Boot failure after fan failure (num & scroll lock come on, laptop powers down)

Question

Hello all, I'm having some problems with my Lattitude C640 2 weeks ago, my fan failed to power up on boot, something which only caught my eye after Windows stopped responding.   After that, the laptop usually wouldn't even boot.   If i hit the power button, the caps lock and scroll lock lights come on and the laptop powers down after a few seconds. Once in a while, it would actually manage to boot, only to hag during boot-up or even in the BIOS. This als has the effect of being unable to flash the BIOS or run the Diagnostics.   It is now sitting on my desk, thoroughly stripped (removed display, keyboard, top chassis and cooling fan). The CPU cooler is now cooled by a PIII cooler sitting on top of the original cooling assembly. The HD, Diskdrive and Battery have been re-plugged is and i am using an external monitor and keyboard. Still, the num & scroll lock lights come on and the laptop powers down   If need be, i have a C/Dock lying around somewhere.   For some reason, i can't set up a Premier Support account. If i set one up, it fails after registration and i STILL can't log in. Maybe is it because i am in the netherlands   Kit

strike_2 · Answer

Okay, i just noticed a little note on the left side of the site, only US asset tags can register.

That only leaves the need to get the BIOS blink-codes table, which only businesses can get with their business login.

I have 4 Lattitudes (3xC840, 1xC640), 2 PowerEdges (2400 and 600sc) and 5 workstations (Dimension2400) here at the office.

Does that qualify me for a business login?

If so, how can i register for such a login?
(Remember, i am in the netherlands).

JersWork · Answer

Actually,  There is a list of the 'blink codes' in the appendix of the CPi (also known as the CPiD) service manual (available through the Reference tab above)...

leduke30 · Answer

As a guess only, I would look to replace the CPU, which may have gotten 'fried' when the fan went out, or perhaps became unseated .

strike_2 · Answer

Well, figured out what the Num/scroll lock means: memory failure

i took out the DIMMs and put them back in, now it actually boots... kinda

In would be awful nice if someone had access to the C640 Blink codes...

We, in europe, don't have access to the premium site (no, there is no european version)

DELL-Corey · Answer

strike_2,

Thank you for using Dell's Community Forum.

On that system these are the codes:
(note that 0=means the light is off 1=means light is on.)
LED Code BIOS Error
0-0-1 Processor Failure
0-1-0 Motherboard Failure
0-1-1 Memory Failure

oldboot · Answer

Corey,

For reference can we get the definitions for the other values?

LED Code BIOS Error
0-0-1 Processor Failure
0-1-0 Motherboard Failure
0-1-1 Memory Failure

1-0-0

1-0-1

1-1-0

1-1-1

This would help in the future when we come across them. Thanks.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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