This Computer has two fans, one for CPU, Case and Power supply.The Case fan cools the CPU, Motherboard and Harddrive. The Power Supply fan Cools the Power Supply.
I could tell her Computer needed cleaning by the loud noise the fan made and the front USB connector had a lot of dust. on it(the black retangular shaped box). All noticeable before opening the case.
I just cleaned the dust and dirt as I explained how before (Keep It Clean)
Behind the dust in the above picture is the Hard Drive. The Hard Drive had to get hot with the air flow vents blocked. Causing the Hard Drive to Fail.
If you have access to your computer, you should have a Manual on your hard drive or CD that came with your Computer, and of course most of the time you can download a manual from your Manufacture of your Computer..
Most people don't take the time to read their Manual or even read the Help Files in Windows before calling the Manufacture, Help line or shelling out a lot of Money for some Geek to fix their Computer.Most the time you are to busy trying to make a living. . Today's Computers are Manufactured for Volume sales, Dell or any other Manufacturer couldn't sale their Computers as cheap as they do, if they didn't sell a lot of them. Keeping the price down means you have to sale a lot, to make it worth wild to make the offer.
Keep Your Computer Clean
To open your Dell 3000 Cover: Pull down latch on back of Computer, then pull side cover back towards you. Do not remove other side with rivets.
To remove front Panel gently
push the two front panel latches as shown the other side will come off by its self.
Make Sure you pull the Electrical Cable from your Computer. Pushing your Start up Button twice removes any remaining electricity to your motherboard.
Quick and Dirty
Before you re-install your computer cover make sure you didn't loosen or pull out any wires from their sockets. reinstall the wires you removed to Clean your Computer. The simple test is to plug your keyboard, mouse , and power supply wall socket back in, and turn the computer back on, See if it boot up to Windows or what ever OS you are using. If it does without a problem then Shutdown your Computer again. and reinstall your Printer, Fax, USB, Speakers, ETC. Install your Cover. Reboot and have Fun. On Older Computers with Windows 95, 98 reinstall all your cables prior to Test booting your computer.
There is a lot of good information on the Forum, however some of the people have screwed up their computers before they even read the service manual or used the Dell trouble shooter.
Tips For Dell Users
1. Look for your Service Tag on your Computer and go to Dell Support Help (Here) and type in your Service tag. For tips and help.
2. If your Computer is running go to this link for a Dell Support Computer check (here)
3. I have found out by asking people " If they leave there Computer on or turn it off after they are finished using it . The answer was, I leave it on.
I think that turning your Computer off if your not going to use it for four or more hours is the smart thing to do, because of the heat, dust, and just plain wear on the Computer parts can cause your Computer to fail. I Turn all of mine OFF if I'm not going to use them for a few hours. Note: If your using Microsoft's One Care sett activation for a day of the week and time, best while your away or asleep, to perform Backup, Defrag, etc.
What's New Here?
Do to popular demand I decided to start another Website just for Computing instead of mixing Apples and Computers with Yourcommissary.com the new Website is YourComputerLife.com .
YourComputerLife.Com will provide you with help to keep your Computer running, and will not have all my boring stories so you can get right to the point of fixing your Computer.
Your power supply seems good the green light on the motherboard is on (green).
It could be your ON/OFF switch
I tested mine by removing the On/Off switch motherboard connecter and shorting out two prongs with a screw driver and the Dell 3000 booted up. There is a, risk you might cause more Damage . In any case it worth a try if you are thinking about replacing your computer or if you let your warranty run out.
