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January 29th, 2009 12:00
dimension e510, problem getting started
hello,
i need help! when i turn on my computer, it flashes the same screens in a loop and windows xp wont start. the first screen is black with the dell logo. the next screen flashes too fast for me to read, it is black with a blue stripe across the top and has a sentence ending with the letter 2. the next screen is black with white words, it asks me choose an OS, windows xp is already chosen. the next screen is also black with white lettering, it says windows did not start and has options to choose, such as "safe mode, last good config, start normal", etc. no matter what option i choose, i get one more screen, then the same sequence of screens happens over and over. the last screen in the loop only flashes for 1/2 a second, so i cant completely read it. the screen is blue with white lettering that fill 3/4 of the page, from the words i am albe to read, i think it says something about recently installed hardware or software. i did install a wireless adapter about 2 weeks ago, but i have used the computer everyday without any problems.when i push the power button, the numbers 1-4 flash too fast for me to get the sequence right, but it starts with 134 lit up then the 2 is added,then the 1 and 3 drop off leaving just 2 and 4,then 123 light up, then the 4 just by itself, the it alternates flashing 14 then 23 then 14 and so on. i am not a "techie", but i did repair this computer with the help of spywarehammer.com about 5 months ago when i got a virus, so i am realy good at following directions (even if i dont understand them). is this problem something i can fix (with help from you guys) by typing in commands? or should i call a professional? thank you for any help, and i apologize for any delays, since i have to use someone else's computer to look at this post.
-brandy
fireberd
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January 29th, 2009 13:00
I have an E510. I would suspect a memory problem. Lights 3 and 4 are "Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred". There is no 1 and 4 listed but light 1 is also a memory issue.
If you still have the Dell diagnostic partition on the hard drive, run a full diagnostic and see if anything shows up.
HERE is the Troubleshooting section of the Dell manual.
You can also try reseating the memory modules (with the power off remove the memory modules then reinstall making sure they are fully and correctly seated. CAUTION, memory modules are static sensitive, touch a metal part of the PC chassis before touching the modules and then only handle them by the edges.
If reseating doesn't help, try one memory module at a time in case one is defective.
scrammie77
35 Posts
1
February 2nd, 2009 15:00
hello,
thanks for the reply. i ran the diagnostic and got "all tests okay". i also reseated the memory modules, together and one at a time, and i'm still getting the same lights. do you think both modules are bad? also i was doing some of the instructions in the link you gave me, and i noticed when i pressed f2 the menu would come up for 1 second then it says "no support" in the upper right hand corner then i get a blank blue screen. any suggestions?
-brandy