Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
1 Rookie
•
2 Posts
0
3431
October 1st, 2017 22:00
XPS 8700 0KWTv8 - won't boot (CMOS issue?)
Hi all
Hopefully someone can shed some light!
This is a very lightly used XPS 8700 that was working great. Once or twice randomly it wouldn't boot but would give me a beep error code. Usually turning it off and on again once would do the trick so I didn't think much of it. However, since then it has done this and I can't get it to turn on.
From what I understand 5 beeps is a CMOS issue (could be wrong)? I tried replacing the battery, using the jumpers to reset, as well as various combinations of having the computer plugged in/unplugged battery in/battery out and holding down the power button for various intervals of time (a minute or so) based on scant posts I've seen online (or on the Dell site) to try and reset CMOS/BIOS. Sadly, nothing has worked.
I'm happy to try other approaches or if anyone has any other input, I'd be glad to hear!
Thanks in advance!
Mary G
4 Operator
•
20.1K Posts
0
October 3rd, 2017 12:00
Check the beep codes again. 5 beeps is a real time clock failure. If the cmos battery does not work, run the Dell diagnostics. www.dell.com/.../understanding-beep-codes-on-a-dell-desktop-pc
RoHe
10 Elder
•
45.2K Posts
0
October 3rd, 2017 13:00
You need to have the PC off and unplugged. Then press/hold power button for ~15 sec. Open case and remove motherboard battery. Press/hold power button for ~30 sec before reinstalling battery. And is the battery fresh and being installed right-side-up, and fully locked in place?
Close up and connect only mouse, monitor and keyboard. When you power on, **immediately** press F2 to open BIOS setup. Navigate to the clock settings and set the correct date and time. Be sure to save the changes before exiting setup.
And if that doesn't help, it's possible the motherboard has failed...
Rocket3004
1 Rookie
•
2 Posts
0
October 3rd, 2017 23:00
Mary - Double checked and yes - it is 5 beeps. I tried to run Dell Diagnostics (by hitting F12 after turning the machine on) but it doesn't make it anywhere - just beeps 5 times.
Ron - Thanks for the suggestion. Tried that previously and again, as you described and again, rapidly hitting F2 immediately upon hitting the power button but cant' get into the BIOS. Makes me think there is some fundamental error so it won't post/get load the bios/etc.?
Would be a great disappointment if the motherboard went bad. Extremely light use and just dead. I would likely replace the motherboard but would be fearful it would die again.
Dan-H
4 Operator
•
1.2K Posts
0
October 4th, 2017 00:00
I posted a couple of PSU suggestions, but the post was moderated by the forum software. It should show up in the next 1/2 day or so.
Dan-H
4 Operator
•
1.2K Posts
0
October 4th, 2017 00:00
here's a couple of PSU suggestions. I don't know your budget.
This unit is $30 after rebate. solid unit from a very reputable MFG.
www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx
This one is better, $45 after rebate.
www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx
Dan-H
4 Operator
•
1.2K Posts
0
October 4th, 2017 00:00
Rocket,
I'd try a few more things before writing off the MoBo.
I'd swap out the PSU.
If that didn't work, I'd disconnect all the SATA devices and the USB connectors to the case, remove the video card, and see if it will POST. only have a keyboard plugged into the motherboard USB connector.
If that didn't work, pull one stick of RAM, and then the other.
If it still will not POST, then it is likely the Motherboard.
I don't think I'd replace the dell Motherboard. I'd pickup a used one on eBay from Gigabyte or Asus.
good luck.