Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF Booting Issues

Question

Hi Everybody, I have the need to use same OptiPlex 9020 SFF model of computer to replace one in production, the plan is to get the failed workstation up and running, then with time, migrate it to a new computer. I did purchase a used unit, swapped the hard drive and in a few minutes, I had the workstation operational. It did run fine for more than a week, Monday morning the computer will not reboot, when the power button is pressed, it flashes (white light), once, once the disk light, and once the DVD player light, shuts down, two or three seconds and does the same, pretty much placed into a loop until the power is disconnected. After trouble-shooting several things, I did take out one of the memory modules, it has 2 x 8GB, so left only one and rebooted, all fine, did run for a day, ordered new memory modules, the same, 2 x 8GB, installed them and rebooted, all fine. The users power off computers during the weekend, so it was powered off Friday evening, on Monday morning it starts doing the same hen trying to bootup, this time I went and swapped the modules to the other two memory slots, those were in the white slots, put then in the black ones, it rebooted fine. two days after it does the same, after that I've took one of the modules out and it has been running fine for the last 3 days, been testing rebooting and applying Windows Update, all fine. Anybody out there had similar issues with these models? I am also curious to find out what the Dell technicians say about this, it will be appreciated. Thank you!

redxps630 · Answer

Try replace cmos battery with a new battery and clear cmos settings via motherboard RTCRST jumper.

PCSSTechie · Answer

I actually, before doing the post, did reset CMOS taking the battery out, disconnecting the power cable, and holding the power button for 5 seconds. It did boot up after that, it didn't stay stable until I've took one of the memory modules out, has been running fine for the last 5 days. Powered off a couple of times and rebooted after applying Windows Update. I'll replace the CMOS battery and put back the memory module.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Do one at a time and I think you discovered the problem. Try booting after replacing the size 2032 CMOS battery.  Then try the removed RAM stick by itself.  I think you removed a bad RAM stick.

John harper · Answer

If you are experiencing booting issues with your Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

Check Power Supply: Ensure that the power cable is securely plugged into the OptiPlex 9020 SFF and the power outlet. Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly by plugging in another device. If necessary, try a different power cable or power outlet.

Verify Power Button: Make sure the power button on the front panel of the OptiPlex 9020 SFF is not stuck or malfunctioning. Press the power button firmly to ensure it engages properly.

Check Display Connections: Ensure that the monitor is properly connected to the computer's video output. Verify that the cable is securely plugged into both the computer and the monitor. If using multiple display ports, try connecting to a different port or using a different cable to rule out any potential issues.

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