Dell XPS 410

Question

The monitor to my Dell XPS 410 begins with a green light and immediately goes yellow after I power up the computer. The monitor does work because I connected it to another computer. I tried hitting keys on the keyboard and moving mouse after power up. I tried unplugging the power cord, holding the power cpu button 30 seconds. I've also tried unplugging and re-plugging everything going to and from the motherboard. The computer comes on and stays on with the fan running. I just can't get the monitor to come on. It states it is in Power Save Mode. I hadn't operated the computer for three years because I moved and it was in controlled dry storage because I have five(5) computers; two for personal and three for business. However, I wanted to use this because I needed to remove and/or transfers old files and donate this to a useful organization. I did remove the Video Card and Re-installed the same card. I don't know what else to do. I would run a Bios but, how do you do that without a monitor? Please Help!

JIM

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

try Clearing CMOS Settings1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.2. Reset the current CMOS settings:a. Locate the 2-pin CMOS jumper (CLRCMOS) on the system board (see System Board Components).b. Remove the jumper plug from the password jumper (CLRPSWD) pins 1 and 2.c. Place the jumper plug on the CMOS jumper (CLRCMOS) pins 1 and 2 and wait approximately five seconds.d. Remove the jumper plug and replace it on the password jumper (CLRPSWD) pins 1 and 2.3. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).4. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.

Jimmy James P · Answer

Yes, I did replace the mother board battery with new.

Jimmy James P · Answer

I did replace the CMOS Battery and I have a number 3 and a number 4 lit on the face of the computer.

JOcean · Answer

Are you seeing any diagnostic lights displayed? And with the system idle for so long it might be a good idea to replace the CMOS battery. That will reset the BIOS and will ensure that the system boots and detects hardware properly. The service manual has more information on the placement of the battery on the main board here.

JOcean · Answer

Lights 3 and 4 indicate a memory error. The service manual diagnostic chart is here. Try reseating the RAM. If that does not work pull one RAM module and try again. If still no go then try the other RAM module. It appears that the reason that you have no display is not because of a video card problem.

Jimmy James P · Answer

BTW, I really do appreciate your time and consideration. Thanks

Jimmy James P · Answer

Thanks, I have found CLRCMOS now I have to find a jumper plug from another computer or use a screwdriver. I read where I am supposed to remove the CMOS battery while I am in the process of clearing the CMOS. Also, I did remove and replace the same RAM chip but I probably didn't make sure they were reseated properly. I'll let you know what happens tomorrow. It's getting too late for my eyes to stay wide awake. Later.

Jim

Jimmy James P · Answer

I believe I'm making progress with your help. Code 3 & 4 are gone but now, I have a code 1. After starting the monitor by pushing the power button, the power button light goes immediately from green to yellow. The computer consistently has power and running good, at least it sounds good. I just can't get the monitor from power save mode. Thanks for all you've done but, I'm at a lost for options.

speedstep · Answer

disconnect the hard drive and turn on Bios should display an error

Jimmy James P · Answer

More instructions needed... Should I disconnect the electrical power to the cpu before I disconnect the Hard Drive also, should I remove the data cable. Do I need to physically remove the hard drive then reinstall the HD before I power up the cpu. I want the steps to completion so I don't make a mistake I'll regret making. Thanks, I really appreciate your time and knowledge.

JIM

Jimmy James P · Answer

JOcean, I wanted to thank you for your assistance in getting my dell XPS 410 running again and out of power save mode. I am not sure exactly what I did to overcome the cpu/monitor issues but it started up without any problems today. After disconnecting and reconnecting all power input to the motherboard, removing and replacing RAM cards, removing the video card and reinstalling same, resetting the BIOS with the jumper lead, disconnect the 24-pin connector to the MB and jump the green wire with the black wire and reconnect to the MB, disconnect the power and data cables from the hard drive and reconnect. Also, I unplugged the power to the computer and held the power button in for 30 seconds. I am and just not sure exactly what caused the problem. Anyway, My XPS is working again and I thank you for being there for all of us out here that need you. I thank all of you because I have read about so many other people having the same problem. Thanks again!

Jimmy

XPS Desktops

Dell XPS 410

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