I have a Dell Dimension 4600 running Windows XP that went into hibernation mode & now I can’t get it to start-up. The computer was acting strange just before this happened, When I tried to shut it down as usually it would start back up automatically in about 20 seconds. The only way to shut it down was to manually put it in hibernation mode, But this time the LED light next to the switch that would blink in hibernation just when out!

I checked out the switch & power supply and they both are good! Is there some other way to get the computer started if it’s stuck in hibernation mode?

Let's start with unplug the computer's power cord for a good 15 minutes. Then plug it back in and try again.

Dells are notorious for having this problem. You could call up dell and get it replaced or you could just simply put it in SLEEP mode, not hibernation next time.

As far as you not being able to shut it down, now that's another problem.

Let's start with unplug the computer's power cord for a good 15 minutes. Then plug it back in and try again.
I had all connections completely un-hooked for about two days when I checked the switch with a meter, & I used a power supply tester to check the power supply.


Dells are notorious for having this problem. You could call up dell and get it replaced Thanks at least I know it’s a problem with Dells. I will call them & see what they say, The computer is several years old so I’m sure their not going to replace it!

you could just simply put it in SLEEP mode, not hibernation next time. I didn’t know there was a difference! I thought hibernation & sleep were the same?


Well the computer with a mind of it’s own decided to wake up this morning! :D

The first thing I did was to disable the hibernate function, I changed the power switches function to on & off instead of hibernate/stand-by. I also disabled my screen saver & changed the power mode to always on! My printer (HP T-45) is from an older system & never really worked right on XP even with the patches & drivers from HP, so I disconnected it & deleted what I could! I ran the disk clean-up & defragmenter & I’m just leaving the system on for now!

I know I need to upgrade my anti-virus software, But is there anything else I can check out or do that may help fix this problem.

I leave my system on 24/7 except when we leave on trips. Turn off the MONITOR when you walk away. Good work!

Oh well it lasted for a while!

I left the hibernation mode turned off, I was leaving it on 24/7, and I upgraded my anti-virus software. After doing a full system scan with the new software & resetting the system everything seemed fine & I was able to turn it on & off manually.

Well now its back to the same old tricks! If I leave it on 24/7 everything's OK! However when I try to turn it off it will usually automatically start back up in about 30 seconds? If it does shut down & stay off, some times it will not start back up! After about a day it will just automatically start back up?

I'll also add I've yet to see a computer system that works reliably 24/7 with power saving features enabled.

You might check Wake-On-Lan settings (Wake from S5, Wake on Network, etc) in the computer's BIOS and any power related settings. One of my customers has a few machines that randomly startup if WOL is enabled - they aren't Dells though.

Oh well it looks as though my Dell finely died!
It has been off for over a week now & I haven’t been able to get it started back up


Dells are notorious for having this problem.
Is it a problem in their mother board or other electronics, or is it a program issue?

I’m just trying to decide if it’s worth it to take it in & have it looked at, Or just get a new unit.