Dell Power Problems

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Troubleshooting Dell Power Problems

Finding the cause for power issues in PCs has always been difficult. The power supply issues current in several different voltages and can power some components on the motherboad but not others. A partially dead power supply or faulty motherboard can make troubleshooting a frustrating chore. Computer technicians can quickly check voltages with a multimeter, but the average consumer will not have the necessary diagnostic tools to adequately test the components of their computer. Dell has now made this easier.

Dell Power LED Diagnostic

Most newer models of Dell computers now have a diagnostic LED surrounding the power button on the from of the computer. When you press the power button to boot the PC, the light should be green and remain green under normal circumstances. Any other lights will help you troubleshoot the power issue you are having.

A solid green light means the computer is operating normally.

A solid yellow light indicates the power supply is operating normally but the computer is not processing data. This could mean there is a problem with the CPu or another component on the motherboard.

A blinking yellow light indicates the power supply is receiving power from the wall, but not functioning properly. This generally means the power supply itself is bad and should be tested or replaced.

A blinking green light means the computer is in standby mode.

So use the LED power light codes if your Dell computer has them. Also pay attention to any unusual beeps or sounds coming from the computer. Then join us in our free computer tech support forums and we'll try and help you solve your PC problem. Sometimes, however, a service call to Dell will be required. If your system is still under warranty, you should always just call them first, as tampering with your computer may void your warranty.

Other links include Dell's Support pages.

Dell's Driver's Page

How to perform a Dell recovery

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