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Dell XPS desktop will not boot
I have a Dell XPS desktop running Windows which will no longer boot properly. On turning it on, it goes as far as the "Starting Windows" colour flash, then the screen goes dark and stays black. An inactive cursor arrow is visible in the centre of the screen, nothing else. There is fan noise and I think the usual clicking which I have always assumed to be a disk being read is not audible.
On rebooting by holding down the power button to escape this situation, I have tried running the ePSA assessment checks. The short series of checks goes through fine with no errors. When I try the longer (approx 30 minutes advertised time) set, the system reaches 94%, then freezes. Every minute or so, a brief message flashes "Waiting DST completion". I have no option but to use Esc to exit.
Other steps taken. Unplug power, hold power button down for ten seconds, restart. No difference. Check RAM properly seated. No difference. Replace CR2032 battery with new one and check properly seated. No difference. Clear out dust and a small dead spider from all areas particularly fan casings and ventilation grilles. No difference. Tried booting in Safe Mode. No difference.
I am not sure what to try next.
timsynge
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January 25th, 2017 14:00
[Edit: Service tag removed.]
RoHe
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January 25th, 2017 17:00
Please remove your Service Tag. Treat your Service Tag as personal info and never post it in an open forum like this.
What version of Windows is running on your XPS 8500?
Can you test a different monitor and cable on this PC or test this monitor/cable on a working PC?
timsynge
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January 25th, 2017 23:00
I'll try this. In the meantime, I have noticed a small orange light illuminated on the motherboard next to one of the RAM sockets. It stays illuminated after I switch off and unplug the power. Holding the power button down for several seconds causes it to go out.
RoHe
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January 26th, 2017 15:00
Entirely normal.
Means the motherboard is -at least- getting "flea power" from the power supply, though that's not the amount of power needed to boot the PC.
speedstep
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January 27th, 2017 06:00
Did you try the BIST Button?
BIST. Built in SELF TEST. Green LED on the back indicates power is available not that the power supply is Ok.
If there is a button with the Green LED this is Built in Self TEST.
BIST. You press and HOLD to see if the test works. If you press and hold but the power goes off the PSU is bad. Note the Related Video Below.
timsynge
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February 1st, 2017 01:00
Thanks all for your suggestions and comments. We have Dells at work, so I asked one of our IT guys to look at it. He thinks there was a problem with a piece of software (Garmin Express) and restored the system to a recent backup point. All is now functioning as it should.
RoHe
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February 1st, 2017 12:00
Glad you got it sorted.
I have Garmin Express on this Win 7 PC, so I'll have to remember this, if my PC ever fails to boot...