Dell Dimension 3000 won't start Closed

Question

Hello,

My Dell Dimension 3000 was recently moved to our new home via moving men and will now not start up.  It seems like it wants to boot with the fans humming for a few seconds and then immediately shuts down.  No lights on the back indicator light up.  It once started booting on the screens but then shut down after the Dell screen pooped up.  The Power light (amber) turns on and stays on stead, and the Hard Drive Activity light (green) flashes until the unit shuts down.  HELP???

sharpman · Accepted Answer

ok, download knopix from any one of these mirrors.
http://knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html

burn it to a disk.

remove any other peripherals that you may have connected, ie sound card
remove ram. fit one module in the socket nearest cpu.
unplug your hard drive/s and floppy drive if fitted.
boot up your machine with this disk, if you can boot up with this then you're looking at your hard drive/software issue.

another thing to look at would be the power supply, it may have developed a fault. because it's dell, your going to have to order from dell outlet.

you can get psu testers similar to this
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=98829&C=SO&U=Strat15
or this 
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=48647&C=SO&U=Strat15

or this
https://www.quietpc.com/x-psu-tester

or this
http://www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/12386256364498125460#ps-sellers

And this
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_1705.html

any way you get the picture :-)

that should keep you busy ---- aint computers fun ... :-)

sharpman · Answer

ok, you need to pop the side of and check nothing has come loose. especialy the cpu and cooler assy.

Frustrated Dell user · Answer

After reading the Dell manual, here's what I did: I opened the side panel, cleaned out the dust, removed and reinstalled the 2 memory cards, checked the hard drive power cord, check all cords to ensure tight, removed front cover and cleaned/vaccuumed out dust.  Still no good?!  HELP!!!

sharpman · Answer

you need to check that cpu. i've had delivery of computers that have been knocked in transit and the cpu cooler mounts come loose and the cpu gets pulled out of its socket. if this happens you won't get any post or anything, but all the lights etc will come on.

be carefull when handling and reseating the cpu.

Frustrated Dell user · Answer

Okay, I believe the CPU is seated???  It is the processor and heatsink component covered by the green fan cover, correct?  (I'm learning.)

Bobbie · Answer

open up to make sure all is pulled in right.something may have come loose.

Dell Dimension 3000 won't start

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