Dell OptiPlex GX260 Troubleshooting

Your computer will not boot.

If your computer does not make any sounds or output any video when the power button is pressed, there may be a problem with the electrical socket, power capacitors, or power supply.

Ensure that the computer is plugged in and that the red switch on the back of the power supply is set to the correct setting based on your location. If the computer is still not powering on, verify that the outlet works by plugging in another appliance such as a fan or lamp.

Follow the guide to remove OptiPlex GX260 main fan, then look at the seams on the tops of the capacitors near the processor heat sink. If any of them are split or there appears to be a powder leaking from them, you have blown power capacitors.

To replace blown capacitors follow the power capacitor replacement guide. You will have to get proper replacement capacitors by looking at the markings on the blown ones. In order to complete this guide you must be able to solder.

If you are sure your computer is plugged into a working outlet and the power capacitors look okay, you may need to replace your power supply. Note: the Dell OptiPlex GX260 requires a slim power supply.

Your display is black.

If your computer makes normal startup sounds, the display is on, and connected properly but remains black, you may have a bad monitor or motherboard.

If you have another computer, you can check if your monitor is working by plugging it into the other computer.

If you are sure that your display is functioning correctly, you may need to replace your motherboard by following the motherboard removal guide.

Your computer powers on and starts successfully, but the keyboard and/or mouse do not work

If you have a second mouse or keyboard, plug them into the computer and restart it to see if they work. If the computer functions correctly, your other keyboard or mouse is bad.

If you have a USB keyboard or mouse, try plugging it into another port. If the keyboard or mouse resumes working, the other port is bad.

If your computer starts successfully, and you have tested a keyboard and mouse that work, your motherboard may need to be replaced by following the motherboard removal guide.

Your computer works, but the fans are much louder than usual

If your computer is making more noise than usual, its fans may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Follow the guide to remove the man fan and check that there are no cables or other debris in the fan.

If your computer is still louder and the fans are clear, the fan may need to be replaced.

Computer starts, but does not load an operating system

If your computer turns on when the power button is pressed, but fails to detect an operating system or bootable drive.

If your computer does not detect your hard drive, it may need to be replaced by following the hard drive removal guide.

Your computer seems to operate normally, but the CD Drive does not work

If your computer operates normally, but the CD Drive does not appear to be working, it may be a bad disc, or the drive may need to be replaced.

EIther try the disc in another computer or insert a disk that you know works correctly to make sure the disc is not the problem.

If the disc is not the problem, your CD Rom drive may need to be replaced by following the CD Rom removal guide.

Your system clock time is consistently wrong

If your system clock is consistently incorrect even after you change it, your internal battery may need to be replaced.

To replace your internal battery, follow the guide to open the case, then locate the button cell battery near the back of the motherboard and replace it.

One or more ports on the back of the computer do not work

If you are having problems with one or more of the devices attached to the motherboard, your drivers may be corrupted or you may have a bad motherboard.

Test the device that is having problems on another computer to ensure that it is not the problem.

If your are having trouble with your Ethernet or audio port, ensure that the drivers you have installed are not corrupt or missing by inserting the Dell Driver Disc and following the instructions to reinstall the drivers.

If your devices and drivers are okay, your motherboard may need to be replaced by following the motherboard removal guide.