Computer stops at "Dell" screen, six beeps when memory removed?

Question

OK, major issue here. We have a Dell Dimension E510, and it just plain refuses to start-up, it only displays the big blue "DELL" text, and the progress bar at the bottom.

I called Dell, and they told me to unplug everything, and remove the memory cards. Now when I try to boot up the computer, there are six annoying beeps, then nothing.

If it matters, we got this computer three months ago, and it has Windows XP Media Center. No new hardware or anything like that, just randomly broke :(

Buzzy_Buddy : I removed the memory b/c the Dell support person told me too.

x_cybernet_x : I don't even have money for a new TV, let alone a new computer.

Woohoo! Computer's fixed :)

Yeah, ya'll were right about the memory, turns out I wasn't pushing it in all the way. As for the original problem, don't know how, but it got fixed as well.

Answer 1

The beeps are because you removed all the memory modules. This is because of a function of the BIOS in your computer, calles POST (Power On Self Test). Basically, POST checks to make sure that everything you need for your computer to boot up is connected and working properly, what it checks is dependant on the settings in the BIOS, but some common ones are:
Memory
Boot device (hard drive, CDRom, etc)
Floppy Drive
Keyboard
Video Card

Dependant on what bios you have on your computer, the beeps correspond to what is making POST fail, you can look it up on the internet, or the dell support guy will be able to tell you what is wrong. As for the initial problem of it not getting past the dell screen, it might be a corrupt boot drive, in which case you will need to reinstall windows, or some other problem with booting windows. Try hitting the delete key or F8 or Esc, which will take you to the bios. If you can get in there, then set the cd-rom drive to boot before the hard drive and reinstall windows. That's the best advice I can offer.

Answer 2

Crash is right the six beeps are telling you that it need memory. If you get the DELL logo screen but not the windows screen, then there could be a problem with windows. When the DELL screen comes up press F2 for set up. with the arrow keys scroll down until you see "boot sequence" or something like that. I do this all the time and still cant remember the exact names. IF your HD was scrambled then the computer would tell you "no boot device" , that why it sounds like a software problem. You can email me.

Answer 3

Your computer will not work without the memory, but the memory back in before starting it. If your computer is only three months old Dell should be fixing it themselves, unless you downloaded somthing from the internet that screwed up your computer. If you got a restore disk with your PC you might want to try using it.

Answer 4

it could be defective ram, or a bad keyboard controller on the motherboard. the beeps you hear are troubleshooting beeps called post beeps. when your computer boots up normally, you should get one short beep to indicate your computer has passed the post or power on self test. next thing to do would be put just the memory back in, one at a time and see if you still get the beep code. if you do, replace the one memory card with the other. if you still get the beep code, call dell back and tell them you want to ship the computer back to them for repair. after only three months, it had better still be under warranty and they should fix it for free

Answer 5

feels like hardware situation, yet attempt as nicely ur pc to safemode if no longer then hit F8 then production facility reset the working gadget. Dell have a emergency backup so dont situation approximately lost document.

Answer 6

Why u remove memory..?

Dell can not tell you exact solution unless they see physically. Even though a technician...Go for repairing.

Answer 7

Check the BIOS to make sure it's booting up properly.

Answer 8

get a celeron . intell or Pentium computer it is better than DELL now adays