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Alienware Aurora - 6 beeps
Hi all,
I'm looking to confirm an issue, I have had my Alienware Aurora for about 5 years, I was browsing last night when it simply blacked out and shut down. When I attempted to boot it up I hear a fan power up, then click off, then power up again, then finally followed by 6 beeps continuously.
According to the manual and everything I've read this indicates a failure in the graphics card, I opened it up, unhooked the card completely, reconnected it but still got the same result. Is it safe to assume the graphics card needs to be replaced? What I have in there right now is a ATI Radeon HD 5970 2GB, any recommendations for a replacement would also be helpful.
I also attempted to disconnect anything I could inside the unit to see if there was another problem, it was certainly dusty in there so I cleaned it out a little but still no luck.
Thanks in advance!
DELL-Manshu S
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October 31st, 2013 08:00
Hi Moziqui,
6 beeps indicates issue with the Video Card on the system.
Please refer to Page 51 on the manual given below:
http://bit.ly/ZwqtG3
Thanks & Regards
Manshu S
#iworkfordell
To know more about Dell Product Support, Drivers & Downloads, Order & Dispatch status -> choose your region US Customers; India Customers. For Dell support videos click here.
DELL-Manshu S
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October 31st, 2013 08:00
Hi Moziqui,
Thank you for the reply.
Check if the system works properly without the video card.
Replacing the video card will isolate if it is an issue with the video card or the slot.
NOTE: Computer components are to be replaced by a professional only.
Thanks & Regards
Manshu S
#iworkfordell
To know more about Dell Product Support, Drivers & Downloads, Order & Dispatch status -> choose your region US Customers; India Customers. For Dell support videos click here.
Moziqui
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October 31st, 2013 08:00
Hi Manshu, I have seen that which was able to help me identify the issue, is the only solve a replacement of the graphics card?
Tesla1856
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October 31st, 2013 16:00
Try a know good PCIe video card (even if it's an old slow one). That should test the PCIe x16 slot and the motherboard.
Moziqui
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October 31st, 2013 16:00
Moziqui
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October 31st, 2013 18:00
DELL-Milena M
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November 1st, 2013 09:00
Hello Moziqui!
If you test the video card in different slots and the 6 beeps issue persists, then yes the video card might be damage.
Moziqui
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November 1st, 2013 13:00
I just tried the card in an alternative slot and the same thing happened, I have a new card coming today that I will install and see if that makes a difference. I'm not convinced it will since I've removed the card completely and I still get the same 6 beeps.
Moziqui
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November 1st, 2013 22:00
So I got a new card and the good news is I have had some success, the system boots up, gets past the initial screen and then I get a black screen simply stating 'missing operating sys'.
Tesla1856
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November 1st, 2013 22:00
Check BIOS RAID settings (if you had one).
Otherwise, the OS might really be missing, files corrupt, HDD went bad, bad cable, etc.
See if HDD is being detected in BIOS. Now would be a good time to run Dell Diags.
Moziqui
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November 1st, 2013 23:00
I think I finally managed to get it working, I went into the BIOS setup and switched something from ACH1I (Can't recall exactly what it was) to RAID, after that it booted up, I was able to install the new drivers and it appears to be working fine. Phew!