Dell Dimension 4300 won't boot

[macleaysb]

I am working on a Dell Dimension 4300 that won't power on MOST of the time. I have checked all of the usual suspects, and since I have another one just like it, I have been able to swap parts between the two.
Which parts, you might ask! PS, RAM, CMOS battery, etc. (i did this because during one of the 3 times I HAPPENED to get it to boot, it reported that the battery was bad, and I did have to reset the date/time all 3 times it booted). It could actually be the front panel switch, and was hpoing someone might know where to find a pinout, so I could short the pins to see if it powered up.
Any ideas would be helpful! Thanks!!!

[Mobo]

Make certain on that battery and reset the bios defaults.

[macleaysb]

Thanks for the prompt reply, Mobo.
The problem is that there is no POWER. I did get it to power on 3 times, but it no longer will even do that. When I changed the battery, I did set the BIOS to defaults. I am thinking that it could be the front panel switch, or the MB. What think you?? Thanks!

By the way, Mobo, I see that you live in Cape Breton! Scottish fiddler heaven! I REALLY like the Cape Breton style of celtic music,and am a fan of Natalie McMaster. I hope this isn't TOO far off from what I should post here, but thought I'd throw it in, just on case. Thanks again!

[macleaysb]

Thanks for the prompt reply, Mobo.
The problem is that there is no POWER. I did get it to power on 3 times, but it no longer will even do that. When I changed the battery, I did set the BIOS to defaults. I am thinking that it could be the front panel switch, or the MB. What think you?? Thanks!

[Mobo]

When you get it to power up does it stay running ?

[macleaysb]

Yes, it does. However, if I try to restart, I get a blinking cursor on a black screen, and it doesn't POST. Weird !! I was going to update the BIOS, but, alas, I can't get it to power on again.

[Mobo]

Do you have a second video card you could try ?

[macleaysb]

Yes, I will try that next. Guess it could be the video card or some other peripheral. I did remove all other cards though.

[Lazer]

Just a thought, do you have the same problem with the AC adapter?
If not, look at the battery charging board on the motherboard. (on the 8100 it was small board connected to the MB about center of the keyboard)

Try the AC adapater with the Battery in and out. Try it and take the battery out. Does the battery ever charge? Also make sure the AC adapter lines are not crimped or sharply bent. Some people wrap the cord arounf the converter and that causes undue stress on the wires.

Have fun
Ray

[Tweter]

laser

the 4300 is a desktop system no battery charger

macleaysb

if you are comfortable with it you can follow the instructions under the atx motherborad pin out at the following site it will bypass teh motherboard and front panel switch and turn your system on ... should help in narrowing the problem down. I know i have had to jumper the pin 14 in the past to run a system with two power supplys.

http://www.compute-aid.com/atxspec.html