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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.
JMICHAEL
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March 2nd, 2009 12:00
You can follow THIS FLOWCHART to see if you can find an answer.
shesagordie
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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.