Computer newbies forum: Dell Optiplex Won't Boot UP

Hi, I have five Dells because they are cheap and easy to work on as long as they work. In my grandaughters, I have tried 3 DVD which I just pulled a month ago when I updated by PCs' Have tried two hard drives. Have replaced power supply three times; replaced the IDE cable for DVD. Removed the graphics card. Replaced the RAM. Replaced the hard drive connection cable. I have one more hard drive I am going to replace even though I am pretty sure the first two are ok. All these parts were pulled from working computers; I buy a couple every month strictly for parts. Only cost is $50 - $60. It is the challenge that drives me on this. PC still will not boot to windows and does not ego

You didn't find the bad part or parts. But you did reveal you are swapping drives but didn't write you reinstalled Windows. That's a great clue.

Has anyone told you why Windows fails to boot after such a move? (I won't today)
Bob

You didn't state what Dell PCs are at work here. But, often enough many a Dell has the "bad caps" or the mtrbd. is kaput. If you did a complete re-install, etc., all that was left is the mtrbd. which probably didn't get swapped out, you have your clue. Google for bad caps examples and YES! I have replaced many a Dell mtrbd. for clients.

tada -----Willy

Hi, was not thinking, can't reload windows because PC does not recogize DVD drive; All of my PCs are GX280's; do you think it is a bad motherboad?

If another drive works or tests OK elsewhere, then consider a bad mtrbd. and/or the drive port itself is bad. A good test is make a bootable Ubuntu disc, make sure drive is 1st boot device and check results. If it still doesn't work, then very probable bad mtrbd. or port. The Dell GX260 and 280 models are constant mtrbd. replacement items. The good news, if you had a working Dell GX280, replace the mtrbd. can w/o any other item fix the problem. Of course, you do need to check and inspect any replacement mtrbd., it just MAYBE one I've sent back.

FYI- Google for bad caps examples, understand it doesn't need to be entirely blown or so obvious, many are slightly tilted or busted/distended bottoms.

tada -----Willy