Dell Dimension XPS 400 PC Desktop Logo

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Posted on Oct 25, 2010

My dell xps 400 keeps shuttting off while i am doing anything and then the button on the front flashed orange on and off

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 150 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 22, 2008

SOURCE: Dell XPS 400 Card Cage Fan Failure

Hi,
Many PC motherboards (most) monitor important internal parameters, such as temperature, power supply voltages and fan speeds. This is typically monitored through the system BIOS.

If any of these parameters fall outside of their predetermined limits, the system BIOS will issue a warning message and take evasive action to protect your computer from permanent damage:

1) Slow down the CPU
2) Put the CPU to Sleep
3) Refuse to boot
...
...
Etc...

In your case one of the system critical cooling fans has failed,
and the system BIOS is telling you to fix !!!

There are several cooling fans in a modern computer, every computer is different, but common locations for fans include:
0) Power supply
1) CPU chip
2) Video Chips
3) Some MB chip-sets
4) Device cages, such as the Hard-Drive/ CD/DVD cage
5) Power supply
6) Rear chassis
7) Side cover

etc....

Some of these fans plug into dedicated connectors in the mother board, others connect to the main power supply harness. Some are monitored by the mother-board, others are not.

On three wire fans, the mother-board can monitor the fan's RPM by monitoring a built-in tachometer, either voltage or frequency.

On two wire fans the mother-board can monitor the fan current,
or the fan noise frequency.

In your case, there is a malfunctioning fan within the I/O card container cage, which could be the result of:

1) Bad or loose fan connector
2) Defective fan = burned out or mechanically seized
3) Defective mother-board circuit.

To fix the problem, open the case and check if all the fans are spinning. If not, give them a spin by hand to see if they CAN move. Wiggle all connectors. Replace defective fans.

Note that some of the fans may be regulated by temperature, and spin only when the machine gets hot. This is done to reduce noise and save power. Most fans are quite junky, and burn out in a year or so. This is not uncommon.

Hope this hepls

Martin

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Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 13, 2009

SOURCE: Power is shutting down with orange light flashing on t

Hi, This is na very common problem with these Dell machines. I have found one of two things are the cause of this. 
1. Your memory warms up once system is on for a while and fails to make proper contact on all pins, focing system shut down (after which only a power disconnect will restart system).
Solution. Carefully remove memory moduls and wipe copper contacts gently with a damp cloth after which you can replace the modules firmly. make sure power to the system is uplugged during the entire peocedure and give the system 5 minutes after putting modules back (just in case moisture from wiping remains).
2. Your PSU (main power supply) is failing. Replace PSU (cost around $50 at local IT shop).
cheers

Anonymous

  • 91 Answers
  • Posted on May 12, 2009

SOURCE: Dell XPS400 No Start!!

If you fan isn't turning like it should, it is definitely a power supply issue. Go out and purchase a power supply with 250-300 watts...thats a good standard wattage!!

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Dec 05, 2009

SOURCE: dell xps 400 amber light blinking,replaced power

error 11

Anonymous

  • 10 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 14, 2010

SOURCE: The power light on my Dell XPS 8000 keeps flashing

It's not the light.Your CPU might be already dusty. I also had an experience that was just like you. I just cleaned up my CPU and the noise was gone.

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Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Where is the memory card slot on the Dell XPS 400?

What kind of memory card are you talking about?
If it's one of those cards from a camera, PDA, etc, it should be on the front of the computer, if you purchased that option.
The normal XPS 400 does not have a memory card reader.
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My Dell XPS 400 PC will not Boot up past the "System password"

Both the system password and the BIOS password are set in the BIOS CMOS. You need to clear the CMOS.

The online Dell service manual for the XPS 400 provides a clear and detailed procedure for clearing the CMOS. It's just a matter of moving some jumpers around:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/index.htm

If you are not used to working inside computers, start with "Removing the computer cover", then go to "System Setup" and click on "Clearing Forgotten Passwords".

Another method is to unplug the power cord and remove the CMOS battery for a 1/2 hour or so. For details on how to do that, try this website:
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-reset-remove-bypass-a-bios-or-cmos-password/
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I have a dell xps 400 with front and rear

REMOVE FRONT SPEAKER CONNECTION ON MOTHER BOARD. CLOSE THE PINS WITH JUMPERS IN ALTERNATIVE POSITION. CLOSE 1-2 AND 5-6
9-10 WITH JUMPERS U WILL GET REAR OUTPUT


1helpful
1answer

Don't starts yellow light flasing

If the power button on the tower is flashing Amber, the fault is the power supply. Replace the power supply and they system should work.
If the power supply doesn't resolve then the 2nd most likely failure is the Front IO panel (Circuit card behind the power button)
21helpful
1answer

My Dell xps 400 will not boot up completely, then won't power off

It sounds like the machine is experiencing hardware problems. You will either need to call Dell or take it into a local computer repair place.
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Need to install PCI card in Dell xps 400, but can't remove back to get to slots. No tools for 2 little black screws what to use?

You shouldnt need to unsrew anything on the xps 400.. Everything the case opening and the pci card screws should also be a latch!
0helpful
1answer

Dell XPS400 No Start!!

If you fan isn't turning like it should, it is definitely a power supply issue. Go out and purchase a power supply with 250-300 watts...thats a good standard wattage!!
1helpful
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Dell power on swich keeps flashing orange

on the back of the computer there is a red switch, flip it the other way, if it continues, you may need a new PSU (power supply unit),
i my self have an XPS 400 and the motherboard died a while ago,
im working on ordering a part
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Problem reading disk

my burner on my xps 400 computer does not recognise a blank disk so it keeps asking to put in a blank when there is one there it does seem to recognise factory cd s any suggestions?
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