UNSOLVED

Spenski

updated

19 years ago

S

Spenski

19 Posts

0

6138

January 9th, 2008 17:00

Problems starting computer

Hope someone can help me with my problem. Dell tech support has been useless. I have a Dimension 8400 with Windows XP. I have been having this problem for months. When I turn on my computer, I hear six beeps and the computer does not come on. The diagnostic lights are A and B yellow, and, C and D green. I turn it off, and restart it and it comes on. After chatting on line with Dell technical support, they finally replaced my memory. The following day, the same thing happened. One tech person had me change something using the F2 key, but, sorry to say, I have no idea what I did. I just followed his directions. That did not work either. Another tech person told me to use PC Restore which I did to no avail. They also had me do Last Known Good Configuration. It didn't help. I sent them an e-mail on December 20, but, got no response. I decided to wait until the holidays were over before I contacted them again. But, I thought I'd to ask you guys first. The problem isn’t happening every day. It happened the first four days of January, but, the last five days, it has stared fine. Any suggestions you may have, I will pass on to Dell. Thanks for any help you may give.

 

Spenski

  • Techpriest

    11 Posts

    166

    0

    Posted January 10th, 2008 01:00

    If the PC is locking up as soon as you turn it on and before Windows even starts to boot, it can't be Windows.  I would quit wasting time messing with it.
     
    I am thinking motherboard.
     
    One thing you can check for are swelled capacitors.  Unplug the PC.  Open the case.  There are some objects on the motherboard that look like small cans.  They should be flat on top.  If you see any of them swollen (not flat) or leaking tell tech support.  There was a time when many motherboard manufacturers received defective capacitors from a supplier and that has resulted in a lot of dead motherboards.  Again, not just a Dell issue, I have seen it with other brands as well.
  • Spenski

    19 Posts

    166

    0

    Posted January 10th, 2008 02:00

    Techpriest, thanks for your response. I should have mentioned that I don't know anything about the inside of the computer. Dell sent a technition to replace the memory on December 17. I don't know if that is something he would have looked at. Where is the motherboard located? Also, what does it look like? If I can find it, I'm sure I can look for the changes you mentioned in your post. Thanks again for your help.