dell Gx270

Hi guy's, I have Dell optiplex Gx270 that switched its self on and then off 3 times then went into stanby mode and it will not boot up, The system was working fine untill I loaded in a webcam then it went into standby please help tuxedo

Which form-factor of Dell optiplex Gx270, do you have? Have you made any other hardware additions prior to connecting the webcam? What happens when you disconnect the webcam and attempt booting the machine?

Hi Doug, Thanks for prompt reply its the sff version, and when i disconect the web cam it remains the same i have removed the mains power, put it back and the power light filckers green then goes yellow again and just won't boot up. tuxedo

Do you even get to the Dell splash screen? Can you select to enter setup/BIOS? If you can, consider setting all BIOS settings to default… including "support legacy USB" Are you able to tap F8 to access the Boot Menu, then select Last known good configuration or even SAFE Mode? Now knowing that you have the small form factor model, I doubt you have added any other hardware components, but will ask again. Have you? If the problem is occuring "before" giving you access to the options above, then you may have over-taxed the PSU or the distribution of power via the mother board. Using good electrical and static precaution, open up the machine to assure that it is not clogged with dust/debris and that all cables and connectors are securely seated, as well as all components, cards, and RAM Also visually inspect for any bulging or leaking capacitors. When you again power up, do the fans run vigorously?

Doug, I get nothing, the power light just flickers green does not get to bios screen and then flashes yellow, I have not installed any other hardware, and the fans seem to be running normal there is no exessive dust inside the machine tuxedo

What are the LED lights on the back look like?
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/syst…lve.htm#1235408

BTW, the GX270's are known for blowing Capacitors
Optiplex GX270 Bulging Capacitor

Hi Guys, sorry for the time it has taken for me to reply, but because of the time zone problems and work i have just returned. I did have chance to check out the links thanks very much. when i return home i checked the lights on the back of the system and found them all to be green, i had last night removed all the usb conections prior to switching off, the pc was then left until i came back just now, i can't believe it but the pc booted up fine i have connected the keyboard and mouse and all seems o.k. but not yet tried the webcam maybe its not compatible, any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks in advance Dave

Hi again guys, sorry but its switching off again, i have nothing connected exept the keyboard and the mouse, i leave it running for a couple of hours then it switches off and try's to reboot, could something be getting hot thanks tuxedo

Hi, yes it could be running too hot, if you have not opened the machine and cleaned it out recently,to removed fluff and dust etc (heat is the great enemy of electronic components)
Everest available from here:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System…e-Edition.shtml

will give you the details of your machine and if you look under "sensors" it will give you the internal temps of both your CPU and hard drive
Have you checked out the links provided by LDTate?
The tops of capacitors should be flat…..if they bulge even slightly (ie are at all convex at the top, then they are US……any exudate from the capacitors of any sort also indicates a major problem.

It is possible to replace capacitors but these days most shops (in the USA and Europe) don't want to do the work (its too time consuming and costs more than replacing the motherboard or even the whole computer (in some cases)
Regards
paws

Hi paws, thanks for that, i am a little busy until the weekend when i will have enough time to run the diagnostics and clean the inside of the p.c. i will post again after i have checked. thanks again tuxedo