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OptiPlex 780 won't boot
Hello,
My OptiPlex 780 won't turn on/boot. When the power button is pressed nothing happens but if the power button is held the number 3 stays lit until I let go of the button.
When it it plugged in and the switch turned on and before any buttons are pressed the numbers 1 and 3 flash on very quickly before going out and this repeats. There is also a yellow light which stays lit on the motherboard.
There is no beeping whatsoever and no video output at all. The only things plugged into the computer are the power cable and sometimes the VGA cable to see if there is any video output.
If the power button on the back is pressed, it lights up green and the fans start whirring but there is still no video output. During this, the front power light is a steady amber and the flashing 1 and 3 go out.
I have tried unplugging and plugging in the cables inside, I've removed the RAM and replaced it to no avail and I've reseated the CPU. I've also tried using a different power cable.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Responses (5)
Solutions (0)
Robert P (retired)
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Posted October 11th, 2016 07:00
Yes, the motherboard may have failed. Contact Tech Support for additional troubleshooting and diagnosis.
Robert P (retired)Robert P (retired)
6 Operator
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Posted October 14th, 2016 04:00
Here are the part numbers for the Optiplex 780 motherboards, you will have to figure out which one fits your particular computer. There are several places that sell motherboards, including Dell. You can do an internet search to find the best prices. Parts-people.com and Discount Electronics also sell Dell parts.
3NVJ6
91WRN
200DY
DFRFW
C27VV
Robert P (retired)Hi Robert,
Thanks for your reply. In that video, the lights 1 and 3 stay lit but in my case, the lights are off but flash very quickly before going out again and repeat. Also, I've tried 4 other RAM sticks (1 at a time) in the computer but this hasn't helped.
Do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks.

Robert P (retired)
6 Operator
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9396 Posts
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Posted October 11th, 2016 05:00
Hi Britain,
Thanks for posting.
Here is some information regarding the diagnostic lights on your Optiplex, and a short video showing how one user fixed it.
Robert P (retired)