This may be a really basic question, but I can't seem to find an answer with an online search.

RE: Dell Dimension 8100 Desktop with proprietary power supply (I think the pwr supply P/N is 3E466 but not sure)

My wife got an error message right after boot up that said "Fan System Not Detected".

I checked it out and no more error messages, BUT... I noticed the power supply fan is not running when cold. (I didn't run the PC very long for fear of overheating the power supply).

I believe I heard the fan speed is variable depending on temperature.?

2 Questions please:

1) Is it normal for the power supply fan to be completely off when cold?

2) What does the error message mean above?

Thanks...

SORRY. My mistake.

It's the CPU fan that is not running.

Same questions apply.

Thank you...

1) You can test if the fan is faulty (or the MOBO) by trying it in another computer, if you wish, but perhaps a waste of time. It would be interesting to know.

2) Buy a replacement fan LOCALLY if possible and swap it out. If it works normally, it's a cheap and quick win. However, if it doesn't fire up, you want to be able to return it and swap it for...

3)... a replacement fan that bypasses the MOBO and has an adapter that can plug into a power source right off the power supply. You may lose some of the cool utilities that tell you how the fan is doing, but these replacement power-supply fans are typically more rugged anyway, so it's not really that big a loss.

Good to know. Thanks.

Just found problem. Stupid really.

Loose pins on motherboard connector. Tightened with needle nose. Problem solved.