Guys I need assistance.
I have been given a Dell Dimension 3100 to troubleshoot.
On querying customer about the problem: "Just fix it." SIGH.So far I have found the following:
This Dell (like all new Dells) have no PS/2 ports and you must use a USB keyboard and mouse
I did not have a USB keyboard initially so I could not login in to computer as user account was password protected.
Tried resetting CMOS by removing battery. That only resulted in the PC halting in the BIOS:
"Floppy disk seek failure and Keyboard failure. Press F1 to continue, F2 for setup" and has been the startup pattern since.
Eventually got a USB keyboard and even a PS/2 to USB converter adapter. No dice.
Only intermittently will the Dell recognize the USB Keyboard long enough to actually enter BIOS by repeatedly pressing F2 (once in several power cycles). But I am usually unable to navigate the BIOS beyond one or two button presses. no response from keyboard after that. Of the six USB ports i have tried, only the front right one seems to give any kind of response. PCI-E USB card is no help either.
BIOS is the latest version, A04
The diagnostic LEDs on the front show lights pauses on lights 1&4, then 2&3 before going to 1,2&3 on BIOS halt with code meanings listed here:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/sm/adtshoot.htm#wp1124478At this stage I have seriously considered a total disassembly/reassembly:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/sm/parts0.htm#wp1043338I do wonder if getting the keyboard BEFORE resetting the BIOS would have made a difference. The mouse was working fine when it started up.
I am ready to condemn this thing as having a fried USB controller. It is out of warranty as of June this year.
full documentation:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3100/en/index.htm#online_documentationAny further ideas anyone may have? All suggestions are welcome. Is a month now I have it. Only really started to fight with it this week.
