Author Topic: My Dell PC won't boot, four short beeps repeat over and over (Read 49380 times)

binker664 · « **on:** June 10, 2011, 06:19:33 AM »

I have a Dell Inspiron 530S with Windows XP Professional. Last night I worked until 1230 a.m. doing medical transcription, all systems working fine, and shut down as normal. This morning when I tried to turn on, the fan came on and stayed on and I get a continous four-beep cycle. I have shut down and unplugged everything and replugged several times. My APC backup shows a green light. My router and modem both show all green. This PC is connected by a router cable to my router in another room, and I am typing this note from my other PC in that room. I cannot switch the two PCs due to one being owned by my employer loaded with their proprietary software and not to be used for personal use (as I am doing now to send this desperate plea for help!) I am scheduled to work at 1 p.m. EST and being a computer know-nothing I need help. I have a friend who is very computer savvy but I can't reach him as he is on vacation. Any assistance you can provide will help a very unhappy transcriptionist. I'm sorry I don't know the memory capacity or other technical info. The PC is about 3 years old. It was built by Dell for me when I ordered it.

Allan · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2011, 06:25:22 AM »

Check the website of your bios provider for their beep codes. Alternatively, you might want to call Dell support.

truenorth · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2011, 11:54:09 AM »

you sound pretty desparate and frazzled so here is a link. http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/EN/OM/HTML/trouble.htm#wp1085300 Sure looks like a RAM issue. If you feel comfortable (very easy REALLY) open the case (power disconnected--touch the chassis somewhere 1st after power disconnect) then look at your RAM modules. See how many there are. Remove all but one. If that one gets you up and running again you can use the computer to finish your task. Then when you have more time try each ram module in each ram slot (one at a time) If a ram module works in one slot but not another then it is a slot problem. If by testing the ram one module at a time you find one that does NOT work then leave it out as it is defective. Then use all the ram modules that work and replace the one that has failed with an exact module of what it is (even to the manufacturer if possible). But you can use the computer for as long as you need to even with only one ram module in it. It may be a bit slower but generally in most use cases not so much that you will notice it (unless your playing computer games or some other intensive use software). Good luck, truenorth

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2011, 12:29:17 PM »

Dell Inspiron 530S Beep Codes
4 repetitive short beeps: RAM Read/Write failure

truenorth · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2011, 03:31:29 PM »

yep that is what i saw also. truenorth

Allan · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2011, 03:39:11 PM »

Good job guys - I was on the run - nice pickup

truenorth · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2011, 09:52:15 AM »

Now if only binker664 would come back.truenorth

patio · « **Reply #7 on:** June 12, 2011, 11:17:59 AM »

Abducted...

truenorth · « **Reply #8 on:** June 12, 2011, 12:43:11 PM »

probably the beeps got him. truenorth

patio · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2011, 12:59:18 PM »

Quote from: truenorth on June 12, 2011, 12:43:11 PM

probably the beeps got him. truenorth

Which may indicate it was not the MBoard beeping...

truenorth · « **Reply #10 on:** June 12, 2011, 01:24:23 PM »

Aliens (the "mother-ship" not the motherboard)

truenorth

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