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Eaglecrest
5 Posts
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1436
June 3rd, 2020 12:00
Inspiron error code
I have an Inspiron 5520. When you power up it continuously beeps 5 times; from what i have discerned this suggests:
| Real Time Clock (RTC) power fail | CMOS battery failure |
Also from what i understand, i have to dismantle the entire laptop to get to the battery. My question is why should this prevent me from starting the computer? It is my understanding that the CMOS memory (supported by this batter) contains, BIOS type information, so if it isn't stored in memory then shouldn't the computer start with default settings?
In that case I don't understand why the computer just sits dead with the constant beeping. I would appreciate any insights.
Thanks
1072
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 13:00
A weak CMOS battery will precipitate the beeps but should not prevent the system booting up. A dead real-time clock (which carries the same error code) can indeed cause the system not to boot. Try changing the battery first - but if that's not the problem, the clock chip itself is -- and that can't be replaced short of replacing the system board.
1056
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 15:00
It depends on how set you are on repairing vs replacing the system. If you're going to repair it even if it needs a system board, replacing the battery first makes sense, since you'll need to remove the board anyway. If you're not going to repair this (relatively) old system, but rather replace it -- it may make less sense.
1051
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 16:00
Pretty much my interpretation. Thanks for the confirmation.
1052
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 16:00
Welcome to the Dell Community @Eaglecrest
Resetting the CMOS may help but I am not sure if your system board has this option.
Remove the "Access Door"
Remove any memory installed.
Under the memory if there is a plastic/paper cover remove it to expose the system board.
Look for contacts labeled CMOS1, CMSCLR, RESET1 etc!!!
Then with the Main Battery removed use a small flat headed screwdriver to short the 2 contacts.
If the contacts are there make sure to try 2-3 times.
Best regards and good luck,
U2
1041
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 17:00
I am assuming this is what you are referring
There are two sets of pins, am I shorting only across the same pairs or across the separate pairs?
1031
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 17:00
CLRP1 and 2. Seems like clear something, but not sure if it is cmos. Only thing in the area of the memory boards.
1038
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 17:00
Until the eClerx team approves the image only you can see the picture.
Until I can see the picture I cannot say for sure???
But are they marked with CMOSCLR, CMOSRST etc?
Anything like that?
Regards,
U2
1014
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Posted June 4th, 2020 03:00
Sorry for the late reply @Eaglecrest
I can now see the photo and I would try both, one at a time.
Start with the two contacts next to CLRP1
Power-on and test.
Then try the contacts next to CLRP2 if needed.
Power-on and test.
Regards,
U2
Eaglecrest
5 Posts
1068
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Posted June 3rd, 2020 13:00
Thank you for the response. Am I correct in understanding that I need to completely disassemble the laptop to get to the cmos battery?
If that is the case then it seems a lot of work just to confirm it is a battery. Of course if the battery is at fault then it will save the laptop, but as we both seem to agree the battery is unlikely the cause and instead it is the chip.
Would you agree?