5 short beeps, 1 long beep, 1 short beeps, 1 long beep, 3 short beeps, then it won't boot up at all.

If you look at the beep codes as being four individual codes..... they all point to a problem with the memory modules.  Try reseating the modules to insure they are making good contact in their sockets.  Also check the rear of the system to see if there is a diagnostic light code being displayed.  You can click here < ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for the on-line version of your model's User Guide and the section pertaining to diagnostic codes.

you said>When you tried swapping around the modules could you have possibly got the pairs mixed up as they are suppose to be a matched set?<

no I didn't mix them up, but good suggestion :-)

you said> Also when trying a single pair were they installed in the RIMM 1 & RIMM 2 slots (near the processor) with the "filler" continuity modules in slot RIMM 3 & RIMM 4 ?<

yes

edited to say: I am open for other ideas as to what it could be, thanks

Keith

 

 

From all indications the problem points to the memory.  Unfortunately swapping around the modules didn't pin point a pair as going bad.  It would seem odd that two pairs of modules would go bad at the same time unless there are other problems.  You might want to post in the Dimension - General Hardware forum to see if anyone else has some additional suggestions.  Since the BIOS forum has a rather limited audience, the right people to respond may not be seeing your posting here.

 

The other oddity is that the initial replacement of the battery resolved the problem for a short while.  It may not help, but I would try doing a "hard" reset of the NVRAM by following the procedure I've listed below.  Just in case the information stored in the NVRAM is corrupted and the system is giving a erroneous error code as a result.  I would also go through the system inside and reseat all the cables and hardware.  It's possible there is something not fully seated and the system is giving a bad error code.  That when you were working inside the activity briefly caused the unknown item to have good electrical contact.  It's a long shot, but worth trying if you have the time.

 

With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for several seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally.

My best guess is either all the RAM went bad which I find it hard to believe unless there is a motherboard problem or the motherboard itself is bad.  Unfortunately the cost of RAM for your system prohibits buying more to try swapping with your existing modules.  Then again replacing the motherboard isn't a sure bet if it's the RAM that is bad.  Kind of a catch-22.  Hopefully someone in the other forum will have some additional suggestions as we could be overlooking something.  The only other thing I could suggest is call a local computer repair shop and see if they can test your motherboard and RAM.  It will probably cost something for them to analyze the system, but at least you will have an official cause of death and whether it or not it's worth fixing.  

thanks for all your comments they were apreciated,

Keith aka NiceSeeingYou

Glad to help and good luck in finding the problem.  If you are able to resolve it, please post back with the solution as I would be curious. 

 

In the event you find the motherboard is bad there is a retailer on-line that has Dell replacement parts.  Click here for that web site.   On the web page, click on the link for OEM Replacement parts.  They have motherboards for the 8100 model for $79 (US).  Just check your motherboard for a Dell part number (DP/N) and then look at the list of replacements.