Memory error on boot (Dimension 8400)

Question

Hi all,

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 with 2x512 Mb of memory DDR2 SDRAM 4200.
Since few days, when i start my computer, i have a black screen and 3 beeps and the computer don't start.
B and D led are yellow and A and C led are green. It seems that it's a memory problem.

So i have changed the memory (same model) and the problem is still the same !
I have the latest BIOS. I have remove and reinstall all PCI card, processor,...

When i have this problem, i remove the power cable from the tower, wait 10 mn & held power button to clear remaining chargeand plug the power cable and after that, the computer start normally without any memory problem detection. What a strange situation....

I have this computer since 2 years and i don't have performed any hardware upgrade on it and he was working perfect until today !

Is anyone have an idea of the problem ?

Thanks for your help
Vinns

Message Edited by vinns on 05-21-200604:01 AM

Message Edited by vinns on 05-21-200604:02 AM

Message Edited by vinns on 05-21-200604:48 AM

RoHe · Answer

What color is power ON/OFF button when PC won't boot? Green/Amber? Steady/Blinking? If amber/blinking, it's most probably the power supply.

You can try this. Install original RAM modules and do your routine so PC will boot, pressing F12 before XP starts to load. Follow prompts to run hardware diagnostics. Test memory to see if there's really a RAM error. Sounds unlikely since you replaced the modules and still get same problem.

Since your routine does allow it to boot normally, it appears that everything is still functional. So maybe the battery on the motherboard may need replacing. They're only a few bucks so an inexpensive thing to test. If not, then consider PSU and motherboard. Look on motherboard for any bulging or leaking capacitors (they look like small cans).

Ron

vinns · Answer

Ron, thanks for your answer.

When the computer don't start, the turn on button is green and not blinking.
I already have tested the memory with the Dell diag without any errors.

I will test to replace the motherboard battery and i will inform you about the result.

Regards,
Vinns

vinns · Answer

Hello,

I have changed the battery and the problem is the same.
I have another information. The problem is resolved when i perform a clear cmos with the jumper on the motherboard.

I'm testing diffferent configuration and i will inform you about the result.
If anyone have experience with this probleme, let me know.

Regards,
Vinns

Theman13 · Answer

Vinns, Did you ever solve the mwmory error. I am getting the same error. Thanks

RoHe · Answer

Do I understand that clearing CMOS with the jumper solved the problem completely? Did you update to the new version A09 BIOS on the 8400 recently? Possible the update is corrupted or has some bug in it that conflicts with your hardware profile. In that case you might try to flash again with an older version.

All this sounds like another thread where an 8400 only boots when the battery is removed from the motherboard. That means they have to set date/time every time the system is booted, but at least it works.

Could mean the motherboard has failed and needs replacing... :( But www.centrix.com is selling out its supply of Dell OEM 8400 motherboards for only $39.

Ron

vinns · Answer

Hi all,   I have changed the motherboard and now it's working.   Vinns

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Memory error on boot (Dimension 8400)

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