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Question

Dell 531s start button

Aug 16, 2016 10:02AM PDT

Dell inspiron 531s desktop..The start button on my 531s suddenly doesn't want to work. By pressing on the start button over & over, it will usually power up. Once the blue start button lights up, the computer will run forever normally.Unfortunately, due to power outages, etc, the computer is shut down. Only after many pressings of the start button, will the computer boot up. Any ideas ??
Tnks,
Roger

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Two ideas.
Aug 16, 2016 10:13AM PDT

1. The button is failing. Replace it.
2. A relic of a laptop from 2006, my Dell Inspiron would or would not power up when pressing the power button. There was a BIOS update and checking mine it was way out of date. Given the machine's age, I tried that. All better.

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start button
Aug 16, 2016 12:29PM PDT

From what I can learn, the BIOS is up to date & my 1st impression was that this was a simple "make or break switch", just replace it. I have been told that it is more complex then that. The switch & it's wiring are very hard to get to otherwise I would get out my trusty ohm meter. I was hoping that maybe someone on this forum had had the same problem& could tell me what their "fix' was. It is an old computer & not worth putting a lot of money into. I hate to trash it, if there is a simple fix for it.
Tnks,
Roger

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So not worth trying?
Aug 16, 2016 12:37PM PDT

You have one item down and then a simple dollar button to replace but not worth the effort?

Anyhow, I've worked such before and it's been the 2 items I noted and after that it's the BIOS battery, motherboard or PSU.

There are folk that think because I fixed it one time with a new button or BIOS that that's the fix for their PC. That's what new techs think for about a month.

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Power switch
Aug 16, 2016 7:23PM PDT

Find where that switch connects to the mobo and unplug it.
Use your ohm meter to test the switch.