My buddy has a Dell Dimension

[fuentefan]

Yeah, I think the switch went bad on the case. Is there a way to make it power on without the switch, and is there a way to replace the switch?

Or is it a power supply problem?

I went over the other day and messed with it, just playing around with the switch, and I got it to start. very weird.

Thanks for any help!

 

[imported_Dvesilly]

I don't know. I have a Dimension 4550. Never had that problem, though. You can try contacting Dell for support. Also, Dell has a forum too. Maybe you can post there for some answers. Good Luck!!

 

[bruceb]

You seem to have already pinned it down to either a bad Power Switch or a loose connection between the switch and the mobo
Yes, you should be able to find a replacement switch .. without the exact Dell Dimension model number or Service Tag
I can't direct you to the exact part ... it might vary by exact model ... can't find parts listed on dell.com .. you may have to call them
.. however, it looks like it is just a small pcb mounted pushbutton style switch .... you should be able to find a replacement

 

[fuentefan]

He now wants to buy a new case. I can do the swap for him, but the motherboard headers for power and reset are different on OEM right? How would I go about doing this?

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Another dell bites the dust.

 

[bruceb]

Much cheaper and easier to just buy a new switch ... it is not easy to move a Dell Mobo into an "Industry Standard Case" as the Dell Mobo
and pinouts are not in compliance with the standards for things like the Front Panel connector, mobo size / shape

 

[Trader05]

yes first pin point if the power switch is the problem. My friend had a 2400 or 4600 i forget, anyways, it stopped powering up. After all 2-3 weeks bs with dell support, they replaced the switch, powersupply, cpu and finally it ended up being the motherboard. Also if you switch out the case, the power/reset connectors are different, dell has a 1 plug deal, you'd have to figure out what pins are what.