Russ,

I lean towards Tom's mentioning the the power switch. To expand on that a 
little further, Dell systems come in two flavors of power swithces that I 
have seen, Those with simple momentary contacts switches and those that that 
have IO panels in conjucntion with the momentary switch. Normally those with 
simple switches are pretty easy.  The computer keeps rebooting  (Most people 
think it is an XP stop error at first) or the PC will not turn on at all. 
This can be tested by finding the right pins on the motherboard, 
disconnecting the switch and shorting the pins to turn the PC on and off. 
The second is harder because in addition to the switch there is an IO panel 
(or two), if the IO pannel is bad the computer can just power up enough for 
you to see the fans running, but no other life.  When ever I order 
motherboard for Dell I normally order the associated IO panels and switches, 
they are about $7.00-$15.00.  I also believe the diagnostic lights on the 
back panel of the dells do not show a normal diagnositc if the the IO panel 
is bad.

Good Luck

Wayne Ware
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date:    Sun, 24 Dec 2006 21:44:34 -0800
> From:    Thomas Mayer <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: rebuilding a Dell
>
> It could be the CPU. However, there are a couple of other components to
> check: the data cable to the HD and the case power switch. You likely
> have an extra data cable. The motherboard/case wiring can be temporarily
> reset for testing so that the reset button acts as the power button
> since they are both momentary switches. Also, check that the CPU fan is
> working.
>
> After that comes the CPU, especially if you have to purchase a new one.
> If you can, try the questionable CPU in a known good system.
>
> Merry Christmas!
>
> Tom Mayer
>
> Russ Cox wrote:
>> There are no expansion cards and the mouse and keybpard are my test
>> units. Is it likely that replacing the CPU would be the final
>> solution.  I don't think there are any other active elements in the
>> computer after replacing the power supply, motherboard, and memory. If
>> i replace the CPU all the active elements would have been replaced.
>>
>>> Sorry to have forgotten. It also wiped out the keyboard.
>>>
>>> Tom Mayer
>>>
>>> Thomas Mayer wrote:
>>>> I ran into a power supply failure that also took out the motherboard
>>>> and mouse.
>>>>
>>>> Tom Mayer
>>>>
>>>> Russ Cox wrote:
>>>>> I have a Dell Dimension 2400 that was damaged by a nearby lightning
>>>>> hit. No apparent damage but nothing works.  I figured the likely
>>>>> failures in order of probability is: 1. power supply;
>>>>> 2.motherboard; 3. CPU. So I tried another power supply - no
>>>>> success. Then I replaced the motherboard - power light and drive
>>>>> light come on but the HDD doesn't run up. Also replaced the memory.
>>>>> Replaced the HDD, still no success. So the only thing left that I
>>>>> can think of is the CPU.  Is there something else I should check
>>>>> out? I realize this may be an exercise in futility, but it's a
>>>>> learning experience.

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