Dimension 4400 DEAD!

Question

Yes it's a dinosaur but still good for what I use it for. Problem: Computer seems to be stuck in standby or something like that. No hd activity, no beeps just an amber light on the desktop and screen as if stuck in standby. I disassambled the entire thing and was just going to build a new one. After a couple of months put it back together and it came back to life with no problem. Weird I know but I was on the net and even copied some files over. Then it started again, blue screen of death stated i had a problem with video card and suggestied I download a new driver. Did that with no luck. Blue screen again with fatal error message's then the screen pixled out and the desktop went lifeless where it remains. So, I was convinced the video card was the culpret and replaced with new one. then I noticed a burning smell coming from the power source fan. So, here's all I have checked or done either with new parts or spare parts from another Dell unit of the same age with no success.

New Hd, RAM, Cmos battery, Power source, Visually checked all capacitors and other parts on mobo for burnt parts, New video card. Yes I've checked all wire and ribbon connections and the monitor as well. All good.

I'm well past the point of frustration! I've purchased a new Ide HD and a new AGP video card both of which are pretty much useless in newer computers so I'm pretty much out about $130 and TIME! My next purchase will probably be a sledge hammer unless anyone has any other suggestions. The only thing I can think of is something has gone wrong with the mobo or the cpu. Am I missing something here?

rdunnill · Accepted Answer

It's plausible that the mainboard may have a problem.

You might also want to re-check the four-pin power supply connector coming from the power supply. I've been building PCs for 15 years, but every now and then I forget to connect it. Just a suggestion.

If the mainboard is faulty, your options include a new one (possibly from eBay) and moving the compatible parts (like the power supply and hard drive) into a new PC.

BTW did it ever work with the new video card?

shesagordie · Accepted Answer

cunfuzed2

YYGG and 3 Beeps, indicates a memory problem, try the following:

Remove all the memory modules, then install only one module in slot 0, then see if the system boots and if the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module.

Does not boot, move the module to slot 1 and again see if the system boots.

Still does not boot, then remove the first module and using the second one, repeat the sequence described above.

Still does not boot, buy a new compatible memory module and try that.

Then if the computer still does not start, it's possible that the motherboard has failed and needs to be replaced.

Bev.

shesagordie · Answer

Motionsdj

Is the power button LED, solid green, blinking green, solid amber, blinking amber?

Check the sequence of the diagnostic lights on the back panel of the case?

See HERE<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Bev.

Motionsdj · Answer

Thank You! I rechecked the power supply connectors. All good. No It never worked witht the new video card. From the other post, if I had taken notice of the diagnostic lights on the back I may not have rushed to buy a new video card or Hd since It seems I have some sort of a power up problem. It may be a salvage mission like you said...

Motionsdj · Answer

This was helpful. Thank You! The power button is solid amber and the dignostic lights are dead indicating a power up problem. I know for a fact the mobo is getting power if that's what the solid green led on the mobo means. I think I will retest with a known good power source and look for changes with the dignostic lights. I'm thinking if I get the same results as before It must be the mobo...

shesagordie · Answer

Motionsdj

The LED on the motherboard is the 'Stand By Power Light' [aka 'flea power'] and only indicates the motherboard has 'some' power reaching it, not an indication that the power supply has not failed.

If you don't have a 'Known' working power supply installed, try replacing with new power supply and see if that, makes a difference.

The Dimension 4400 use a standard generic ATX power supply with either a 20-pin or 20+4-pin main motherboard power connector, without the on/off switch, if you use a PSU with the switch, then you will have to modify [cut a hole] the back panel of the case for it.

You can buy a compatible replacement power supply from Here for $39.00.

After replacing the power supply, there's no difference and if you are comfortable working around computers, you could try the following:

Remove the power cord, hold the power button in for several seconds to discharge the residue power.

Remove all the PCI cards, the video card [if applicable], memory, all peripherals, disconnect the data and power cables to all the drives, check that the front panel cable is connected to motherboard, with nothing else connected to the system, reconnect the power cable and power the system on.

If you do not get any beep codes and/or there is no change in the diagnostic lights, then it would appear that the motherboard has died.

Bev.

rdunnill · Answer

Thank You! I rechecked the power supply connectors. All good. No It never worked witht the new video card. From the other post, if I had taken notice of the diagnostic lights on the back I may not have rushed to buy a new video card or Hd since It seems I have some sort of a power up problem. It may be a salvage mission like you said...

You might want to try powering it up in as stripped down a condition as possible. It may be that one of the cards is incompatible and that is what is preventing bootup. Yes, I have seen this happen due to incompatible video cards.

Which video card are you using, may I ask?

cunfuzed2 · Answer

sorry no help i have a very similar situation with my 4400 i have replaced the power pack and the power board  suggested by dell now i still can't get it to boot and i have a yygg code in the back and 3 beeps on start i have tried all the stuff from the tech site and cant get it to boot any help for me? i have reset the memory cards twice

Motionsdj · Answer

Thank you all for the help! Yes I tried most all of these with no luck. I decided to take it to the local computer repair shop and let them have a hand at diagnosing so I wanted to report their findings incase it may help someone else with similar problems. I was convinced the mobo has gone bad and the repair shop agreed after diagnosing the problem. Exactly what on the mobo is still another question. All the capacitors and chips appeared to be in new condition. Seeing that I have installed two hd's in this desktop over the years it''s highly possible that while I was fumbling around in there I could have damaged it myself with static electricity. Just out of curiousity, how sensative are mobo's and hd's to static electricity?

shesagordie · Answer

Motionsdj Both are sensitive to static electricity, but the motherboard is especially sensitive, hence the reason for storing them in anti-static bags. Bev.

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Dimension 4400 DEAD!

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