Open case on dim.3000 cleaned out dust. Unit has

Sounds like the system is overheating, then shuts down. The easiest thing to try first is blow out the case of any dust/debris. Pop the case cover and use an air can to clean out the dust. Be sure to go over any heat sinks on the CPU and video card, fans, inside the power supply, and anywhere you see a collection of dust. Then put the case cover back on and power up the unit. If the problem does not go away then you most likely have a component failing, i.e. motherboard, power supply, video card, etc... At that point I would take it to a professional.

I'm not sure what you mean by "cannot duplicate problem", but will answer best as I can. If the fan is loud, and it is your CPU or case fans revving higher, it may be your CPU is overheating and the unit shuts down to prevent damage to it. If the unit will not start at all and you get no keyboard recognition beep on boot, that means the signal is not getting from the power supply to the BIOS, directing the hard drive to start loading Windows. If that is the case, you have a severe problem with the motherboard or CPU. This kind of problem can't be handled in a forum like this. I suggest you use a computer help forum (free) which is set up for this kind of thing. The one I hang out at is www.suggest-a-fix.com
If the noise you hear is your DVD drive, then there could be something wrong with the DVD drive which is preventing startup, I have had that a few times in my with friends' computers. Try pulling the power cable off the DVD drive and try to boot. If suddenly you boot normally you found your problem.
If your computer has never been cleaned it may be choked with dust; take it out on the back porch and remove the side panel. Reverse-flow the air direction (blow out) from a vacuum cleaner and CAREFULLY blow the dust out of the unit. I suggest using a crevice tool to better direct the airflow. Especially get the dust from the CPU heatsink and fan. You will be surprised at the cloud of dust that comes out.
Other than than, without more detailed information, I cannot be more helpful. Wish you the best!

Step 1:
Test your PSU power supply unit or replace it if your power supply units fan is not working your PSU is faulty http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/f/powersupplytest.htm WARNING: Before you start troubleshooting remember that you are dealing with electricity that can KILL. http://www.kitchentablecomputers.com/static.php - rules Only work inside the computer case when the power has been switched off and disconnected. Never open the power source. Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts within the computer. While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD and its potential hazards Remove the memory modules from their slots. Take the opportunity to clean the slots on the motherboards and the memory module connectors. Use compressed air to blow dust away and clean contacts with a soft cloth. Do not use a metallic vacuum cleaner if it touches any component it may create a short and cause damage to the motherboard or other components. Do not use solvent that may attract dust and never poke things like cotton buds in to slots. lightly rub an alcohol (Methylated Spirits) on a cloth not to hard let the alcohol do the work on the copper gold or silver tabs and r Allow the pins to dry. They will air dry in a matter of minutes. If reseating the memory did not resolve the issue try swapping the location of the memory. If you have only one stick of memory in the computer try moving it to another slot and then boot the computer.

The flash getting stuch is a common problem with the Canon Rebel ( or Kiss) series. Set the camera in Auto mode in a dim place. Hold the flash unit gently from both sides and try to help it open while pressing the photo button. Do not use force if this does not work the first time - try it again.

Once open, clean the sides of the flash unit in case some dust is causing this problem.

You can only do a system restore if you can boot into safe mode. If you do not have Dell rescue discs then you need to reinstall your OS and you would need an OS disc for that.

Do you not have other options like pressing F5 or6 during boot?

As far as I recall, there is no adjustment. Typically the display area can be cleaned as smoke and dust collects on the plate. Remove the front panel and clean the inner surface of the plate. You may find that sufficient to resolve the problem. If not, then check the power supply for 5V and 12V. If the supply is low, the unit will still work properly, but the display can be dim.

Dan

Lay the case on its side, push in the two long eliptacal buttons and lift the case open like a clamshell. If it feels really heavy in you hands, it may be upside down, you want the motherboard section on the floor, look at the output panel on the back of the computer for a reference.

Here is the link for the user/service manual...

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3000/en/SM/index.htm

The 5840 has a problem with dust getting on the heater element and turning itself off after 2 minutes running. HERE IS THE FIX. Unplug the unit from the AC outlet, Then using a can of dusting air ( the kind you use to clean a computer key board) aim the compressed air INTO the middle louver of the upper adjustable heater vent and blow out the dust that has gotten on the heater element. ( You are actually blowing into the unit, clearing off the lint/dust that has gotten on the backside of the heater element that you can not see without openning the entire case).You can see the front of the heater element inside the louvers, It's the shinny metal part that looks like a small radiator.It sits behind the middle louver. After blowing out the dust, shake the entire unit to allow the dust to settle to the bottom of the case. Using a vacum cleaner try to vacum out any dust from the LOWER FRONT intake. Once the dust has been blown OFF the heater element, the unit will work just as new and not shut itself down!

open the case and clean the fan and power supply of dust and dirt. If you have a source of compressed air (not to much pressure) you can blow out the dirt that way.

Robert

The dimming of your lights at start up tell me two things, One is that the starting Amps may be a little high and drawing too much amperage. Have this checked by using an Amp meter. Secondly, look at your circuit breaker box. Does the Amp total on the right side of the box equal the left side. What I mean is that the Amp load of your box should be as close to equal as possible. If you have too many drawing Amps on one side, it puts strain on that side and will effect all breakers (loads) on that side. You can check this by investigating what circuits are on the same side of the box as your A/C unit and watch the lights associated to that same side and see if they dim when the unit starts. Also watch other lights associated to the opposite side and see if they dim. If they do, you have a compresser issue. To clean the coil you can purchase a coil cleaner at a local A/C repair shop and use a garden sprayer to apply. Rinse off the coil slowly and after you give it a chance to work. Too much water on the coil when rinsing will cause a flood in the bottom of the air handler and may not allow the drain to exacuate the water as quickly as designed. Rinse in moderation. Do this with all power off and the breaker locked in the off position.