Why simple things are so complicated with Precision Workstations?

Question

Hi everyone, I have a specific question about Precision fixed workstation, but before I want to share my personal/general perception about those machines: I think they are so complicated for a 'standard' use. By standard use, I mean pushing the power button and wait some moment and start to work like any other 'normal' machine. I love Dell devices, but It turns me out of my mind when in every time it shows errors , when It won't to boot at all, or when it boots with a black blank screen. It happens to me get in error or in black screen with a machine witch was functional a day before without changing any part! ... Am I alone to face this situations? So, my current case: I turn on a T7910 with 2 RAM=> it boots, then 4 RAM => it boots, then 6 => no boot (no post error)! Ok, no problem, I take of the 2 added RAM= no boot. I take off all RAMs except 2 RAM (in slot1 of each CPU)=> no boot: Blank black screen without any post error. I cleaned the CMOS=> Same result: black and blank. Can someone help to get this machine turn on like a any other 'standard' machine? Many thanks.

Abidal · Accepted Answer

Hi,

As planned, I booted the machine and left it on for about 30 minutes. However, I still had the black screen.

I then removed all 32GB RAM modules and replaced them with 2 RAM sticks of 16GB each. I cleared the CMOS and powered on the machine. It booted successfully.

After a lot of praying :) I gradually added the 32GB RAM modules, two at a time. After each addition, I rebooted the machine to ensure the configuration was working (don't forget to cross your fingers :D ). After about an hour, all my 16 RAM sticks were installed, and the machine is running smoothly.

I don't know how long it will stay up, but for now, it's functional.

Thank you, Mazzinia, and thank you, Brad.

bradthetechnut · Answer

When you cleared CMOS, did you replace the size 2032 battery with a new one? Bad batteries affect BIOS and therefore PC operation.

If by chance that doesn't work and PC behavior doesn't change, what error msgs. are you getting?

Abidal · Answer

Hi Brad,

Thanks for replying.

It's a new battery, but I will change it just to be sure.

I'm not getting any error (no amber led blinking). The workstation seems to be booting, but not attempting the "final step".

I have a RGB keyboard that light up when the boot is done (displaying options F1, F5 ... or showing sys fans errors ...). But when this machine boots, it's not lighting up: just a power button on with a white static light, sound of fans, and a blank black screen.

Thanks.

mazzinia_ · Answer

Maybe is a very long shot, but try one ram only and let it stay for 30min/1h ( just in case the training mode it does when ram is first scanned/added is simply taking a very long time)

Abidal · Answer

Hi mazzinia, I will try this and give a feedback tomorrow. Many thanks.

mazzinia_ · Answer

@Abidal​ nothing to thank me for. It's a very, very long shot

mazzinia_ · Answer

@Abidal​ glad that you managed to solve the issue

PopsPF · Answer

I’m a novice when taking apart machines and I’m old so don’t overwhelm me ha

i can use any laptop or desktop but I have been rebooting, trying all the shifts with multiple buttons and no display. Power light and keyboard lights laminate but black screen. Over an hour of reading the support help, videos, searching google, etc and I’m getting frustrated with the Precision 7780 I’ve had less than 60 days. Been perfect until I opened it this morning

please help

mazzinia_ · Answer

Hello, do you have an external monitor to plug ?

PopsPF · Answer

I do. I’ve plugged it in & it lights up and says no display. On a hard reboot, the laptop plays the windows jingle but black screen

mazzinia_ · Answer

Try using a torch to light the screen, in case you can see some image

PopsPF · Answer

I’m not sure what’s torch is in computer language

mazzinia_ · Answer

a strong light ( torch is not computer language , is just any rechargeable portable light )

PopsPF · Answer

Oh ok, I’ll try that

mazzinia_ · Answer

Try method 1 How to Run the LCD Built-in Self-Test on a Dell Laptop | Dell US

Precision Fixed Workstations

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