Doesn't Boot Sometimes, Hardware problem?

Question

I have a dimension 4500, which will not boot up on occasion. I've had this problem for about 2 years, reoccuring every 2-3 weeks. The Dell splash screen does not appear, none of the error lights in the back of the computer are lit up, and the hard drive light is flashing indicating a busy hard drive. When this happens, I open the case, make sure all the plugs are secure, and dust every thing off. Sometimes the computer will boot normally, other times it does not. When it does not, I try resecuring the connections again until it works. It seems to boot up more often from sideways position. Although, I'm not sure anything I do has a direct effect... I thought it might be my hard drive. Reading other posts, I used the F12, IDE drive diagnostics, which passes both of my harddrives. I bought my second hard drive about a year ago thinking it was a hard drive problem, but have yet to make the second harddrive the primary hard drive. My brother said it may be a power supply problem. Should I try replacing the power supply, or should I try a clean install on the newer hard drive?

PETER345 · Answer

If you don't get to the Dell splash screen, then clearly you have some kind of hardware problem. If you think it is the HD, try disconnecting it and see if you get to the Dell screen.

What does the power indicator show during these problems (e.g. solid green, flashing amber, etc)?

Peter

BustedPooter · Answer

I had the same problem. I called tech. support in Delhi and found the problem was strictly software related. I paid almost $3,000 for my system but DelhiDell.Com told me they would NOT send me the Windows XP discs, that the price I paid did not include the XP discs. They told me my only option was to restore my computer to the state it was in the day it left the factory. I did that - but I lost all my data.

I believe they should have sent me the Windows XP discs so I could try to reboot my computer without losing all my data. I tried to contact Microsoft but they never got back to me.

Message Edited by BustedPooter on 05-07-2007 11:56 AM

Incognition · Answer

Thank you for responding. I believe the power indicator is solid amber (maybe a 30% chance it was solid green). Also, my cd-rw and dvd drive can still open and close.

I have a master and slave drive, with the slave being the newer drive. The problem started when it was just the master drive, so I will try the disconnecting the HDs next time it occurs. Let me know if there is anything I can do in the meantime.

PETER345 · Answer

If the power light goes amber, then you have a power problem (the PSU or some device causing a power problem).

As you suggested, try disconnecting devices (cards, drives, etc) to see if that helps.

Peter

Incognition · Answer

Sorry to hear about your problem. How did tech support determine that it was ultimately a software issue?

BustedPooter · Answer

I have found that home users are not important to Dell. After paying nearly three thousand dollars for my system, and a four-year warranty, I would think that Dell could send me a set of Windows XP discs but they refused.

The first guy I talked to in Delhi was polite, at least. The second one was not.

If you're having a problem, I suggest going to http://www.DelhiDell.Com and you'll see an easy solution to your tech. problems.

For a related story, see http://www.StupidCaveman.Com about my experience with my Dell and with my 8 year-old Mac.

BustedPooter · Answer

Thanks, Bev!  That's exactly what I wanted a couple of weeks ago.  Why did the guy at Dell Tech. Support tell me the discs would NOT be sent to me?  He was adamant.  I asked for disks, he said no.    I will take advantage of the offer you brought to my attention and send for the set of discs.  It would be in Dell's best interest to make sure the people at Dell tech. support in India STOP telling Dell Customers that, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will they be sent the discs.    Thanks!! David Van Slyke StupidCaveman.Com

shesagordie · Answer

BustedPooter

Have you tried using this.

Bev.

===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

shesagordie · Answer

David.To put things mildly, Dell's Techies have know to be wrong !!!     :smileywink: Bev.       ===================================================Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

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