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optiplex 780 Desktop power cut out lights 1, 2, 3, and amber(identified as screen connection)
Hello,
I had an error with a optiplex 780 lights, 1, 2, 3 and the amber sort of sequence of lights, 1,2 refers to a problem with some component. The system simply shuts down. What solved this, was removing the screen connection so the blue lead, it then powered the supply and the lights stopped flashing. I had this power cut down time occasionally. I didn't think to try removing this wire first.
Could it be the wire is at fault, or the connection component?
redxps630
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August 4th, 2021 08:00
More likely the D sub VGA port is faulty. But if you have another working VGA cable, use it to test the port. Are you getting video from the DP video port on board or discrete video card?
optiplex780desktop
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August 4th, 2021 09:00
So the actual connection. The wire is a little loose, the colour flicker happens as a result, so by nudging the wire in and out, left to the right, it solves that.It may be the cable itself, that has been partly the problem all along, before was a different connector cables for the hard drive, so by changing that stopped the shut downs, that would last for a day or two. It has been a shut down problem for more than two and a half years now.
Hmm.
I don't have a spare cable for the screen.
redxps630
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August 4th, 2021 10:00
One thing that can cause bad electrical connection is dust/dirt. Try cleaning both D sub port and VGA cable end using 90% rubbing alcohol or spray contact Re-Nu electrical contact cleaner on it. Let dry then test again.
optiplex780desktop
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August 4th, 2021 10:00
I've ordered a new cable via Amazon, I will see what the problem is.
My disc drive opens at times, has been doing that for over two years now. Most likely a faulty sensor. So the screen is very old, it was from 2007. The computer I am using is from 2017, so I'm using used stuff.
The hard drive I used from an old optiplex that was also from Amazon, and worked for ten months, the power supply was bad. It was the smaller 780 system, so they are similar to the desktop looking form factor. Not the actual Desktop, like a Dimension 4600 system from back eighteen years ago. Or the newest dell systems that are tower desktops.
bradthetechnut
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August 4th, 2021 18:00
The 780 was introduced in 2010. Has the size 2032 CMOS battery been replaced within the last 5 years? A bad battery will cause all sorts of seemingly unrelated bizarre problems.
Is the 780 clean? Have you called Ghost Busters?
It sounds like you're overdue for a newer PC. Many good deals on refurb 4-digit models - 7010/9010 have 3rd gen CPU and 7020/9020 4th gen. Or, if you want, wait and get a PC that can run Win11. That's all entirely up to you.
optiplex780desktop
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August 5th, 2021 08:00
I put a battery in my dimension 4600 ten years ago this month, and it stopped working in May, never caused a problem. I own old systems, the newest is a utra small form factor elite 8000 HP, I got that in September 2017.
So a new system isn't necessary. I use windows 7, and I have two xp systems, they are backups, but unlikely to be needed. Mainly for software use, GTA games. Flight simulator 2004.
So I doubt the optiplex needs a new battery, the new wire I will try.
A new computer is for somebody who doesn't own a computer or a working computer.
bradthetechnut
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August 5th, 2021 08:00
Plus you can always test your 3v battery if you want.
We've also seen low batteries throw incorrect and confusing error codes. Sony batteries only lasted me 2 yrs., so I go with Duracell.
optiplex780desktop
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August 5th, 2021 10:00
I will try the cable out, I guess this was the problem, it is very old, older than the computer. Not many use this old system, but who knows for anybody out there, the shut down is solved by nudging the VGA cable out. Thanks for you help.