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September 24th, 2009 18:00
sticky power button
Hi Everyone
Problem with my Dell Dimension C521
Computer will not start. There was no in and out movement of the power button. After repeated pressing of the power button it slowly became normal in its in and out movement but still would not turn the on the computer. After I got some play in the power button the computer would try to start when I unplugged it and then plugged it in again. But it would try to start before I pushed the power button. The power button would be amber for two seconds, turn green and the fan would come on for two seconds then everything would shut down. The amber/green/fan sequence would repeat everytime I unplugged the computer and plugged it in again.
I was told I could check the power button by shorting out the power button pin on the mobo but I could not find anything that looked like it might be the power button pin.
I was unable to get to the power button itself. There seems to be plastic clips holding the plastic cover through which the power botton protrudes but it seems that only one of the clips is accessable. Assess to the back of the button is blocked by the plastic cover covering the heat sump and processor. I looks as though it would come off easily by removing two screws and pivoting the case up and back. When I removed the screws the case seemed loose but would not piviot back. I didn't want to force it.
If anyone can help I would be very gratefull. The Computer is only 2 years old. I so frustrated I am thinking of buying a new one.
I am using a computer at the library and my time is up. Will check replys tomorrow.
DezertDork
shesagordie
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September 24th, 2009 18:00
DezertDork
Directions for removing and replacing the c521 Front I/O panel are, HERE
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
You would need to replace the I/O panel, as the power button is integrated.
Bev.
DezertDork
5 Posts
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September 25th, 2009 16:00
Bev
Thank you for your help. You have made the rest easy and brought joy to my heart.
If I were Dell CEO I would make you VP. You do a lot for the Dell image.
Dezert
shesagordie
12 Elder
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46K Posts
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September 25th, 2009 18:00
Dezert.
Happy to have helped.
Bev.
DezertDork
5 Posts
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September 26th, 2009 17:00
Bev or anyone who may want to comment;
If you are still following my sticky power button thread, I continue to have difficulty with the heat sink assembly. After I loosen the two screws, the black plastic shield has some play but the assembly will not rotate up. In sliding the plastic shield forward and backward the only movement seems to be play in the plastic shield and the heat sink assembly seal does not budge or break loose. I have used a fair amount of lateral pressure, should I just crank up the pressure till it breaks loose? Is there some trick to it that I could be missing?
Thanks for your help
Dezert
shesagordie
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46K Posts
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September 26th, 2009 18:00
Dezert.
If you mean the heatsink, won't break free of the processor, try warming the metal of the heatsink with a hair blow dryer, and twisting slightly, to and fro, to break it free and no, you don't yank it up, as you may pull the processor out of the motherboard retainer.
As you are removing the heatsink, plan on cleaning it's base and reapplying thermal compound to the processor.
Directions for cleaning and applying thermal compound, are HERE.
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
You only need a small tube of thermal compound, this can be purchased from any computer store.
Bev.
DezertDork
5 Posts
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October 31st, 2009 21:00
Bev
Bev
Sorry I haven't been back to the forum for awhile. Problem solved X2. First I gave up and bought a new Dell laptop. Two days later, Win, a retired IBM tech called. A friend gave me his number, I called, he was out of town, I left a message, I didn’t hear back for a few weeks. Win said to bring the computer over to his house. I left it with him and he called me on my cell phone before I got home. My computer was ready. Turned out he was able to poke a screwdriver down between the plastic front cover and the metal case to where the plastic tube from the power button connects to the I/O Panel and free up the power button. Charged me $10.00. I guess God wanted me to buy a new laptop. I love it.
Thanks for the follow up, I appreciate your support.
Dezert
shesagordie
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46K Posts
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October 31st, 2009 23:00
Dezert.
I appreciate the heads up and happy to hear the problem is resolved.
Bev.