Problems with a Desktop Dell

David · Feb 09, 2012, 11:31:00

I hope this is the correct area to post this if not I am sure it will be moved

I will get the model etc later but my daughters Dell desktop threw a hissy fit last night and decided to go into what appears a stand by mode I am thinking perhaps its some form of protection

Symptoms the fan started going on and off at an alarming speed and although this isnt a new thing this time it did not settle down in fact the light on the power button turned to orange and the machine stayed like this there is no display

I wont turn this thread into a tutorial but I am hoping it is an easy fix.My limited knowledge dictates that it isnt the PSU my hope is it is just the fan which I cab n replace
I will take it apart later but hope its nothing more serious.
Now worst case senario that the machine is dead...... as I have a duplicate machine downstairs same mode etc in an attempt to save Joannes data could I in an extreme case switch the HD on them ?
Both machines are idnetical and both run Vista .......................... I am hopeful I can fix this one

Sorry if its a bit long winded but would like to fix this for her ...... TIA

My theory is that the macine is protecting itself from further damage or overheating so has gone into a standby mode

Just noticed I seem to have put that the wrong way round if the fan is working which it is then the PSU may be the villain here hope its not the MB

Glenn · Feb 09, 2012, 11:40:10

When you try to power it on, does the caps lock LED flash, if it does how many times and what colour? Generally on a Dell, the orange LED on the power switch does indicate power problems.

David · Feb 09, 2012, 11:47:54

Dell Inspiron 530 the keyboard isnt one which illuminates but have one here which I could use for that at the moment just the fan spinning nowt else

David · Feb 09, 2012, 11:53:03

No lights at all on keyboard when powered up

Glenn · Feb 09, 2012, 11:53:15

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/en/OM/HTML/trouble.htm#wp1082854

If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see Memory).

Remove and then reinstall any cards (see Cards).

Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see Cards).

If the power light is steady amber, there may be a power problem or an internal device malfunction.

Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).

Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).

David · Feb 09, 2012, 11:54:31

Thanks Glenn will start on this later on

Lance · Feb 09, 2012, 12:34:36

In answer to your other question, if both machines are identical swapping the hard disk should be relatively easy.

David · Feb 09, 2012, 12:48:45

Thanks Lance for Joannes sake I am more interested in saving her data the machine is easily replaced of course I would sooner get it up and running but thats machines for you

Simon · Feb 09, 2012, 13:16:39

Have you tried a different power supply, David?

David · Feb 09, 2012, 13:26:03

No not yet Simon it only happened late last night and Joanne was panic stricken and only had time to just switch it on today intend bringing it downstairs later on and take a closer look inside just to check the basics I have noted that the desktop in the sitting room is the Inspriron 531 which should still (if I have to ) take the HD ...

I do have a brand new PSU not sure it would fit in the case but could try it late on

Simon · Feb 09, 2012, 13:29:44

I'm just talking about the lead and the 'brick', David, as a first step.

David · Feb 09, 2012, 13:36:15

Oops thanks Simon I will do this but "Brick" thats a new one one on me ?

Simon · Feb 09, 2012, 13:40:05

I don't know what else to call it!

David · Feb 09, 2012, 13:42:22

I have been called worse

Simon · Feb 09, 2012, 13:48:35

David · Feb 09, 2012, 13:58:56

Tried that so onto step two

cavillas · Feb 09, 2012, 15:30:43

How is the dust and fluff situation inside the machine and on the cpu fan? Lots of fluff can lead to overheating such as this.

David · Feb 09, 2012, 16:02:20

Thanks Alf thats my next port of call and I have no doubt it will be pretty full of that as I have not taken much notice of this machine for a couple of years so will clean it out and check out all the connections first

David · Feb 09, 2012, 22:20:01

Worst comes to the worst I have found a working 530 needs a HD and another refurbished for £68 .......................... no brainer really,well for me

David · Feb 10, 2012, 13:31:55

Well finally got around to looking at the Dell lots of dust as was expected all connections are fine the amber light on the power button at the front is illuminated and there is also an amber light on the MB this is lit up as well both fans are whirling and no sign of life from the keyboard.....Not

When you mention memory modules Glen are you referring to the RAM ?

Done this anyway
The only other indication is the pc wont turn off at the button on the front can only turn off by turning off the power at the wall ...

Glenn · Feb 10, 2012, 14:03:31

The fans and HDU normally work on the 12v lines, while the rest of the PC will operate on 5v feed from the PSU (this will be further reduced on the motherboard).

Technical Ben · Feb 10, 2012, 14:23:10

Does it beep when you turn it on? The beeping type will usually be indication of the type of fault. 1 beep, 3 beeps, continuous, etc.

Certain beeps will mean the motherboard is dead, others the power and others the components. It at least may help narrow it down.

David · Feb 10, 2012, 14:40:52

Thanks Glenn The heatsink fan and the psu fan are both working I have a psu here brand new I bought years ago I am wondering if I can change them over if only for diagnostic purpose
No video cards in the back
No Graphics card

Quote from: Technical Ben on Feb 10, 2012, 14:23:10
Does it beep when you turn it on? The beeping type will usually be indication of the type of fault. 1 beep, 3 beeps, continuous, etc.

Certain beeps will mean the motherboard is dead, others the power and others the components. It at least may help narrow it down.

Thanks Ben no beeps at all no sign of life from keyboard or monitor
Just a thought could it be the battery ?

David · Feb 10, 2012, 14:58:03

PSU here unused is the X-Power 450 TD 450 W

Technical Ben · Feb 13, 2012, 20:15:30

If the battery dies on a desktop, the only thing that happens is the clock or settings reset. So it turns on and works fine, just goes back to factory settings (which if you never changed anything, will be no difference) and the clock goes to 12:00 on the day of manufacturing.

It's basically a watch battery for a watch/clock in the PC. Thanks to flash memory (solid state/memory card type) we no longer need a battery for the motherboard to retain all the information.

David · Feb 13, 2012, 20:18:02

Thanks Ben the only other thing to be tested is the PSU if its not that I will assume it is the MB and just get the data from the HD then move on

Steve · Feb 13, 2012, 20:24:57

Just a point , I might be stating the bleedy obvious but you don't need to place the new PSU in the case to test it.

Polchraine · Mar 08, 2012, 10:20:29

I would NOT change the drives over from one machine to the other but get a set of cables and install the drive from the problem machine as a slave on the working machine. At that point you should be able to see some of the data.