Help

Announcement Banner
Start a discussion
UNSOLVED

alphascan

updated

20 years ago

A

alphascan

2 Posts

0

2048

November 19th, 2006 14:00

dead E521

I was downloading a bios up date and suddenly the power went off.  When trhe power returned, the power light was on and the fan was running at high speed, but nothing on screen,  I cakked tech services and he determined the mother board was bad and sent me one.  I am computer savy to some extent and had no problem in installing teh mother board, but when i tried to turn on teh 521... nothing  same thing.   I think the Bios erased and that is all that is need.  Any suggestgions.  Dell will send out a tech in 10 days, but that seems too long..  HELP
  • M

    Majestic

    2 Intern

    •

    9371 Posts

    58

    0

    Posted November 19th, 2006 15:00

    Were you just downloading the BIOS update or were you actually installing it when the power failed ?  Big difference.  If you were justing downloading the BIOS update then the system may have died due to a voltage spike from your local power company when the power came back on.
     
    As for the new motherboard installation, try clearing the NVRAM (CMOS) by following the directions I have listed below.  This will help rule out any possible BIOS related conflicts.  If that doesn't resolve the problem then check the system's diagnostic lights to see if they are giving an error code which can further help pin point the problem.  You can click here for an explanation of those error codes from your model's on-line Service Manual.
     
    With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 15 seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally.  You can click here for additional information on how to remove the battery from your model's on-line Service Manual.

    Message Edited by Majestic on 11-19-200611:33 AM

  • A

    alphascan

    2 Posts

    58

    0

    Posted November 19th, 2006 16:00

    I was installing the bios when i had a  power failure.  I have a 2nd computer plugged into the same surge protector and it is fine.  I tgried your suggestion,  and i still have problem  Thanks, and do you have other suggestions??
  • M

    Majestic

    2 Intern

    •

    9371 Posts

    58

    0

    Posted November 20th, 2006 12:00

    The motherboard swap would have taken care of any bad BIOS flash that occurred during the power failure so that is no longer the problem.   I'm assuming the system's diagnostic lights are of no help ?   Since you replaced the motherboard I would double check all the connection to make sure they are secure.  Also double check the processor and memory to see that they are fully seated in their sockets.

Dell Support Resources

Latest Solutions

View More