Ongoing Dimension 8400 problems

Question

I have had every conceivable component in my 8400 replaced due to a collection of odd problems ranging from hard lockups to devices that mysteriously stopped working. For the past few months I have been experiencing the same problem as many other 8400 users and my PC will not power up (the power switch light flashes amber). I was hoping BIOS upgrades would fix it, but nothing has fixed it and my patience is drained. I'm going to start the dread process of working with Dell tech support to get this new problem fixed. I've owned the PC for 9 months and have had to work with Dell tech support on and off for the entire time. I have purchased many Dells in the past with great success, but the 8400 model release earlier this year (2005) looks to be a lemon. I hope Dell tech support owns up to this and finally replaces the unit. I'll post the final results of my problem for all you other 8400 users.

RoHe · Answer

Blinking amber power switch usually means a failed power supply, which might also explain some of the other failures you've had. Time for Dell to replace the power supply under the warranty. Ron

rollainm · Answer

If a new power supply doesn't solve your problems I think you've been through more than enough to warrant a system replacement. Good luck.

rollainm · Answer

That's good to hear. You'll probably get an XPS 400/9150. I'm jealous. lol

Robert Painter · Answer

After almost four hours on the phone with Dell technical support, cusotmer care, and then technical support again, I finally have a dispatch # for a replacement system! If the replacement system works properly it will restore my trust in Dell, if not, I will seriously consider other alternatives for my next system. Good luck to others who suffer this or similar problems with their 8400.

nigelbtn · Answer

Hi I was just wondering if you have your replacement for the 8400, what you received & how its performing.  Did the replacement system come with XP SP2 & all software installed ? My last set of parts for my 8400 arrive this week & if that doesn't fix the flashing amber then its a replacement for me.

Robert Painter · Answer

I did receive my replacement. It is a refurbished 8400. XP Home SP2 was preinstalled as was the normal complement of software (trial version of Norton, DVD Burner s/w, etc.). The replacement I received had one nice upgrade, it came with two 160GB SATA dries with RAID1. That's a huge bonus and takes some of the sting out of all the frustration I suffered through. So far the system has not had any glitches of any type. I've been putting it in and out of standby mode, something that exaserbated the problems of my last 8400. So far so good. Good luck with your 8400.

nigelbtn · Answer

Hi, I thought I would check again & see if your replaced 8400 is still doing good ? Mine just failed again, last time they replaced the cpu & memory - it lasted 2 weeks ! Now I'm back talking to them again.

tlowell · Answer

I Know your last post was back in 2005, however have had 8400 around 3 1/2 years without any power failure or CPU freezing-up. Until today it just stop working! Rebooted system and now I can't access anything!!!

Do you still have your replacement 8400 and does it work. I called Dell without any success due to out dated warranty.

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