Original Discussion: https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/inspiron-desktops/inspiron-5675-problem-blinking-3-amber-6-white/647f7b7bf4ccf8a8de9b7e9c

Dell Desktop: 3 Amber and 6 White Blinks Light Issue

If your Dell desktop or all-in-one PC fails to boot and the power button blinks 3 amber and 6 white, this usually indicates BIOS corruption.

Symptoms include:

• No POST or Dell logo on screen.
• Fans and lights running continuously.
• Power button LED sequence: 3 amber blinks → short pause → 6 white blinks → long pause → repeats.

  ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Quick Fix for Dell Desktop Not Booting 

• Step 1: Reset CMOS by removing and reinserting the motherboard battery.
• Step 2: Perform BIOS Recovery using Dell’s official recovery process. [dell.com]

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Causes of Dell Desktop Not Turning On

• Corrupted BIOS image.
• CMOS settings failure.
• Rarely, motherboard hardware fault.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
Troubleshooting Steps: Dell Desktop 3 Amber 6 White Blinks 

1. Reset CMOS Battery

2. Power off and unplug the system.
3. Open the case and locate the CMOS battery (CR2032 coin cell).
4. Remove the battery for at least 10 minutes.
5. Reinsert the battery correctly.
6. Power on and check if the issue is resolved.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Perform Dell BIOS Recovery Using USB 

If CMOS reset does not work:

3. On a working PC, go to https://www.dell.com/support.
4. Download the latest BIOS for your system.
5. Under Other Formats, download the .RCV file.
6. Rename the file to BIOS_IMG.rcv.
7. Copy it to a FAT32-formatted USB drive.
8. Insert the USB drive into the affected PC.
9. Plug in power.
10. Press and hold CTRL + ESC, then press the power button.
11. Keep holding CTRL + ESC until the BIOS Recovery menu appears.
12. Follow on-screen instructions to restore the BIOS. [dell.com]

______________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What to Do If Dell BIOS Recovery Fails 

• Under warranty: Contact Dell Technical Support by starting a chat here.
• Out of warranty: Motherboard may need replacement. Seek Dell service or a trusted technician.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Notes

• Ensure the USB drive is FAT32 formatted.
• Do not interrupt BIOS recovery once started.
• If BIOS recovery fails repeatedly, hardware replacement is likely required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

References

• Community Discussion: Inspiron 5675, problem, blinking 3 amber, 6 white
• Dell Support Knowledge Base: Recover BIOS on Dell Computer or Tablet After Boot or POST Failure
• Dell Computer BIOS Recovery Options Video Guide

FAQs 

1. What do 3 amber and 6 white blinks mean on a Dell desktop?
   
   If your Dell desktop shows 3 amber and 6 white blinks, it usually indicates a BIOS-related startup problem. Corrupted BIOS data or failed CMOS settings can prevent the system from completing POST and displaying the Dell logo. 
   
2. How do I fix a Dell desktop that won’t boot with 3 amber and 6 white blinks? 
    
   Start by resetting the CMOS battery and then try Dell BIOS Recovery if the desktop still will not boot. If the issue continues, follow Dell’s recovery procedure carefully and avoid interrupting the BIOS recovery process. 
   
   
3. How do I perform Dell BIOS recovery using USB?
   
   Download the correct BIOS file from Dell Support on a working computer, obtain the .RCV file, rename it BIOS_IMG.rcv, and copy it to a FAT32 USB drive. On the affected desktop, hold CTRL + ESC while powering on. 
   
   
4. What should I do if Dell BIOS Recovery fails?
   
   If Dell BIOS Recovery fails repeatedly, the problem may involve a motherboard hardware fault. Systems under warranty should be referred to Dell Technical Support, while out-of-warranty desktops may require professional diagnosis and possible motherboard replacement.