Sounds like it could really be a hardware or firmware issues. I would start by first trying to re-flash the firmware through XMODEM. [URL]   In the firmware download there are instructions for updating through XMODEM.   If the firmware does not help, you are probably looking at a hardware issue. You mentioned the fans, what does the fan LED look like on the front of the switch?   Thanks
Okay, separate switch on my bench from any recent posts; I have a Dell PowerConnect 5548P sitting here.  Apparently my predecessor told one of our techs "he thought it was bad". I've already hooked it up to console cable, and booted it.  I only get the first message: Boot1 Checksum Test............... Then nothing after.  Are there any reset or diagnostic procedures I can run before taking things up with Dell Support, or is this pretty much "stick a fork in it, it's done?"
PowerConnect 5548P appears dead --how to troubleshoot?