Computer power button flashing red and not turning on

If your PC doesn't say "Optiplex" and the model # on the front of it, could you post photos, 1 of the front and 1 of the back?

Keep in mind we won't be able to see the images right away.  They appear once approved by moderation.

Files should always be backed up on a regular basis in case of PC failure.

You may also use the "Get Help Now" option at the bottom right to chat with a Dell technician right away.

When I hold the button I hear the clicks that usually mean that it is going on. However there is none of the normal starting up sound

Thanks for posting photos.  Bear in mind we can't see them yet and it might take longer on the weekends.

Clicks can mean bad HDD or virus/malware on the HDD.  You said this is only when you hold the power button?  I take it you still get the red flashing light?

• There is the photos of the front and back

   

  

   

Yes and yes

Thanks for posting the photos.  I still don't know exactly which model it is; may be it's hid by one of the stickers on the front?  Any stickers to indicate anything on the bottom of it, like where the cables go in?

Assuming that it's an Optiplex AIO (all in one), Dell's diagnostics are usually alike or similar for similar models.  The 9020 AIO manual didn't give me any diagnostics.  I went with Dell's online indicators, 2012 and newer models.  Something that typically goes across the board is a blinking amber light means bad power supply.

I'm not sure how well it'll paste, but I'm pasting below what I did find.  It's also possible heat issues killed the AIO.  Those things still have heat issues to this day.  I don't know if all, but at least some them do.

Dell Diagnostic Indicators 

For some reason, diagnostics for the 2,1 blink pattern pasted below.  I was aiming for 2,2.  You said it blinks twice every second, so this is the closest match I could find.

AMBER BLINKING PATTERN PROBLEM DESCRIPTION SUGGESTED RESOLUTION

I know the pasted table doesn't narrow it down too much, but it was the best I could find.

Does the PSU have a test button?  Try it and see what it does.  While keeping the test button pressed, push the power button and see if it'll power up.

What is the PSU and how do I use it. Also I now know that it flashes once a second then once a second then one second rest. It then repeats and is still red or Amber. I do not think that there is any model number on it as it says reumahes on the front and we got it second hand from a doctors organisation which we can't contact any more. Also thanks a million for your help so far. It has been great

PSU = Power Supply Unit

Not being as familiar with AIO's, except the Gateway's I experienced and rebuilt, I'm learning some here too.

I looked up the PSU's for the AIO's.  Whether you have a 9020, 9030, or an Inspiron, the PSU is built in and doesn't appear to have a test button.  I was originally thinking the PSU would be in line with the power cord (external), like it is with micros and older AIO's.

If you want to try putting a new PSU in it, then I'd strongly suggest removing the old PSU (so you know the shape of it) and have its part number handy.

Here's what came up for PSU's when I Googled it:

AIO PSU's  Keep in mind I'm not recommending any PSU on this list as I don't know which model AIO you have.

There isn't a 1,1 blink code in Dell's diagnostics that I could find.  It almost sounds like 2 blinks, pause 2 blinks.  You can always let me know if you don't think that's it.

Dell Diagnostic Indicators 

In case you do have an Inspiron, I checked the Inspiron side of diagnostics.

I was lead here:  https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/SLN292599/en 

The most helpful I could find:

• All power supply units include a self-test ability in an isolation mode. A test button and LED are on the side of the unit where the AC plug is located. Ensure that the power cable is connected to the supply and press the test button to test the PSU.
• If the PSU LED does not illuminate, remove the PSU cables from the system board and test again. If the LED still does not illuminate when the test button is pressed, the PSU is possibly faulty.
• If after removing the cables from the system board and the PSU LED illuminates, one of the attached devices or components could be faulty. Remove all attached components, reattach the PSU cables and using the PSU test button, install each component individually to test.
• Install a verified working PSU.

Hi @CowGoat  when your system is online, please click on Product Support and let Dell identify your system. Thanks. 

Blinking power amber means there are power supply and other issues.  There are no soft fixes for physically bad hardware.  You have an AIO all in one but I cannot see what the model is.  Looks like older Inspiron One or XPS series AIO.

Get a working computer and recover the data from the drive using a dock.

There is no one size fits all fix for all dell models all years etc.

Without knowing basic information like version of windows, Model number, size etc there is no help.

AIO (All in one)

MT (Mini Tower)
DT (Desktop)
MFF (Micro Form Factor)
SFF (Small Form Factor)
USFF (Ultra Small Form Factor)

What Dell Power Button Lights Mean

A solid white, blue, green light means the computer is operating normally.

A solid amber light indicates the power supply is operating normally but the computer is not processing data. This could mean there is a problem with the CPU or another component on the motherboard.

A blinking amber light indicates the power supply is receiving power from the wall, but not functioning properly. This generally means the power supply itself is bad or other hardware related issues and should be tested or replaced.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6L5CJF

Optiplex Models and case sizes

Oh i know this problem its so easy to fix just open the pc pannel and find the rams and then just move it a bit and then close the panel and open it and it will hope fully it will work and if it happend again just leave the pannel opened while u open the pc and it will work