Memory Error on Dimension 4700

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@europa303 wrote:

If you power down and restart do you get the same message? One thing to try first is unplug the power, open the case and remove and reseat each memory module, being sure there are no dust bunnies in the slot. Also, if the problem returns, there are 4 diagnostic lights on the back of the computer that may light up, giving diagnostic codes. See this:

< ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

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Thanks for the reply. A few times,the computer has shut down in a fashion similar to what happened today, but it never displayed the message. Previously, the screen went blank and I turned it off via the power button. Once, when I pushed the power button back on, the fan went on and the computer made an "alarm" noise. Any other course of action or should I still reseat the memory modules? Should I do it with gloves on or any other precautions? Ok to use compressed air to blow it clean? Thanks.

If reseating the modules and blowing out the dust bunnies with canned air doesn't fix it, reboot and press F12 before XP starts to load. Go to Utilities partition and run the RAM tests. If you get a failure, you'll need to replace the RAM module(s). They should be matched pairs.

When was last time battery on motherboard was replaced?

Ron

I've never changed the battery on the motherboard...how do I know if it needs to be changed? Are there instruction that tell me what battery to purchase and how to remove/install?

Did you run the RAM tests?

Most batteries tend to last only 2-3 yrs. They cost ~$2-$3 at places like Walmart, Target, drug stores...

Instructions to replace the battery in your 4700 are here:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/techov.htm#wp1052362
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/parts.htm#wp1055540


Ron

Cleaned the memory slots and the rest of the inside of the tower and ran the F12 Utilities test. Test came back ok and the 4 diagnostic lights on the back are all green. Will monitor to make sure the problem has been solved. I did not change the battery on the motherboard yet - didn't have a chance to get to Target, but the Dell help page said that I'd see the clock reseting as an indication that the battery is loosing power. Would a bad battery cause the shutdown-type problems I experienced or is it just good practice to replace it periodically? Also, is there a page which lists the battery specs...it's hard to read it when the batt is in its seat. Many thanks for the assistance.

3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/specs.htm

The clock/calendar losing time is a common symptom of a weak battery. But, if you've set your system to automatically synchronize time/date with an on-line server (eg, NIST atomic clock), you might never notice an incorrect time/date.

Battery in my 8400 died without warning. It crashed and wouldn't complete the POST on next reboot. So yes, a weak battery could be causing your symptoms. And if battery is more than a couple of years old, it couldn't hurt to spend a couple of bucks to rule that out as the problem, before investing new RAM.

Ron

OK - will definitely change out the battery. So far, cleaning the RAM has helped - error has not returned. Thanks for all the help.

:)