so put it in I have a problem so I removed it and everything runs successfully.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Good deal.

Optiplex Desktops

Was this post helpful?