Dell - flashing amber light before post

My mates Dell precision 690 workstation suffers from the dreade
flashing amber light with diagnostic error code 1 and 3 before post.

It won't boot at all - just the flashing amber light starts when yo
turn it on.

According to other websites this seems to indicate a power failure o
some description. Has anyone resolved this issue with Dells...next stag
is probably an RMA - but my friend would appreciate any* first han
*advice ( not stuff copied off the web as we've seen most of what th
web has to offer with no success ) before having to do return it......

Thanks in advance

Chris,

BTW....I didn't touch it

 

Why waste your time here rather than on hold to Dell tech support?
This is a catastrophic failure.
You should hope it is just the power supply. Most Dells use a proprietary
power connector to the motherboard so you must work through Dell.

 

Well, people here are very knowledgeable and have provided me with ver
useful help in the past

*-As-* it's not my computer (i'd never buy a Dell), it's not up to m
to do the tech support. Instead I am helping my mate out who has th
problem and I wanted to see if there is anyone else out there who ha
experienced the same thing

So, the Dell's kaput then?....So much for the 'Dells are best you ca
buy nonsense I hear all the time' :

Chri

 

It could happen to any make..


--
Mike Hall - MVP
How to construct a good post..
http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to use the Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups..
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=newswhelp&style=toc
Mike's Window - My Blog..
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/default.aspx

 

Yeah, I know - but apparently 'Dell's DON'T break'......

something to do with -Dell delusion-

 

I have a network of about 70 Dell Dimensions. A few, 2 or 3, have had a
flashing yellow power light. They have regular ATA power supplies, I don't
know about yours. Replacing the power supply fixed them. In my experience
Dells are reliable, much better than the handful of Gateways & HPs I have.

 

I also use a dell system. It works like a charm. What you can do is yo
can check the support website for dell. support.dell.com. You can chec
the website & the dell community forum. If you want to do that. Try t
unplug parts one by one & check what is causing the problem

--
tanuj_chadh

Tanuj

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. - Kar
Marx :geek:

 

After seeing this a couple of hundred times over the last few years, it's
probably the power supply.

Flashing amber = power supply
Steady amber = motherboard

But check the motherboard for "swollen" capacitors. I have seen the MB go
and then take the PS with it.


Ferd

 

Thanks guys - I shall pass it on!

BTW, a 42 page post on this issue in the dell support forum suggests
there is a major issue that needs to addressed with the power quality
power supply....in my book that's not reliable ( just my 1p )