Red Indicator

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I have a Dell Studio XPS Desktop 435T/9000. Recently I have noticed a red indicater on in the back of the tower when I boot up. Doesn’t a red light usually indicate a problem that needs attention? How can I find out what this means?

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Is it beeping and if so count them. 4 beeps, 5 beeps etc. Did you make any hardware changes prior to this. Possible memory or graphic’s card issue.

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Is it beeping and if so count them. 4 beeps, 5 beeps etc. Did you make any hardware changes prior to this. Possible memory or graphic’s card issue.

No it’s not beeping, just a steady red light.

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According the set up guide, Its a power supply indicator. I would guess its normal to be lit.
From ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_studio_xps_desktop/studio-xps-9000_User%27s%20Guide_en-us.pdf

36552-indicator

Jerry

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If it’s the power supply light, normally it’s green. Steady red, warning? I’ve seen blinking red; those accompany a failing/failed power supply.

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I’m inclined to agree, you should look into it:
Look through your documentation or visit Dell’s website and look for documentation based on your computer’s make and model.
There is bound to be a few PDFs associated with your system with some error or troubleshooting info on this.

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I’ve seen a ton of PCs with red power supply lights. The setup manual doesn’t make any reference to color codes. I still think its normal.

I gave a link to documentation in post 3

Jerry

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I was wrong about not having color codes. Further down in the setup manual link I gave in post 3:

Power Problems
If the power light is off — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the computer and the electrical outlet.If the computer is plugged into a power strip ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.Ensure that the power supply light on the back of the computer is on. If the light is off there may be a possible problem with the power supply or the power cable.If the problem persists, contact Dell (see “Contacting Dell” on page 53).
If the power light is solid white and the computer is not responding – the display may not be connected or powered on. Ensure that the display is properly connected and then turn it off, then back on.

If the power light is blinking white — The computer is in Sleep state. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse or a finger on the touch pad, or press the power button to resume normal operation.

If the power light is solid amber — There may be a problem with either the system board or the power supply. For assistance, contact Dell (see “Contacting Dell” on page 53)

If the power light is blinking amber — There may be a problem with the system board. For assistance, contact Dell (see “Contacting Dell” on page 53).

Since it doesn’t say anything about red, I still think that is normal and you are OK.

Jerry

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I think that refers to the front case LED lights. There isn’t much mention of the Power supply LED.
Perhaps the OP can look closely at the PSU and tell us it’s make & model.

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Oops, I take it back. You’re right Clint. The manual does show a power light on the front with the codes I gave. It also shows a “power supply light” on the rear with no codes.

Jerry

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Clint, the picture I posted from the manual shows the power light on the rear. Certainly not standard but it is what it is.

Jerry

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You could originally be right about the PSU light.
But using a red LED along with just a vague mention of it in documentation is a bit tough to swallow.

If the OP could clarify if the PSU LED had been any other color previously.
Perhaps the OP can look closely at the PSU and tell us it’s make & model.
Investigating the PSU’s make and model would solve it.

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I suspect the PSU is a Dell custom supply. From the picture, it doesn’t appear to have any external markings. You might have to open the case and remove it to get any model number info. If the PC appears to be functioning, it probably isn’t worth it.

If the OP could clarify if the PSU LED had been any other color previously

That would certainly be helpful.

Jerry

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