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Mweiner

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19 years ago

M

Mweiner

8 Posts

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18811

March 8th, 2008 13:00

Dead PC?

Yesterday, I shut down my Dell Dimension 5100 correctly, and went to work. When I came back to my apartment, I tried turning it on and it wouldn't. I live by myself, so I know nobody could've touched it between that time I went to work and came home.

 

So far, I tested the power supply (which is fine) and I opened up the frame to look inside, where there is a green LED lit up right by the RAM slots.

 

Is it time to get rid of this piece of junk, or is there a simple solution I'm overlooking?

  • Warren H.

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 13:00

     


    Mweinr,


    What color is your power button light ? Is it green, amber, blinking green, blinking amber ? Check the chart here to match what you have. It also lists some resolutions to your problem.


    Also, whats the status of the four diagnostic lights on the front of your computer ? Match them with the diagnostic light chart here . This chart also lists some resolutions.


    Hopefully these two things should point to whats wrong.


    Warren

  • Mweiner

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 14:00

    err, sorry, there are diagnostic lights, but they won't turn on when I press the system power button.

  • Mweiner

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 14:00

    The system light is entirely off, and there aren't any "diagnostic lights" on my desktop.

  • shesagordie

    12 Elder

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 18:00

    Mweiner

    If the power button LED is not lite, try plugging the power cable into a different outlet.

    No difference, try replacing the power supply unit, or if you are comfortable around computers, you could try the following a test the power supply.

    Unplug the cord from the power supply, hold the power button in for about 15/20 seconds, open the case, unplug the 24-pin connector from the motherboard and jump the Green wire to one of the Black wires, reconnect the power cord and power the system on, if power supply fan and hard drive runs, then the PSU should be good.

    Note: Do not remove any wires from the plug, use a small piece of wire or a paper clip as a jumper.

    Bev.


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    Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
  • Mweiner

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 19:00

    Just called my friend and he told me what to do. It did, in fact, work.

     

    Thank you very much!

  • shesagordie

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 19:00

    Mweiner

    Yes, you can assume it's time to try a different power supply.

    Note: The D-5100 has an open back, you can use most generic standard ATX PSU, with or without, the on/off switch and either a 24-pin or 20+4-pin main motherboard power connector and two SATA power connectors, that can be purchased from a local or online, computer store.

    Bev.


    ===================================================
    Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
    Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
  • shesagordie

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 19:00

    Mweiner

    :)

    Bev.


    ===================================================
    Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
    Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.
  • Mweiner

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    Posted March 8th, 2008 19:00

    I tried the first two suggestions, neither of them worked.

     

    The third one, haha, this is way beyond my expertise with computers. I majored in business, not technology. My friend works in tech support so I'll ask him about it.

     

    I assume that if "rerouting" the green and black wires doesn't work, the PSU is simply dead?

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    Posted April 7th, 2008 02:00

    I've just experienced a similar problem - powered off computer and moved it to a different room - attempted to power it on about 3-4 hours later.  When I try the diagnostic and jump the green and black, however, the fan spins.  What then?

     

    No ligts up front, just a green LED near the memory.  This light goes off if I disconnect the 24pin connector from the motherboard or if no power cord is connected and I hold the power button for almost 30 seconds.  As soon as I touch the power cord to the PSU, the green light goes back on.

     

    Still recommend replacing the PSU or is it possibly something else?  What does that green LED indicate, anyway? 

  • shesagordie

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    Posted April 7th, 2008 03:00

    atticwalker

    What is the computer model and version of windows?

    What is the reading of the power button LED, solid green, blinking green, solid amber, blinking amber?

    Bev.


    ===================================================
    Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
    Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.