Dell Dimension 4600 dead

jtiernan

Does anyone know how to troubleshoot this! I press the on button and no action no power! Never had to fix this kinda thing before so dunno where to start!!

SickBoy

Check the fuse in the plug or try a different kettle lead..

christophicus

Do you leave it on for long periods?? did it get very hot the last time you used it?

jtiernan

SickBoy wrote:

Check the fuse in the plug or try a different kettle lead..

ya done that!!

jtiernan

christophicus wrote:

Do you leave it on for long periods?? did it get very hot the last time you used it?

Its not my computer! The lady suspects it went as a result of lightning!!

Ruu_Old

It might be some parts are still functioning and the lightning could have taken the modem out in which case you would have to remove the case and take out the modem, then try again.

TomCo

Open the case, find where the button connects to the motherboard (it'll be a row of pins near the edge, two wires and a little rectangular plug).

Pull out the little plug and make a note of which pins it was covering so you know where to put it back. Get a screw driver or something metalic with a flat surface and short the two pins (connect the two pins with the screw driver for a sec). Computer should turn on as normal.

If it does work the button is broken or stuck, if it doesn't, assuming you've ruled out the power lead and plug, its something more serious.

Edit: Also smell the components in the case, see if anything's burnt out.

jtiernan

Jesus these cases are awkward! The side panel appears to slide off but just doesnt!! Anyone got any of these computers!! Thanks for the helpfull replies lads will tell ye how I get on once i get this thing off!

GoneShootin

With the case open and motherboard in plain view, insert the powerlead to the back of the PSU. You should see an LED on the motherboard light up. That will tell you if you at least have power to your motherboard or not. I had a Dimension 4600 aswell and had to order a new PSU via Ebay. Don't attempt to ask Dell for parts after the warrenty as expired, waste of time.

TomCo

jtiernan wrote:

Jesus these cases are awkward! The side panel appears to slide off but just doesnt!! Anyone got any of these computers!! Thanks for the helpfull replies lads will tell ye how I get on once i get this thing off!

Im using one now, you press in the grey button thing on top of the case at the back and open it like you would a book to a 90deg angle.

jtiernan

TomCo wrote:

Im using one now, you press in the grey button thing on top of the case at the back and open it like you would a book to a 90deg angle.

yup found it!! eventually!! Thanks anyways:D

jtiernan

Removed modem! The wee led on the motherboard is lit alright but still no power!!

Nukem

If the mobo doesnt lite up check the PSU.

http://forums.tweaktown.com/showthread.php?t=18420
Get a wire and insert it into 14 and 15 and flick the switch on the wall. If it doesnt fire than your PSU is fooked.

jtiernan

No PSU seems ok because there is a wee led lit up on the board!

TomCo

Did you check the switch as directed above?

jtiernan

yes but with the power off! Does the power need to be on?

TomCo

Yes, its not going to turn on with the power off!

Don't worry you can't get a shock.

jtiernan

Tried there!! nope! also used these tips and fan came on...

jtiernan

http://www.sysopt.com/tutorials/article.php/3532716

jtiernan

Decided it's the motherboard that is fooked! The modem is burned out!! big hole in the cpu. Gonna advise her she needs a new motherboard as the PS is ok

jtiernan

Thanks for all your help lads! Learnt a wee bit tonight

Nukem

jtiernan wrote:

big hole in the cpu

Huh? How do you that did you remove the heatsink or something. Could just try reset the mobo.

TomCo

jtiernan wrote:

Decided it's the motherboard that is fooked! The modem is burned out!! big hole in the cpu. Gonna advise her she needs a new motherboard as the PS is ok

Ah, just tell her to get a new computer. You don't want to get roped into doing free tech support for someone.

jtiernan

Nukem wrote:

Huh? How do you that did you remove the heatsink or something. Could just try reset the mobo.

The modem's cpu I shoud have said!!

jtiernan

TomCo wrote:

Ah, just tell her to get a new computer. You don't want to get roped into doing free tech support for someone.

Ha ha! you've been stung before!! Yah I know! If somehing goes wrong down the line eg. email not setup it's as a result of your **** repair work!! New computer?! She is gonna be ragin!!!

Nukem

jtiernan wrote:

The modem's cpu I shoud have said!!

I was wondering for a mo

jtiernan

Nukem wrote:

Huh? How do you that did you remove the heatsink or something. Could just try reset the mobo.

whats the mobo and how do you reset it?

GoneShootin

mobo = motherboard.

It should really boot up with the burned out modem removed. Otherwise you must have got a massive shot through the line to effect the motherboard. Most modems would have the ability to prevent motherboard damage.

SouperComputer

jtiernan, I thought you set yourself up and started advertising as a repair tech recently, or is that someone else?

subway

are you gonna split the money with all the lads on here?????

TomCo

jtiernan wrote:

whats the mobo and how do you reset it?

I think he ment reseat, not sure though. I don't think it will help though.

Did you try turning it on without the modem in? Is there any metalic debris in the slot?

jtiernan

SouperComputer wrote:

jtiernan, I thought you set yourself up and started advertising as a repair tech recently, or is that someone else?

yah that's me doin a few friends computers to promote word of mouth! Got a few calls as result! Small community!

jtiernan

TomCo wrote:

I think he ment reseat, not sure though. I don't think it will help though.

Did you try turning it on without the modem in? Is there any metalic debris in the slot?

Yah I'm gonna do that tonite as a last wee test otherwise, she may buy a new pooter!!

jtiernan

subway wrote:

are you gonna split the money with all the lads on here?????

Defo at least taken yes all out for a few pints if I get this damn thing workin heh