Dell Dimension 4600 with flashing amber light

[vogue1]

My sisters bought my mother a Dell Dimension 4600 for Xmas, 2003. Unfortunately, the system is just out of the warranty time.

The amber light on the tower is flashing. I called Dell on behalf of my mom(she is up in years) and found out from the tech the following :

It is about a 90% chance that the problem is a power supply and/or motherboard.

I am curious how others would handle this. I did send Dell an email complaining about the timing of this. Right after the warranty date. My sisters have bought many Dells in the past and will I am sure not do so anymore.

Should I maybe buy the least expensive item(power supply?) first and try that? I mean, should I be able to do this? I have swapped memory and put in modems. That is about it. Or maybe just go to a tech shop?

Any help, appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[lideho]

I would try replacing the power supply first if their techies claim it is the likely problem. They are relatively easy to replace and cheap ($20-30 in my neighborhood). If you are in doubt about the power supply you need, remove it and take it to a local clone store.

 

[bcastner]

Dell offers at time of sale an extended warranty. If you did not take advantage of this, then it is an unfortunate coincidence.

I feel your pain. It has happened to me with several purchases, computer and otherwise. Do not ask me about the turbocharger on my Volvo convertible.

 

[micker377]

Wish I had a Volvo convertible! All I have to "play" with is a 1966 Plymouth (full race 383 c.i. - 425 horse power).