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Laptop Beeping on startup
Hi,
I have an alienware M14x and it when you power it up it just sits there beeping with a black screen. I've had this thing for around a month so can't quite believe it has stopped working already. Any idea what has gone wrong?
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
Community Manager
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54.9K Posts
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December 22nd, 2011 08:00
Remove the battery from the M14x. Plug the AC adapter in. Try to power it on. What happens?
ChiefPookie
13 Posts
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December 22nd, 2011 09:00
Exactly the same as before. Now I've had a bit more time to do some research, apparantly the number of beeps is significant. It keeps beeping 7 times which I'm led to believe is a CPU failure?
Edit: Sorry, forgot to thank you for your reply :)
morblore
2.4K Posts
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December 22nd, 2011 18:00
7 beeps may not mean the CPU or mobo is dead. I mean it could but lets hope it's not.
Try this. Pull the battery and unplug the system. Flip it over and remove the memory from it. Then put in just one stick. Put it back together and see if it will boot.
ChiefPookie
13 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 07:00
I think I'm just going to have to return it to Dell, I don't quite feel comfortable taking it apart myself. What are Dell's position on refunds? I don't think a high-end laptop lasting less than a month is in any way acceptable. Especially when I have important University exams in January!
AAA737flyer
757 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 08:00
Check out this site and follow their advice.
http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm
Is it seven beeps in a row or a combination of beeps?
Laptop Codes?
Beep CodePossible Problem
One :Possible motherboard failure – BIOS ROM checksum failure
Two :No RAM detected
NOTE: If you installed or replaced the memory module, ensure that the memory module is seated properly.
Three :Possible motherboard failure – Chipset error
Four :RAM read/write failure
Five :Real Time Clock failure
Six :Video card or chip failure
Seven :Processor failure
Eight :Display failure
Dell Beep Code Meanings
As far as returns go, I believe if you have had the computer for 30 days you are most likely stuck with it. They may offer a relacement but I would stay far away from that offer as they are usually refurbished returned computers. Have Dell send out a tech to evaluate the computer.
ChiefPookie
13 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
Thanks for your reply! To me it sounds like 7 continuous beeps, but this might help: http://youtu.be/o_tKWpbWTik
AAA737flyer
757 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
Sooner you call the sooner they come out. At least schedule the appointment.
You are sure there are no discs in any drive, all external devices are disconnected, no stuck keys anywhere on the laptop, pluged into wall socket with battery removed, and toes crossed when turning on the computer?
AAA737flyer
757 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
dell Alienware
866-287-6727
ChiefPookie
13 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
Just checked everything again (how I wish it were easier to remove the battery) and still behaving the same. Is this the right number to call? 0844 338 1000
ChiefPookie
13 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
Good old youtube, I'll change the privacy settings now. Try this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_tKWpbWTik
AAA737flyer
757 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
Now it is playing. Took a long time to load.
Seen beeps, bad CPU?
Might be a disconnected cable or CPU / mobo. Just my opinion.
Call Dell and have a tech come out or have them walk you through the process of opening it up and having a look-see.
AAA737flyer
757 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
Your video wont play for the following reason:
Unlisted videos What is an unlisted video?
An unlisted video is a different type of private video. Unlisted means that only people who know the link to the video can view it (such as friends or family to whom you send the link). An unlisted video will not appear in any of YouTube's public spaces (such as search results, your channel, or the Browse page). An unlisted video is different to a private video in these ways:
◦You don't need a YouTube account to watch the video (you can see an unlisted video if someone sends you the video's link)
◦There's no 25 person sharing limit
ChiefPookie
13 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 09:00
Is there much chance of a tech coming out at this time of year? Or shall I just wait unti January?
ChiefPookie
13 Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 10:00
Phoned support twice and after someone answers all I can hear is people talking in the background. I can just tell this going to be fun!
Edit: 3rd time is the charm, tech guy is coming out on the 28th to replace the motherboard. Must say one of the best experiences I've had with customer support!
morblore
2.4K Posts
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December 23rd, 2011 14:00
Kinda figured the mobo was bad but was holding out hope for you. When the tech comes to your house you need to keep an eye on him. Some of the techs they send are no good. If he breaks anything you need to call Dell asap.