6 beeps, then nothing at startup

Interesting that it has 266MHZ memory.  Maybe it should have the 333MHZ memory.

Check the diagnostic LEDs on the back of the PC if the beep codes are of no help or are difficult to decipher.  The diagnostic LEDs may give you more of a clue as to the problem.  Then look up the diagnostic codes for your particular PC in Dell Solutions.  I recently had an issue with a loose video card.  It didn't give beep codes, but the machine wouldn't boot.  The diagnostic LEDs showed y-g-y-y which, according to the documentation for my system, indicated a PCI Bus failure.  I was then able to correct the problem from there, since I had an idea that the problem was a loose card (turned out to be the video card).  Just a thought.  One easy thing to try is simply to open the box up (after unplugging the system) & make sure everything is seated properly, including the memory modules.  The shipping may have caused something to come loose. 

Actually it was the crucial memory that I installed (oops).  As Pam stated, it was not seated properly.  I've done this in the past but am always afraid to push too hard.

Thanks for the advice from everyone on here.

BTW, the Dell tech I called was of no help whatsoever.  I fixed it while I was trying to figure out what he was saying.  He was asking for the service tag code, but there is not a tag on the computer that matches the numbers given at startup???  Oh well.

beap code 1  A memory refresh failure occurred. Reseat the memory modules.

beap code 4  The system timer is not operational. See "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

 

so by looking at the codes, there is something wrong with the memory... i wouldn't touch it until you contact dell and let them resolve the problem.

Message Edited by buffbison on 10-18-2002 11:15 PM

call them immediately and tell them...  there could be something wrong with the memory, cpu, video card, motherboard....  ill check out their specs and info page...  if i were you, i would post this on the service support forum now and so they know that you have a problem with your computer.