Russ,
Yes the usb/audio and the power switch panel are I/O (Input Output). I
call them that because that is what the Dell support tech called them. I
just recently had a Dell in my shop that that we were having a heck of a
time tracking the problem down. The power had 2 panels and a ribon cable
between them. The first was at the actual switch, the second panel went to
the motherboard. It also had the usb/audio panel. It had three panels in the
front of the case, I forget which model it was now. I remember not being
able to short the pins for the switch, I tried taking of the ribon from the
switch and shorting the pins, nothing happened. Everytime time we ordered a
part, we call Dell support and for asistance with trouble shooting. First
they sent us mother board, then a power supply, then a fan, then and other
motherboard, finally they sent us both panels to the switch and the related
ribon cables. This really did happen! The switches, were about $22.00 for
both parts plus shipping. I also believe the diagnostic lights on the back
panel of the dells do not show a normal power on sequence/diagnositc if the
the IO panel is bad. What are the lights in the back doing? The last Dell
support tech asked me about the diagnostc lights right away. A second Dell
came shortly there after same problem, we fixed it first try! Dell took all
the other parts we ordered back as well. Reference the CPU, Sometimes I have
unclipped it and 1/2 tension on the socket lever and pulled the CPU sraight
up and it has cleaned the pins enough to fix a PC that powers on, but with
noting to screen. (A long shot, but it has worked). I knew it was not the
CPU on this one, because I had CPUs to try out on it. Email me when you find
what the problem finally turned out to be.
Good Luck
Wayne Ware
> Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2006 21:49:51 -0600
> From: Russ Cox <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: PCBUILD Digest - 24 Dec 2006 to 25 Dec 2006 (#2006-322)
>
> I'm not sure what the IO panel is. The only items that might fit that
> description are the power switch panel with power and HDD LEDs, and the
> USB/headset panel. With the USB/audio panel disconnected, I get the same
> result - power supply fan and case fan come on as soon as ac power is
> applied. Power and HDD LEDs are also on. Nothing else is connected - no
> keyboard, mouse or monitor, no IDE cables. No expansion cards are
installed.
> Seems to me that in this situation, nothing should come on when ac power
is
> connected until the power switch is pressed.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "aaaonsite" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 7:46 AM
> Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] PCBUILD Digest - 24 Dec 2006 to 25 Dec 2006
> (#2006-322)
>
>
> > 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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