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Dell Power-on Self Test Audio Error Codes

B

Beloved Leader

I'm clearingout old computers, and I came across a Dell Optiiplex 466,
which s a 486-based computer. Yes, this is about as often as I clean.
When it attempts to start, it gives a short beep, pauses, gives three
short beeps, pauses again, and gives two short beeps. Then it repeats
the cycle.

I'm not going to fix it; I'm just curious as to what it means. I'll
attach a note to it when I stick it out at the end of the sidewalk
warning people what to expect.

Thanks.
 
D

DaveM

Beloved Leader said:
I'm clearingout old computers, and I came across a Dell Optiiplex 466,
which s a 486-based computer. Yes, this is about as often as I clean.
When it attempts to start, it gives a short beep, pauses, gives three
short beeps, pauses again, and gives two short beeps. Then it repeats
the cycle.

I'm not going to fix it; I'm just curious as to what it means. I'll
attach a note to it when I stick it out at the end of the sidewalk
warning people what to expect.

Thanks.

It might be too old, but you should go to Dell's support site
(http://support.dell.com/support/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen) and look for the
specific model that you have. The support docs usually have the POST codes and
their meanings.

--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the
address)

"In theory, there isn't any difference between theory and practice. In
practice, there is." - Yogi Berra
 
B

Beloved Leader

It might be too old, but you should go to Dell's support site
(http://support.dell.com/support/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen) and look for the
specific model that you have. The support docs usually have the POST codes and
their meanings.

Grerat advice. This exact topic is covered there.

http://tinyurl.com/yta7ov

---------------------
Why does my computer generate a 1-3-2 memory beep code error after
upgrading the memory?
Journal ID: 07207CM73X
Article ID: 165918
Date Published: 10/17/2003
Last Revised: 10/17/2003

Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.
Why a computer may give a 1-3-2 memory beep code after upgrading the
memory.

Dell Solution Network: Knowledge Base Article
» Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.

To drain the "flea" power in the computer, perform the following
steps:

Shut down the computer.
Disconnect the power cable.
Wait at least five (5) seconds to discharge any remaining ''flea''
power.
Plug the power cord back in.
Turn on the computer.

» Why a computer may give a 1-3-2 memory beep code after upgrading the
memory.

When you change the amount of memory or move the memory modules, you
may cause memory beep errors during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

This may occur if you do not remove the power cord from back of the
computer while adding or removing memory modules.
---------------------

Which leads to the question, why did it happen in a computer that has
been sitting unused since it was tested on May 23, 2004? Whatever.

Thanks for the suggestion.
 
D

DaveM

It might be too old, but you should go to Dell's support site
(http://support.dell.com/support/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen) and look for the
specific model that you have. The support docs usually have the POST codes
and
their meanings.

Grerat advice. This exact topic is covered there.

http://tinyurl.com/yta7ov

---------------------
Why does my computer generate a 1-3-2 memory beep code error after
upgrading the memory?
Journal ID: 07207CM73X
Article ID: 165918
Date Published: 10/17/2003
Last Revised: 10/17/2003

Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.
Why a computer may give a 1-3-2 memory beep code after upgrading the
memory.

Dell Solution Network: Knowledge Base Article
» Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.

To drain the "flea" power in the computer, perform the following
steps:

Shut down the computer.
Disconnect the power cable.
Wait at least five (5) seconds to discharge any remaining ''flea''
power.
Plug the power cord back in.
Turn on the computer.

» Why a computer may give a 1-3-2 memory beep code after upgrading the
memory.

When you change the amount of memory or move the memory modules, you
may cause memory beep errors during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

This may occur if you do not remove the power cord from back of the
computer while adding or removing memory modules.
---------------------

Which leads to the question, why did it happen in a computer that has
been sitting unused since it was tested on May 23, 2004? Whatever.

Thanks for the suggestion.


There might be a problem with the memory in the PC. It might need to be
reseated into the sockets, or the memory just might be bad.
Try this:
Turn the computer on, and immediately go into the CMOS setup program. You'll
have to consult the documentation for that particular model to find the key
combination that gets you into the CMOS. See if the physical RAM installed in
the PC agrees with what the CMOS thinks is there. If it doesn't agree, set the
CMOS memory setting to the correct amount.

Another problem might be that the CMOS battery is dead. Again, check the docs
for the location and procedure for replacing the battery. That might be all you
need to get the PC back to life.

Cheers!1
--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the
address)

"In theory, there isn't any difference between theory and practice. In
practice, there is." - Yogi Berra
 
C

clifto

Beloved said:
Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.
Why a computer may give a 1-3-2 memory beep code after upgrading the
memory.

Dell Solution Network: Knowledge Base Article
» Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.

To drain the "flea" power in the computer, perform the following
steps:
[snip]

Which leads to the question, why did it happen in a computer that has
been sitting unused since it was tested on May 23, 2004? Whatever.

Didn't get all the fleas?
 
B

Beloved Leader

Beloved said:
Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.
Why a computer may give a 1-3-2 memory beep code after upgrading the
memory.
Dell Solution Network: Knowledge Base Article
» Disconnect the power cable and drain the "flea" power.
To drain the "flea" power in the computer, perform the following
steps:
[snip]
Which leads to the question, why did it happen in a computer that has
been sitting unused since it was tested on May 23, 2004? Whatever.

Didn't get all the fleas?

Hahahaha. I guess. I hadn't heard of "flea power" before this. I
suppose they want to be treated with respect, just like everybody else.
 
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