Computer won't boot up - Dell E521

WJC1981

When you turn the computer on does the computer beep? If so how many times and is it a long or short beep (this will tell me the exact problem) it sounds like either a memory problem or possibly a graphics card issue. When was it working last?

lonestarfan

lonestarfan wrote: »

I'll give that a go as I know how to take memory out as I installed some myself about 2 yrs ago. Cheers.

Thanks. I've done all this but no joy. Still won't work

lonestarfan

WJC1981 wrote: »

When you turn the computer on does the computer beep? If so how many times and is it a long or short beep (this will tell me the exact problem) it sounds like either a memory problem or possibly a graphics card issue. When was it working last?

No beeps at all. Just turns on and you can hear the power going to it but no beeps or flashing numbers.
The floppy disk drive flashes green when you first turn on then stops.
Monitor is Amber instead of green. Power light in computer is Amber not green.
I think it last worked on Saturday but I'm not sure. I definitely used it on Wednesday. Can't recall thurs or frior sat sorry!

Collabora

is the fan working?

lonestarfan

Collabora wrote: »

is the fan working?

Yes it is.

WJC1981

Does the computer stay on or does it turn itself off, I'm starting to think its the monitor, unplug the monitor then turn the computer off by holding down the power button. Then turn it on and off again then plug the monitor back in and turn it all on

Collabora

i have an old Dell OptiPlex 380 ( not used it in a while) but in know that that power light remained amber and nothing on monitor it was a faulty power unit. It cost me £20 to have this replaced, but with it being a slow PC, i now just have it as a spare
You may need to take it to a computer shop for them to have a look

flashg67

When an old PC of mine had this issue, it turned out to be the power supply failing. At the time I had a spare to swap over to confirm this though

gunte

If the power light is steady amber, 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).

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

http://stuartconnections.com/products/Computers/Systems/Desktops/Dell/Dimension_E521/Documentation/Service_Manual/SM_EN/adtshoot.htm

lonestarfan

gunte wrote: »

If the power light is steady amber, 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).

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

http://stuartconnections.com/products/Computers/Systems/Desktops/Dell/Dimension_E521/Documentation/Service_Manual/SM_EN/adtshoot.htm

I did most of that with no luck. Succumbed to dropping it off at the office and techies there looked at it. They say it's definitely the motherboard and possibly the processor as well
Strange. But that's life I guess.