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Computer power button flashing red and not turning on
Help me please. I have just received a second hand computer from a friend and after about a month of having it it has stopped and the power button is just flashing red twice every second. I do not know what model it is as I got it second hand from a business and on it it says reimaged all I can say is that it is a large and very heavy desktop computer and it does not come with any accessories you have to buy a separate mouse and keyboard and plug them into USB ports on the back. This computer has all of my work stuff on it and all of my child's school stuff on it so it would be very helpful if the response could come with some urgency. If you have questions or any think please let me know and I will be more than happy to answer them. Also please call me Chris. Thank you in advance
-Chris
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bradthetechnut
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Posted June 6th, 2020 18:00
Thanks for posting photos. Bear in mind we can't see them yet and it might take longer on the weekends.
Clicks can mean bad HDD or virus/malware on the HDD. You said this is only when you hold the power button? I take it you still get the red flashing light?
bradthetechnut
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Posted June 7th, 2020 12:00
Thanks for posting the photos. I still don't know exactly which model it is; may be it's hid by one of the stickers on the front? Any stickers to indicate anything on the bottom of it, like where the cables go in?
Assuming that it's an Optiplex AIO (all in one), Dell's diagnostics are usually alike or similar for similar models. The 9020 AIO manual didn't give me any diagnostics. I went with Dell's online indicators, 2012 and newer models. Something that typically goes across the board is a blinking amber light means bad power supply.
I'm not sure how well it'll paste, but I'm pasting below what I did find. It's also possible heat issues killed the AIO. Those things still have heat issues to this day. I don't know if all, but at least some them do.
For some reason, diagnostics for the 2,1 blink pattern pasted below. I was aiming for 2,2. You said it blinks twice every second, so this is the closest match I could find.
AMBER BLINKING PATTERN PROBLEM DESCRIPTION SUGGESTED RESOLUTION
- - 2, 1 2 blinks followed by a short pause, 1 blink, long pause, then repeats. Bad Motherboard - Replace the motherboard.
- - 2, 2 2 blinks followed by a short pause, 2 blinks, long pause, then repeats. Bad Motherboard, Power Supply, or Power Supply cabling - If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue with PSU BIST Test, and reseat the cable.
- If nothing works, replace the motherboard, power supply, or cabling.
bradthetechnut
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Posted June 7th, 2020 12:00
I know the pasted table doesn't narrow it down too much, but it was the best I could find.
Does the PSU have a test button? Try it and see what it does. While keeping the test button pressed, push the power button and see if it'll power up.
What is the PSU and how do I use it. Also I now know that it flashes once a second then once a second then one second rest. It then repeats and is still red or Amber. I do not think that there is any model number on it as it says reumahes on the front and we got it second hand from a doctors organisation which we can't contact any more. Also thanks a million for your help so far. It has been great
bradthetechnut
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Posted June 9th, 2020 14:00
PSU = Power Supply Unit
Not being as familiar with AIO's, except the Gateway's I experienced and rebuilt, I'm learning some here too.
I looked up the PSU's for the AIO's. Whether you have a 9020, 9030, or an Inspiron, the PSU is built in and doesn't appear to have a test button. I was originally thinking the PSU would be in line with the power cord (external), like it is with micros and older AIO's.
If you want to try putting a new PSU in it, then I'd strongly suggest removing the old PSU (so you know the shape of it) and have its part number handy.
Here's what came up for PSU's when I Googled it:
AIO PSU's Keep in mind I'm not recommending any PSU on this list as I don't know which model AIO you have.
There isn't a 1,1 blink code in Dell's diagnostics that I could find. It almost sounds like 2 blinks, pause 2 blinks. You can always let me know if you don't think that's it.
bradthetechnut
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Posted June 9th, 2020 14:00
In case you do have an Inspiron, I checked the Inspiron side of diagnostics.
I was lead here: https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/SLN292599/en
The most helpful I could find:
- All power supply units include a self-test ability in an isolation mode. A test button and LED are on the side of the unit where the AC plug is located. Ensure that the power cable is connected to the supply and press the test button to test the PSU.
- If the PSU LED does not illuminate, remove the PSU cables from the system board and test again. If the LED still does not illuminate when the test button is pressed, the PSU is possibly faulty.
- If after removing the cables from the system board and the PSU LED illuminates, one of the attached devices or components could be faulty. Remove all attached components, reattach the PSU cables and using the PSU test button, install each component individually to test.
- Install a verified working PSU.

bradthetechnut
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 18:00
If your PC doesn't say "Optiplex" and the model # on the front of it, could you post photos, 1 of the front and 1 of the back?
Keep in mind we won't be able to see the images right away. They appear once approved by moderation.
Files should always be backed up on a regular basis in case of PC failure.
You may also use the "Get Help Now" option at the bottom right to chat with a Dell technician right away.