pc wont switch on

iviv

Dust could be the problem. Open up the case and look for the PSU, it will either be at the top or bottom of the case, at the back. There should be one or two fans that you can see. Poke them with something, see if they can turn easily. If they aren't spining it will just overheat and refuse to turn on.
We had a case like that where I work a couple of weeks ago, the inside was caked with dust. We attacked it with a can of compressed air and it worked fine

tomsolomon

OMG dont even contemplate poking something into the PSU. The psu contains very large capacitors that can kill.

BritBrat

DO NOT POKE ANYTHING INTO THE POWER SUPPLY

See tomsolomon post
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=558673

Does your 5150 also have a model name? I am guessing it will be 'Dimension"
When I look at the manual for the Dimension 5150 it mentions those diagnostic lights under Troubleshooting.

When you say disconnect and reconnect everything do you mean all the wires and cards inside the casing in the back of the pc, the other thing I did notice when i looked in the casing yesterday was a lot of dust....could this cause a problem??? and how should i clean it

What I would do and do every 6 months or so.

Take the PC and clean it. Ground yourself against some metal in the house like radiator bare metal to discharge any static, keep doing that every now and then. Do not work in an area where you have carpet.

I think you will need to get some help for this, but it's not hard to do if you are carefull and take your time.

Disconnect from the mains and remove case sides.
Remove any fans attached to the case (noting the direction the fan was blowing), get a small brush and vacum and brush the dust away noting how and where and wires were connected.
Replace the fans one at a time as you go.
Now this part is tricky, you will see a fan on the processor and a heat sink that can be removed and cleaned just as above but in removing heat sink you will disturb the contact with the processor and it will have to be cleaned and new heat transfer paste applied.

Try not to let the vacuum touch any parts and just use it to remove loose dust.

As for removing parts like memory or graphics card I would just take them out one at a time and place them back as they were, doing this may make a bad connection good again.
Removing and Installing Parts

From what you have said in the past, I think you should either get someone you know who if fammiliar with computers to look at it or take it to a technician but that could cost you quite a bit on money.

tomsolomon

Technicaly speaking you should use a non static producing vacum cleaner. If you have to use a domestic vacum do not put it any where near the case and use a can of air to displace the dust inside the pc and catch the dust as it leaves the case. Also try to use an anti static brush to remove stubborn bits of dust.
You can buy a can of air at any decent PC retailers.

The average human can create around 3,000 volts of static electricity, (the blue flash you can see when you touch a door handle or metal obeject) it can take as little as 10 volts of electricity to destroy the internal circutry of a pc.

BritBrat

The manual is wrong, it tells you they are at the back then say's they are at the front. You will have to look to see what one is right but looks like front to me.

tomsolomon

Why cant Dell use POST audio beeps like everyone else....

BritBrat

They have those as well by the look of it.

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.
If your computer beeps during start-up:

1. Write down the beep code.

2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause.

3.Contact Dell for technical assistance (see your computer Owner's Manual for information about how to contact Dell).

lesley2004

hi

thankyou everyone for your suggestions, today I have been unable to power up pc, I have had the back off but am not comfortable with touching any of the wires in there!!!!

I did notice yesterday those diagnostic lights at the front of the pc...funny I have never noticed them before...but because it wont power up today I cant get the beep code...

Have decided to take it to a local pc firm have used once before to see if they can help...for a reasonable price

X

BritBrat

I am glad you never got electrocuted I was a little worried when you had not come back.

At least you have gained some more knowledge and now know where the error lights are, I bet if they clean it and reseat the parts it will be OK.

Failing that it may be the power supply and if you have to have one fitted pay over £50 for it, I know that sounds a lot but it will be worth it in the long run.

lesley2004

Hi

Just as a matter of interest I have returned from work tonight at 11 pm and my hubbie pressed the on button once and the damn thing has switched on.......after I have tried on and off all day!!