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Swarfmaker

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21 years ago

S

Swarfmaker

2 Posts

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9276

November 19th, 2005 12:00

Dimension 5000 Won't boot

Having problems booting my Dimension 5000. Problem started after trying to install second SATA drive. (Still not managed to do this)
One of several things can happen when system is switched on.
1.System hangs at Dell splash screen with about 95% completed on indicator bar
Tried pressing F2 to get in to BIOS, screen says that it is entering setup, but nothing happens - it just hangs there.

2. I get a message saying that system has previously hung at checkpoint [1htr]

3. system appears to boot but screen then goes blank.
 
Removed BIOS battery to clear NVRAM. System then said 'Invalid settings PressF2' but nothing happened when I pressed F2
 
BIOS is Version A02

Anyone got any thoughts on this?
  • M

    Majestic

    2 Intern

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    Posted November 19th, 2005 14:00

    When you tried clearing the NVRAM by removing the battery did you also discharge any residual electrical charge on the motherboard?  If not then follow this procedure.....
     
    With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for several seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally.
     
    If clearing the NVRAM doesn't resolve the problem then check out this other forum discussion and some of the solutions offered there.  Just click here.
     
    If the solutions offered do not resolve the problem then you will have to play around with disconnecting hardware to further trouble-shoot the problem.  Try these steps......
     
      If the machine still fails to boot then strip the motherboard down to the bare minimum.  By bare minimum I mean remove all expansion cards, disconnect all drives and leave just the processor, memory and graphics card in the machine after reseating them.  If the computer boots this way then start connecting each device one at a time until the no boot scenario returns.  This would then indicate which device has failed and is causing the problem.  Also try booting the system without the keyboard, mouse or any other device plugged into the rear of the system.  If you have more than one memory module installed then try booting with only one and then swap them around and try again. If you only have one memory module then try booting without any memory modules installed.  If this procedure doesn't resolve the problem then you maybe looking at a situation where the motherboard has failed.  If the system is still under warranty then contact Dell Tech Support for repairs.
  • S

    Swarfmaker

    2 Posts

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    0

    Posted November 19th, 2005 15:00

    Managed to get the system running by removing all USB devices, Plugged each one in in turn, rebooting every time, and have them all re-attached now and the system working normally.:smileyvery-happy:

    I still have to sort out the 2nd hard drive, I'm in a dialogue with Support at the moment, but it is so slow by email.

    Does anyone have a phone number for UK support? I can't find it on the website.

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