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PC won't boot up

Started by gry4 , Aug 18 2009 07:27 PM

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22 replies to this topic

#1 gry4

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Posted 18 August 2009 - 07:27 PM

I have a 3 1/2 yr old Dell that won't boot up. When I hit F1 to
boot, all it does is repeat the "hit F1" command. I can F2 to setup
and tried a couple changes(which I reset back to where it was originally),
but that didn't work either. Also, I can't get into F8 safe mode either.
I tried a boot disk I created a couple years ago..no go there either.
I do NOT have a cd reinstall disk.

Suggestions? Thanks.

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#2 hamluis

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Posted 18 August 2009 - 07:33 PM

What does your Dell manual indicate as possible ways to deal with this?

Louis

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#3 gry4

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Posted 18 August 2009 - 07:40 PM

Don't have the manual...lost it in a move recently.
Personally, I think I'm in deep trouble, but thought
I'd ask.
Thanks for the reply.

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#4 hamluis

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Posted 18 August 2009 - 07:49 PM

System model?

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#5 gry4

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Posted 18 August 2009 - 08:54 PM

How do I get that info for you as I can't boot up?
Stupid answer I guess, but I can't get past the f1 boot
to get you that info. Would it show in a f2 or f12 try?

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#6 gry4

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Posted 18 August 2009 - 11:28 PM

DELL OptiPlex GX270 P4 2.4 512MB 40 GB DESKTOP WINXP PR

Does this help?

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#7 AustrAlien

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 02:31 AM

Check this out first:
"the motherboard in this model PC having issues with its capacitors" ?

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-13974_102-0.html?threadID=335678

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-repli...cfm/790970.html
---------------

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX270 User's Guide:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/syst...70/en/ug/ug.exe

AustrAlien
Google is my friend. Make Google your friend too.
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#8 hamluis

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 08:36 AM

http://www.dell.com/downloads/us/products/.../gx270_spec.pdf

Did you try the diagnostics option, using the F12 key?

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/glo...toggle=&dl=

The second link should enable you to obtain a set of recovery/restore CDs...which should prove very useful, since you have no capability for reinstallation at the moment.

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#9 gry4

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 11:31 AM

Thank you for the links. I'll try the f12 first..not sure what I'd change, but I'll take a look.

As for rescue discs, if I'm able to get them, wouldn't this be futile to use if the motherboard
is bad? Also, I have little to no experience in repairs in that manner.

f12 first...Thank you!!!!

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#10 hamluis

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 12:02 PM

If you have little experience...what would make you think that the motherboard is bad?

There are many reasons a system won't boot, including bad components.

Louis

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#11 gry4

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 01:52 PM

I only went with the possible bad motherboard because of the link you
provided citing bad/leaking motherboard capacitors. I'd be more than happy
to not have to deal with that issue, if it is the problem.

When I try the f12 function, what do I look for and/or change to see
if I can get it to boot?

Thank you.

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#12 hamluis

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 02:15 PM

I don't have a Dell...so I can't tell you what the F12 key is supposed to do...but I believe that it's a system diagnostic utility of some type, according to the link I provided.

Louis

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#13 gry4

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 03:04 PM

Ok, I'll give it a try and get back to you in a day or two.
Thanks!

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#14 rosiesdad

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 05:09 PM

Duplicate post

Edited by rosiesdad, 19 August 2009 - 05:13 PM.

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#15 rosiesdad

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Posted 19 August 2009 - 05:11 PM

I have a similar aged Dell Dimension. You can download manuals online, google your dell model nr and you will find a link for that from Dell.
There likely are some LED's on the back of the Processor cabinet, The manual can be used to aid in trouble shooting. There is a chapter that will tell you what the led's indicate.
All you need is any Dell OEM XP disk to restore if it comes to that or go online to Dell
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/glo...&redirect=1

Edited by rosiesdad, 19 August 2009 - 05:16 PM.