Problem with Dimension 4400

Question

Please help! I recently acquired a Dimension 4400. When I try to turn it on, I get no display on my monitor. My monitor light blinks, and I hear 3 beeps. What's the problem? What can I or should I do? Help!   Thank you so much.

BigBrother · Answer

xerxes2044,

If the beeps are all of the same length, this indicates that the system has a memory problem. It may be only a loose RAM module or it could be a defective RAM module. Check this link for info on how to remove, reinstall or add RAM to your system:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4400/replace.htm#1101964

Complete documentation for your system can be found and or downloaded from this link:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4400/

Steve

xerxes2044 · Answer

thanks, is there any way that i can visually tell the difference between SD, RD and DDR ram? something tells me that someone  took the good ddr ram and switched it with some junk before i acquired this computer

xerxes2044 · Answer

there is a sticker on the ram that came with the dell, but it doesnt exactly identify the type of ram it is. The brand is Samsung, first of all. under that it says 'KOREA'. To the right of that there is a number which is 0206. Under both KOREA and that number is another letter/number combination. It is 'M368L3223CTL-CB0'. Can you gather any information from this? Thank you very much.

BigBrother · Answer

xerxes2044,   There is usually a sticker on the memory module which describes the type and capacity of the RAM.  This system uses 184-pin PC2100 DDR memory.    If someone put the wrong RAM into the system it is possible for that RAM to damage the motherboard.    You can purchase replacement RAM from any of a number of vendors.  The most frequently recommended brand on these boards is Crucial memory.  You can find their website at www.crucial.com.  There are other, less expensive brands of RAM which you can purchase for your system if you wish.   Steve   P.S.  -- I do not own stock in Micron which owns Crucial Technology.  I buy it, resell it and use it myself because it works...

BigBrother · Answer

xerxes2044, That is a 256MB PC2100 DDR RAM module made by Samsung.  If it causes the system to fail POST with a memory error, then it is not any good. Steve

BigBrother · Answer

xerxes2044,

The term POST is an acronym for Power On Self Test. It is a series of internal diagnostics that the computer does when you first turn it on. If the system passes the POST, then the operating system (Windows) will load. If the system fails any one of the individual tests during POST, then it will usually emit a specific sequence of beeps and will stop right there without loading the Operating System or doing any other tests. On almost all Dell computers, there are a set of 4 lights on the back of the computer which will be either green or yellow. They are labeled ABCD. If the system fails POST, these will indicate which particular test failed. You can check the pattern of these 4 lights and tell what failed. Check this link to find out what the error pattern means on your 4400:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4400/codes.htm#1101572

Steve

xerxes2044 · Answer

i never heard of this POST terminology. what does it mean?   by the way, i don't know if i told you, but i also get no video. my monitor light just blinks. is this a symptom of the bad memory as well?

xerxes2044 · Answer

by the way, i don't know if i told you, but i also get no video. my monitor light just blinks. is this a symptom of the bad memory as well?

B4runo · Answer

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_other&message.id=251457

xerxes2044 · Answer

by the way, since i plan to replace the ddr ram, i looked at ram specs on the link that u provided me for my 4400 system. the ram that came with the system was pc2100. will my system allow me to go above that? pc2700? pc 4800? please give me a recommendation on what ram to purchase please. im currently looking for ram on newegg.com and pricewatch.com. good sites? any suggestions?     thank you SO much for you help

BigBrother · Answer

xerxes2044,

You can purchase faster RAM, but it will not run any faster in your computer. Stick with the PC2100 RAM. You can purchase RAM from any of a number of vendors. I use Crucial RAM. I use it because it works well and they stand behind it. Newegg sells Crucial RAM along with other brands. The choice is yours. Choose wisely, grasshopper...

Steve

BigBrother · Answer

xerxes2044, You are welcome. Steve

xerxes2044 · Answer

you have been such a great help. i cannot thank you enough.

BigBrother · Answer

xerxes2044, No, sorry, I do not play computer games.  My computer is a beast of burden.  Steve

xerxes2044 · Answer

heyy, u dont play warcraft 3 or sacred do you? :D

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Problem with Dimension 4400

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