Solved!
Go to SolutionDimension E521 Not Booting up
Hi all
I was given the above desktop, they never told me it wasn't working.
When I start the machine the fan starts up then slows down, the harddrive whirrs and no messages on the monitor. Also no "beep" after the on button is pressed. the3 harddrive lights continues to show activity.
Can anyone goive me ideas on how to troubleshoot or whether it's worth the effort.
I have tested the monitor with another computer, I have tested the harddrive by connecting to another computer and there is no problem with that.
Regards
fiiido
Hi fiiido,
Wow, fantastic opportunity to learn how to troubleshoot! As we guys like to say, when all else fails, check the manual. On page 49 is the list of diagnostic light codes. That would be the first place to check. Please post those codes and we'll go from there.
I was recently given a dead laptop from a friend who was told (by the Geek Squad) that it was not worth fixing. Bought a used hard drive for $30 and installed Windows and the thing runs great! Planning to give it to a family member for Christmas. So lots of these dead computers only need minor parts or fixes.
I have tested the monitor with another computer, I have tested the harddrive by connecting to another computer and there is no problem with that. The first thing I'd check on a machine of that vintage is the power supply. A failing power supply can cause all sorts of strange symptoms. Also, you might try removing the CMOS battery on the motherboard for a minute or so; I have a Dimension 2350 that will act as you describe until its CMOS is cleared in such a fashion.
As to whether it's worth fixing, all the parts for that machine can be had from eBay for nominal sums, so if you have a use for it, it probably is worth fixing.
shesagordie
12 Elder
•
46017 Posts
2633
0
Posted November 30th, 2013 13:00
fiiido
Also, check the reading of the power button LED, is it solid green, blinking green, solid amber, blinking amber, or off?
Are there any 'Beeps'?
Bev.
shesagordie
12 Elder
•
46017 Posts
2633
0
Posted November 30th, 2013 15:00
fiiido
Pleased to hear that you have resolved the issues and everything is working. :emotion-21:
Bev.
fiiido
4 Posts
2633
0
Posted November 30th, 2013 14:00
Hi all
Thanks for your advice. With no output to the monitor I tried to test the graphics card but I didn't have another machine with the same slot arrangement. By chance I found the on-motherboard monitor output. I managed to finally see the boot-up sequence but then there was a keyboard error.
The lights also indicated memory card errors so I took them out, cleaned the dust off, re-inserted one by one and finally the boot sequence competed and windows 7 fired-up.
I now have another working desktop.
Thanks for the initial help with the diagnostic numbers as I had no idea what they were. I will download the useful manual.
Regards