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mousemen

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mousemen

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August 31st, 2006 13:00

8400 will not boot...beep code help needed

After three hours of troubleshooting this with Gagandeep and Krishnaveni, the latter of which was trying to troubleshoot my monitor, I decided to post here in order to keep my sanity.

We have an 8400 that will not boot.

A & B are amber, C & D are green. Four beeps, an interval, and then two beeps.

Tried it with the original RAM, new RAM, and no RAM. Removed all expansion cards. Same result each time:

A & B are amber, C & D are green. Four beeps, an interval, and then two beeps.

Any and all help is appreciated more than you know...this computer was in our shop for a spyware cleanup and this just happened out of the blue. Trying to get it straightened up for our client.
  • jackshack

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    Posted August 31st, 2006 14:00

    You might start here:
     
     
    The diagnostic lights you are reporting state you have a memory failure of some sort.  Regarding the beep code, all of the codes listed appear to be a sequence of three, so you might want to listen more closely to the beeps.
     
    One other thing; I didn't see a note about resetting the NVRAM.  If you haven't done this yet you should try.
     
    Good luck!
     

    Message Edited by JackShack on 08-31-200610:42 AM

  • DELL-Donald K

    2 Intern

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    Posted September 1st, 2006 03:00

    Mouse
     
    USUALLY, if you are getting memory codes after working with the RAM, it is a seating issue.
     
    1.  Power off system, unplug
    2.  Press power button & hold for 10 seconds to discharge stored power in motherboard capacitors that might fry your RAM.
    3.  Remove all RAM modules
    4.  Push back all RAM locking levers to the open (45 degree angle) position.
    5.  In slot 1, insert a Ram module, pressing firmly down with both thumbs until the locking levers move up & snap into the locked position with no assistance.
    6.  Plug in & power on, see if you get a different diag LED combination.
     
    If you get GGGG, the repeat steps for next module.  If you get YYGG, try a diffenent Module in a different slot.  Once you determine if any of the modules are bad, you can them worry about matching the pairs in Slots 1 & 3, & slots 2 & 4 so the system runs in Dual channel mode
     
    If none of the RAM works, you have either toasted it all by not discharging power from the board, or the board is fried.


    DELL-Donald K
    #IWork4Dell