What does it mean when the power button on my Dell 1170 AP changes to a solid amber often?

Nana, A solid amber power button on your GX520, indicates a motherboard failure. The motherboard will need replaced. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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Solid orange power button on Optiplex GX520
My Dell Optiplex GX520 will not boot Forums
Dell Optiplex GX520 amber solid light no power

getnet,
What do the diagnostic led lights show. The diagnostic LEDs are located on the front of the chassis next to the power button. These diagnostic LEDs are only active and visible during the POST process. Once the operating system starts to load, they turn off and are no longer visible. Below is the manual that provides information on what the led pattern shows to help resolve the issue.
Optiplex 780 manual
http://dell.to/1HqoNmD
Thank You,
Dell-Jesse L
Dell Social Media and Communities

A solid green light means the computer is operating normally.

A solid yellow light indicates the power supply is operating normally but the computer is not processing data.

This could mean there is a problem with the CPu or another component on the motherboard.

((A blinking yellow light indicates the power supply is receiving power from the wall, but not functioning properly.
This generally means the power supply itself is bad and should be tested or replaced.))

A blinking green light means the computer is in standby mode.

You should consider visiting Dell Support and downloading the manual for your

your Dell computer. So use the LED power light codes if your Dell computer has them.

hope this helps

a solid amber light means that the Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed. HERE is a link to the diagnostic lights, what they mean and possible solutions.

Hi,
If this the light is solid amber in the front of the computer.Try doing the following steps

1. Disconnect the power cable from the back of the system tower. Press the power button on the tower 30 seconds.
2. Reconnect the power cable to the back of the system tower and power it back on.

If the amber light is on the monitor power button and the tower power button is off or blinking amber it could mean that it is a bad power supply.


Thnaks for using fixya
Proton

A flashing Amber power button indicates a bad power supply. A solid amber means a motherboard failure or a failed component attached to the motherboard preventing post.
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4282412-find_no_post_diagnostic_information_dell

If your fans come on full blast then you have a bad motherboard. If the amber light blinks, you have a bad power supply.

If it is one the front near the power button, it indicates power supply is failing...and other indicator is the motherboard is failing.
Now if it is in the rear where the ethernet cable hooks up...solid amber means you are connected, blinking amber means activity on the line...no problem there- very normal. I hope it is in the rear.
Please leave rating, thank you

jethro..
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dimC521/en/SM_EN/tshoot.htm#wp1064555
check on system lights... what are the diagnostic lights telling you??
if the 4 lights are off you may have a problem with the led itself or the powersupply is just messing with your head.

ok - the amber light of doom on a dell means one of two things - either your power supply is pooched - or your motherboard, If under warranty dell will send out a friendly tech to replace them - if not it will cost you a bit. get the price and consider if it worth upgrading instead. Contact your dell rep or dell tech support and see what they say

cheers Pete