Optiplex 780, solid amber, 3/4 blinking green

Question

I just don't know what to do i am not a computer tech all I know is that their is a solid amber light and two flashing green light saying 3 and 4  and it sounds like it starts up and make a deeping noise twice....... Help please

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

Joecool132,

Please provide the OptiPlex model number of your computer. We will need to know this in order to look up the issue that is causing the error. You can also click the link below and choose your system model. From there click on the manuals section and download the manual for information on what the error code means.

Support.dell.com

Joecool132 · Answer

I am sorry for the wait, but I believe it Is a Dell Optiplex 870. Sadly I could not find the product number it looked like it was scratched of or something. I hope that will a little bit.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Does the computer tell you the model # upon startup or in BIOS?

Amber light on motherboard means motherboard has power and that's a good thing. Gateway uses(d) green on motherboards, so I don't know if that turned proprietary.

As for flashing green lights - 1st, I'd remove the RAM, make sure it's clean, and reinstall. 2nd, make sure all internal connections are secure. It can be common to think connections are tight or all the way in on replaceable drives (i.e. hard-drive(s), DVD drives, other accessories) even when they aren't.

I don't know how tech savvy you are, but I hope this helps. Make sure computer is unplugged first and amber motherboard light is off. It stays lit for a few seconds after unplugging while capacitors drain.

If none of this works, computer shop might be your next best bet.

Also, one item unplugged on my 755 while I was working on it made for 2 flashing lights, so it could be just one plug or connector loose.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Could it be a Dell 780?Another way to verify if you're still not sure - Post a video of the computer on YouTube and paste a link in this thread.

speedstep · Answer

POWER BUTTON Blinking  AmberInitial state of light at power up. Indicates system has power, but the POWER_GOOD signal is not good aka Bad Power Supply.Solid AmberSecond state of the light at power up. Indicates the POWER_GOOD signal is active and power supply is working. Look at the diagnostic lights for further information. Motherboard may be toast if there are no lights. 3 and 4 Diagnostic Lights.  Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred. If two or more memory modules are installed, remove all of the modules, then reinstall one module at a time and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.   Dell OptiPlex 780 Service Manual—Desktop Computer PDF Dell OptiPlex 780 Service Manual--Mini Tower Computer PDF Dell OptiPlex 780 Service Manual - Small Form Factor Computer PDF Dell OptiPlex 780 Service Manual--Ultra Small Form Factor Computer PDF

bradthetechnut · Answer

If by chance still not sure of your model or Optiplex #, images can be Googled with your model # guesses. I've even used it to pull images of motherboards. Dell.com is also a reliable source.

bradthetechnut · Answer

As speedstep mentioned POWER and gave an accurate reply, if your power supply unit (PSU) has l.e.d. light(s), green light should be lit.

Joecool132 · Answer

I figured out the model it is a optiplex 780

bradthetechnut · Answer

Joecool132, Did you have any luck in getting the thing working? (You might see 2-3 automated emails as I edited and got used to the format change.)

Joecool132 · Answer

i have not but do you happen to know what size motherboard it has? but there is no more beeping noises when I start it up and i tried the removing the the memory modules.

bradthetechnut · Answer

A couple of suggestions:  Google and Ebay and you'll have an easy time finding a motherboard for it.  Remember you might have to specify mini tower (MT), SFF (small form factor), or USFF (ultra...) depending on your model.  I didn't find motherboard dimensions as I Googled for it, but it showed me refurbed motherboards for sale.  Amazon has them too.

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 780, solid amber, 3/4 blinking green

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