No sign of output from computer

Do you have another HD that you could test the machine with. What I'm suggesting is that you pull the existing drive and put in your 'spare' not as a 2nd drive, but as the primary. It doesn't matter if it can be booted. This only tests if the controller sees the HD. If it gets past that POST, you'll need to replace the drive and reinstall Windows.

The machine won't boot without a HD so if it isn't recognized the rest of the POST is ignored.

If it is your drive and there's important data on it, there are utilities you that might allow you to recover the data.

Don't panic yet, we still don't know the cause.

It could also be a component on your Mobo. This isn't definitive and I'll ask for more help from other members.

The only thing I might suggest is that you pull both memory cards and try to boot. If you get any further, then you can shutdown and insert ONLY one memory card in and test. If the machine boots ok with one memory, try putting the same memory in the other slot and test.

Always follow the instructions in the service manual (ie never have power connected when servicing internal components, and use the power button to ground the board).

The difficulty is that POST isn't telling you anything.

So far,

• the lights on the power button are normal (amber turning white)
• there are no beep codes
• there are no external devices connected except KB, mouse, and display
  
  • you're using your TV as the display connected with a VGA cable
    
    • VGA cable tested with a different PC (your laptop) to TV - passed test
• internal components reseated
• CMOS battery pulled and drained (over 2 hours outside the case)

Did I forget anything?

Welcome randomperson1 :)

Do you know if your VGA connection is on the MB or is it on a PCI slot card ?

Yeah, thanks... I forgot the power button. Essentially that was an attempt to clear CMOS the easy way, which was accomplished by removing the Coin-Cell Battery.

Sorry, but no - it would have to be an internal connection as the primary drive.

randomperson1 said:

Slartybart,
Also I tried holding the power button for several minutes but other wise I think you listed everything.

I do not have an extra internal hard drive. I doubt it, but would a usb drive or sd card work?

Doc Brown can advise you on other things. I'll bow out for now, but keep an eye on the thread.

Regards,

Bill

I am assuming that the Dell "620s" is the "slimline case". So adding a video card could be possible but difficult, depending if there are any half height pci slots available.


Can you take any pics of the inside & post them ?

This might give us an idea of what this desktop (i hope we are talking desktop??) can take .
Upgrading Dell Inspiron 620 graphics card. [Solved] - Graphics Cards - Graphics & Displays

Thank you Slartybart for all the effort you have put into this, hopefully we can get this solved.

So now I'm not sure what happened but now the power button sometimes stays solid amber after turning on and does not change to white.

You are correct in saying it is a slim case. Here are some shots I took:












(Sorry about the bad picture quality, I took them with my phone.)

I don't think it would be video card/output related as the mouse never turns on and I never hear the start up sound.

Hopefully you find something from the pictures. Please let me know if you want me to take any other shots.