optiplex 760

Question

When I try and start my computer it will stall at the black screen with Dell logo and the purple progress bar is only at about 15%

techluddite · Accepted Answer

Hello again, I removed one of the RAM sticks and tried to start the PC. The diagnostic lights were 1, 2 & 3 but thanks to your post highlighting the diagnostic indicator page I was not too worried and just followed the instructions on the screen. I then powered down and reinstalled the RAM stick, The computer powered up and reconfigured itself a couple of times and I could use it.........albeit it at a slower speed than normal. We had a thunderstorm and a power cut here and when I powered up again it started straight away and at the normal speed.

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!

bradthetechnut · Answer

3 things to try: Change the size 2032 CMOS battery if it's 5+ years old. Try a different/new HDD/SSD Go into the F12 Boot & Diagnostics menu and run Diagnostics.

techluddite · Answer

Hello Bradthetechnut, thanks for your reply and your suggestions. The computer is in my garage and is used infrequently - I have a couple of electronic parts manuals on there and a Workshop Information System programme as well. I will try and get a battery this afternoon or weekend and replace the one that is in there.........that is an easy job that I can do! Suggestion 2 that you mention means absolutely nothing to me, and can I get to suggestion 3 with the black screen showing? These probably seem stupid questions to you - but I am totally clueless and appreciate your help and comments. I am not online every day, but will reply when I am able to.

Thanks

bradthetechnut · Answer

2. This is In case the current HDD (hard-drive) or SSD (solid state drive) failed.

3. Upon power on, immediately and repeatedly press F12 for the Boot & Diagnostics menu. No waiting for Dell logo or keyboard light. If the menu can't be accessed, shut PC off. Turn back on, and try F2 instead just to see if BIOS can be accessed. If those 2 can't accessed, that's another issue.

Your questions definitely aren't stupid. : )

techluddite · Answer

Hello again, I disconnected the power supply to install new battery.........now it will not start at all. There are now two green figures above the power button - figures 3 and 4!    I know it is nigh on impossible to diagnose problems from afar and I am sure if you were here in person it would be sorted in no time. Is it time to take to computer repair shop or is there something I can (easily) do?

bradthetechnut · Answer

A reference guide to the Dell OptiPlex Diagnostic Indicators

It's not too unusual to see the RAM error code on some older Dell's. Try each RAM stick one at a time and see if it boots.

If you end up needing new RAM, Crucial is guaranteed to work in Dell's. A-Tech, the brand I've used for years, has a lower cost and also has a lifetime warranty.

bradthetechnut · Answer

You're welcome and glad it worked out. : )

I can see Win10 being slower with less RAM. From 4GB to 8GB, it speeds up. Beyond that, I didn't notice a difference, but it's great for multitasking and apps that need more RAM.

Optiplex Desktops

optiplex 760

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