Oh, how I hate Dells

[jacatro]

But they keep me in business-
OK kids-
Dell Dimension 4700-
Customer says- It Died.
I think-power supply? Plug in- 4 beeps-indicator on back says RAM disorder-
I unseat-reseat Ram-It Boots! does not recognize usb mouse-
I reboot- this time doesnt recognize keyboard or mouse-
OK- reboot 3rd time- fan running FAST!- turn it off, laugh, sprinkle pixie dust-
Reboot- it boots, finds mouse, installs- all good-
I leave it, go back an hr or two later- same prob- Tho I had tried to upgrade RAM- upgrade failed, everything failed-

Power supply? You think?

 

[kimsland]

Have a look here: Tutorial: No POST (Power On System Test

It also has a link (at bottom of page) to "Beep Codes"

 

[gguerra]

It could be the motherboard is shorting out. Should not since dell's are assembled at the factory.. Could be a faulty motherboard.

 

[seanc]

I've got a similar one. GX280.

I got 'It won't turn on and it was making a clicking sound before'.

I know Dells sometimes go 'click' a couple of times as they power on/off when you plug them in so I thought, PSU.

Got it back to the workshop, plugged it in, it's working fine. Did a backup just to be sure. Left it on overnight, will check that it's on in the morning.

 

[Tedster]

read the bios beep guide in the guides forum

 

[jacatro]

Thanks- that model has an amber/green light code indicator on back- works great if consistent- I suspect either a failing processor or motherboard- ended up changing the power upply, booted, working OK- but Im going to advise a non- commercial PC-

 

[seanc]

Processors rarely fail unless they overheat or are damaged in overclocking.

Power supply was a good shot, if that doesn't cure it then the motherboard is most likely.