Hi laverbob,

Yes, 5 Beeps indicates Real-time clock failure. Replacing the CMOS battery should fix the problem. If the problem persists, this is a system board (motherboard) failure and needs a replacement. You can purchase CMOS battery from Local Computer Store or Electronic Store. You will need to ask for CR-2032 battery.

You can refer to Pg no.61 in the link below for removing and replacing CMOS battery on your system. Please contact a local technician for replacing it.

http://bit.ly/16SrOcC

Please let me know if this helps.

Hi newton777,

3 Beep code on Vostro 3550 indicates system board failure. However, I’d suggest that you follow the steps mentioned below and check if you face same issue with the computer.

1. Switch off the computer.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the system.
3. Remove the battery from the computer.
4. Press and hold down the power button for 15 seconds.
5. Then connect back all the peripherals and check if you are able to switch ON the system.

Hi laverbob,

I would like you to check the system date in the computer. If it’s resetting every time you switch OFF and switch ON then you will have to replace the CMOS battery in the system. If the system is working fine with correct system date and time then you can keep the CMOS battery as a backup for near future.

Yes it was the CMOS battery.

Not sure why it failed in just over a year, and it's a pain to get to (13 screews and 4 ribon cables).

But the computer is now beep free, thanks for the help.

Hi, i'm having the same issue with the laptop. When i have pressed the power button, then the screen is just blank. After a few seconds, the laptop starts beeping with 4 beeps and pause, 4 beeps and pause, and continuous until i press power button again. . . .pls help.........

Hi nickguok,

As you posted for a thread on Vostro 3550, I assume you have the same laptop. 4 beeps on startup for this system model indicate RAM Read/Write failure.

1. Ensure that no special memory module exists.
2. Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.
3. If the problem persists, possible memory failure.

In addition to the above steps you can try reseating the memory modules, at times it helps. To find steps on how to reseat the memory modules the Service Manual of the laptop (http://bit.ly/YVmiFk).

Do reply with results.

My Vostro 1550 is doing the 5 beep thing too. Can you please tell me what type of battery it is so I can buy a replacement. Also the service manual does not refer to a CMOS battery except where the beep codes are explained. The manula does refer to a "coin-cell" battery - is this the same thing?

Many thanks

Jock

Hi!

For now, I don't want to put another CMOS battery. How to disable this beeps?! It's really annoying!

I have a Vostro 3550 and my laptop have the same problem....

My doubts is...if my CMOS battery failure why my clock keeps showing the time...why my clock don't go back to 12:00? My motherboard needs a replacement? I bought my laptop to one year!

Thanks!

I am having the same problem with my Dell Vostro 3350 laptop.  Where do you buy the CMOS battery and how easy is it to access?  You mention 13 screws and 4 ribbon cables?  

Thanks.