Start a Conversation

Unsolved

This post is more than 5 years old

14399

March 2nd, 2009 12:00

My desktop computer won't start: flashing amber light?

My Dimension  E510 will not turn on when I press the power on button.  The power button then starts flashing amber and after a while it stops.   I can then turn it on.  When this started, I had to wait about 5 minutes.  Last night however,  it took 2 hours.  I have left my computer on since then and seems to run fine.  I had mentioned this to a Best Buy salesman last week, and he told me it was a power supply problem.   He told me to bring it in and they'll replace it.  The thing I can't get past is why the computer is fine once I get it powered up.  I'm thinking if the power supply was going bad, wouldn't I have more problems while it runs?  I was wondering if someone could verify the power supply diagnosis, or if anyone else had this experience.  I called Dell but they wouldn't tell me anything unless I gave them $50.  I also feel capable of changing the power supply myself if anyone suggest that, provided I can find parts.  Thank's for all replies.

1.7K Posts

March 2nd, 2009 12:00

You can follow THIS FLOWCHART to see if you can find an answer. 

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

March 2nd, 2009 13:00

wruebs

A blinking amber power button LED usually indicates a power supply or motherboard failure.

As a power supply costs less than the motherboard, that would be the first part to replace.

5150/E510 systems do not use Dell proprietary power supplies, you can install most generic ATX power supplies with either a 24-pin or 20+4-pin main motherboard power connector.

As the 5150/E510 has an open back panel, a power supply with or without the on/off switch can be used and can be purchased from most local or online computer stores.

A power supply with a minimum of two SATA power connectors is needed.

Dell's e510/5150 Troubleshooter, is HERE <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

The instructions for replacing the power supply, are HERE

Bev.

No Events found!

Top