system software needed to be reloaded...hardware was working fine...pulled out plug to turn
off computer...(system would not load up)...turned back on, went to windows ME splash
screen...then turned off by it self.
blinking amber light for power...hold down power button for 10 seconds, blinking light
goes off...push pwer button again, nothing turns on, blinking amber light continues...while
amber light blinking, push E button and green light comes on, blinking amber continues (no
hardware startup)...turn off blinking light, push E button, green light comes on only when
pushing E button (no hardware startup)...
opened the box and all connections seem to look fine...there is a solid amber light on mobo
that stays on when power cord is plugged in.
any help would be appreciated
specifics:
dell dimension 8100
win ME
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That blinking light is trying to tell you something ...
Dell use the power light to give basic system info the same way that POST beeps do
Go here for info
http://docs.us.dell.com/do
The 8100 troubleshooting manual is also on-line there
Sounds like PSU problem perhaps just a loose connection?
Presume you are getting no POST/Drive noise/Fans etc
M :o)
thanks for the speedy reply...i was hoping for a reset button i could push
that would get me up and going again...i will be going to vegas tonite
so i won't be able to work on this box until next week...i will award points
when i get back...
do you get any beep codes on posting? no beep codes, just the blinking light.
Presume you are getting no POST/Drive noise/Fans etc...yes, no nothing.
masq: thanks for the website...i was using netscape prior to posting and couldn't get
anything out of the dell site...when you said to check it, i used explorer and was able
to get through.
I work in a total Dell Environment, in my experience the 'Blinking Amber light' problem indicates your Power Supply has blown. You may also notice a 'ticking' noise coming from the mainboard?
I have seen more than 15 of these over the past 11 months - all the same. (It could be something else so don't hold me to it, just one of those things you look at and say 'yep - power supply is f.....'
Cheers,
Todd
The Dell components are pretty much proprietary, these are sourced through many other vendors including IBM, AOpen etc. It may be hard to locate an after market PSU because these are all re-branded as Dell.
I don't know how your warranty status is, but with myself logging a job with Dell I was sent a new PSU on an exchange basis on next day courier. It would be worth your while and time saving to get one from Dell.
thank-you everybody...first time fixing pentium 4 dell...have learned a lot....
i was dissappointed in dell on two issues:
1) the power supply had to be bought from dell--->the fan and cable insert needed to be a certain configuration...considerin
2) i was on the phone for over an hour trying to order the power supply...the guy
was whining about how the power supply for this model was discontinued and
how he needed to find a compatible part...his general attitude was poor...this was surprising considering that the cpu was out of warranty and i was fully willing to
pay for the part.
i have ordered in warranty parts with dell and they were very happy to assist
and have had flawless service on that end...maybe #2 was just a bad operator.
thanks again...
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by: GHOSTRIDERPosted on 2003-07-11 at 12:54:03ID: 8905607
sounds like a HW problem of some sort, you say that you've visually inspected all connections within the box, it might be worth your while, physically removing components and reseating them just to double check that they are all seated correctly.
Failing that, strip the machine down, try to power up with just the basics, 1 stick ram, video board, processor, do you get any beep codes on posting?.. If it's ok like that gradually add components back in, until it fails (it may not) this will tell you whats gone.
If possible also try a diferent power supply
although, no post at all can be indicative of a processor or mobo failure, but try the above first to rule out other components..