Aurora R11, won't start with CPU attached

Try clearing CMOS

To be fair, I don't know. There were storms in the area as well, but my PC is attached to a surge protector. I know that windows likes to update when I'm asleep, so it very well could be that.

Did this happen immediately following an automatic windows or dell update, or a manual BIOS update?

Just reset the CMOS using the above guide, and even moved the jumpers to reset as well and no luck. Could a sudden power outage overnight mess up everything? 

Just an update, It will turn off on the first attempt but if I turn it on again, it will stay on. No display though, however I have plugged things in and it's giving the webcam and keyboard power. Any ideas?

Sadly I tried and it did not work. I switched keyboards and USB ports too. I appreciate you helping me through all this. The fact that it stays on though should be a good thing though, I assume. 

No display output makes this difficult to fix. Even if it boots up once with display you at least could check a few things and maybe flash an older version of the bios.

Like explained above, several others have reported similar issues with their R12 after a bios update pushed out by windows update automatically to clients.

There have been several similar reports following an auto bios update on the R12 in the last two weeks.  They've been treated as bricked boards and replaced unfortunately.

Since you're able to power on now, if you hold control +escape while powering on are you able to get to the bios recovery screen.

It could be that, sadly.

Before I give in and say that's the reason, is there anything else you can think of? Mobo failure? I reseated the ram, swapped the cpu, and still no luck. 

If you have upgraded the RAM in the past, I might suggest trying with just one stick of OEM ran in slot 1 (closest to the CPU), clearing CMOS, and trying to boot.   Let it sit at least 5 minutes at the black screen if there is no flashing error light on the power button.   

Note that it is normal for it to take up to around 5 minutes at a black screen with no error lights after a CMOS reset to process the change. 

If the power button is flashing, how many times does it flash in sequence before pausing and restarting the sequence.  

True. I have the same problem. When switched on, it flashes for 2 seconds (random color) but it will not boot. I tried unplugging all the cords, CMOS reset and the jumpers reset. Last time it was doing a BIOS update and since then it has not been working. Do I need to replace the mothger board? If so, any particular specs/tips to do this please? thanks so much.