Goes to Standby during Startup

Question

I have a Dimension 2400 that goes directly to standy/hibernate during startup. I have progressively less time during each startup attempt in F2 and F8 mode. I have maybe 30 seconds to before it goes into standby. If I try to startup in Windows, the system wants to check the discs and only makes it through a small percentage of "Stage 2" before switching out to standby.

Once in standby, I cannot get out. The CPU light blinks orange and I have to hold the button in for 10 seconds to get it to shut down and then wait a couple minutes to boot with a green light. If I try too early, it just goes to standy/hibernate again with no startup.

Here's what I have:
Monitor = Dell 2007FPb
Recommended, preinstalled video card for a larger flat panel

I am using the VGA cable. When starting up with no monitor and with a CRT monitor, it still bails out to standby during startup. I've removed the video card and then reinstalled it and see no change.

This all started about a week and a half ago. I had enough time to go into Windows and disable standby/hibernate and sleep through the Windows control panel. Everything is still turned off per F2 startup mode under Powersave.

How can I fix things? I need this PC up and running 100% ASAP (it's the company's president's machine). Thanks!

mombodog · Answer

I don't think it is going into standby. The Orange blinking light, is it the power button?   Standby by will be indicated by a Green blinking power button.   The Dell Documents do not give any indication of an amber (orange) blinking power button for this model, but for other Dell models this is an indication of a failing power supply or faulty hardware connected to it.   This is an older low cost Dell model, It may be cheaper to replace rather than repair.   http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/F75560LRs.pdf  page 28   There are other diagnostic lights on the back of the PC, note the color and position during this failure and look them up here.  http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/advtshoo.htm

europa303 · Answer

In addition to 'dog's recommendations you may wish to try a System Restore point to a recent date when all was well.

P.S. The president should have a higher-end new computer.

Message Edited by europa303 on 02-01-2007 06:18 PM

studiolb3 · Answer

Thank you for the suggestions. I triwed using the diagnostic Light guide that you forwarded a link to. Unfortunately all lights are green through the boot process until the point where it shuts down almost completely. The power light is still blinking orange. A 3 year old Dimension 2400 should have lasted a little longer considering it was only used for email. Thanks for your help.

Windows General

Goes to Standby during Startup

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