E510 - Problem in power up

Dell docs indicate that code corresponds to:


A possible graphics card failure has occurred.


* If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, and then restart the computer.
* If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.
* If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for information about how to contact Dell).

I would reseat the graphics card and anything else that might have been jarred loose.

Peter

I'll give that process a try.

Thanks.

Those lights indicate a memory problem:

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
* If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
* If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
* If the problem persists, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for information about how to contact Dell).

The beep codes also sound like they could be for the memory:

1-3-1 through 2-4-4

Memory not being properly identified or used

You need to get the pattern of the beep codes, including the spaces to determine what the problem is.

Peter

Hey Peter,

Many thanks for your assist with me on this.

I have replayed the beep code and it is

1 beep   3 beeps   2 beeps   =  1  3  2

This appears to fall into that classification of sequences you listed above, do you agree?

Thanks,

Russ

Good details. It is possible to have failures other than the memory sticks themselves. One thing I always check are the gold contacts. Do they look clean? If not, I rub them with an eraser (making sure to clean of the eraser debris). This has revived several marginally working items (including injet catridges). Otherwise, I would try a new RAM stick and hope that solves the problem.

Peter

Okay, let me give you the history on the memory......

Machine delivered from Dell with 1 Gig (2 modules 512mb PC2-4200)  <4 memory slots total - 2 used>

I had previously, a week ago, determined that one of the modules was bad.  I removed it and machine ran just fine for past week.  Just yesterday I began getting occasional boot failures as described - but would eventually boot.  Then last night came the total failure.

I have swapped, switched, etc with both my sticks, but with no success and no difference in response of the machine.  I have 2 other Dell machines, the basic 2350 and 2400 but the memory is PC-100, I believe...not sure...but definitely not PC2-4200.  My guess would be that these sticks would not be compatible with the E510.

I have no other PC2-4200 sticks to try until I purchase more.  So, I guess that will be my next step to acquire fresh sticks and see if that settles the issue.

I wonder if there could be any other aspect of "memory" that could be the problem other than the sticks?  Is it possible that the slots can be defective in any way?

Thanks,

Russ

Yes that also seems to be pointing to a memory problem. I would try reseating the memory, swapping with good memory or taking some of the memory out. Hopefully, that will narrow it down.

Peter

Roger that.  I'll give a new stick a try.  I'll probably post later this evening with results.

Hey, Peter,

Well, a new RAM stick did not resolve this issue.  It had no effect at all on the current problem.

And, while it is possible that the new RAM stick could have been dead out of the package, I just don't think it likely that I would have 2 memory sticks die on me, and then get a new one and find it to be dead as well.  I think the odds are way against that.

And, if this is a memory-related problem as the lights and beep code suggests, what else is there to check regarding memory?  Could all 4 of the memory slots on the M/B have shorted out in any way?

The failure after pressing the power button is so quick, almost instantaneous, that I wonder if the power supply could have anything to do with it? But then, the fan obviously cranks up, and the green light on the M/B is working, so.... I am just at a bit of a loss here.

I'll go ahead and contact Dell support and see what they say.

I agree that it is probably something more complex than bad RAM. Power supply problems can be complex and confusing. Did you try reseating the processor? It is a long shot, but worth a try.

Peter

Hey Peter,

Well, dang....I doubted if I would ever get this E510 machine fired up again, but here we go with the system appearing to run hot, straight and true.

Eventually I caved-in and went online with my other computer with Dell chat support.  Based on prior experience with those people I had reservations, but in this case "Jabbar" seemed to know his stuff.  We spent a total of about 2.5 hrs on this, and I got some good experience at tearing a machine apart and putting it back together.

Removed all cards and memory, disconnected power to HD and CD/DVD's, then replaced one of the original memory sticks (the one I was pretty sure was good), and then he had me reset the RTC jumper.

After that, he had me power up the machine, and based on activity (lights & beeps) he determined that the motherboard was okay.  Then I replaced only the graphics card and powered up again.  I could tell we were getting somewhere, because the system was posting and trying to boot windows.  Then the main error messages were, "failure to seek floppy drive" and "no boot device available."

Ultimately, it was a problem with the original configuration having gotten scrambled (possibly as a result of the original bad memory issue?), and drive detection selections had to be reset to factory default from the F2 setup utility.  After that, everything worked as normal.

He is also sending me a free replacement 512mb DDR2 stick.

Now, the machine seems to once again be doing just fine.  Hope it stays that way this time.

To anyone who would be interested, I will be willing to e-mail them a copy of our chat transcript.  It contains the step-by-step process of everything we did.

Gotta admit I learned a heck of a lot about the computer on this deal.

Russ

Yes, it was a most pleasant and educational experience with Dell support.  It hasn't been too often that we can say that.

Thanks also for your support and sticking with me throughout this process.

Have a good Thursday.

Russ

Glad you got it sorted out! Good to hear that Dell support was helpful.

Peter