XPS 8920, power light issue

Count the blinks and look up the error code here under Diagnostic LEDs for the XPS Desktop series (2015 to 2020).

And it's also possible the white LED in the power button module has failed...

@pwolodzko 

Mine isn't on but I don't worry about it. My computer is working, and I have no problems. I use Support Assist once a week and if it doesn't show any problems, I take it as, all is fine.

If I find out what will turn it on, I'll post it here.

None of the "codes" apply to my situation. Here is the series of events:

- I press the power button to turn on the unit.

- The light turns on amber.

- The light turns off.

- Machine continues to boot properly and functions properly.

As I mentioned, the problem comes and goes as I apply Dell and Windows updates.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Pete

Thanks. At least now I know that this is not an isolated incident.

Appreciate your response.

Regards,

Pete

@pwolodzko  - Probably reasonable to assume the white LED in the power button died.

The button module can be replaced if you think that's necessary.  Check the Service Manual for details.

pwolodzko,

There are many topics about this issue with the 8900 case. I bought my XPS 8920 in July 2017. The power light stopped working within the first year. Luckily for me, I have an external blu-Ray drive on USB that does have a power light. That light is on when the computer is on.

In late 2020, the XPS 8920 power light came back on, so I do believe this is a software issue. It has gone dark again, but does sometimes flash during  Power On Self Test (POST). Most likely it has to do with a Dell BIOS update, since the "Alert" conditions only display during POST.

What we need is some Windows software that can activate this LED after the POST. For those who do not have an external device, this would let them know when the computer is on. Until then, tie a string to the fan louvers that will show when the case fan is turning, or shine a flashlight down to the fan blades.

If anyone from Dell is reading this, how's about a software fix?

noquiexis,

Thank you!  Thank you for validating that I am not crazy.  I agree 100% with all that you wrote. Seems like a simple problem for Dell to solve and such an important feature of any machine!  But, I think like so many technology companies, they're on to the next big thing and forget about the "old" products.  Loosing faith in Dell.   I've been buying Dells for several decades.  Next machine will be something else . . . .

As I mentioned, on a tenforums.com post about this problem, I suspect its a Support Assist problem.  There is another Support Assist problem that cropped up after (we think) some Windows update in early December where its reporting "memory size has changed" at boot and affecting the Inspiron 15 gaming 5577 laptop and several Alienware (gaming) laptops.   This problem has been escalated to our Dell Rockstar interface and to Alienware support.  

If it is a Support Assistant problem (to prove its a Support Assistant problem), Support Assistant must be completely removed, including registry entries, then a reboot.  Either by (1) Removing it with Revo Uninstaller Pro that also scans and allows removal of left over registry entries, or (2) Remove with the Windows uninstall and then use Ccleaner to scan and remove registry entries.  Just removing with the Windows uninstall will not do it, either (1) or (2) must be used.

One additional item with Support Assist.  Some models have a Support Assist option in the BIOS.  Disabling the BIOS option has had a positive affect on the memory change reported error and may also affect this problem.  If this model has a Support Assist entry in the BIOS disable it and see if it makes any difference.

XPS 8920 BIOS has these:

I changed both SupportAssist System Resolution keys, with no change in the power LED state. I only did the software restart, but I doubt if rebooting from a complete shutdown would be different. I could be wrong.