2 Beeps

Barbara;

As you likely know, one beep on boot-up is normal. Two beeps usually indicates an error; if you could post the error message I'm sure someone here could help you.

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"gone fishin'..."

Hi joe53,
Boy, you're fast! I'm not getting an error message. I get the normal one beep but then later on in the post part of the boot up there are 2 more beeps. I hope I've explained this clearly. If you need more information, please, ask.
Thanks,
Barbara

Barbara;

During boot-up, while the Dell logo is displayed, press "esc" and you might see an error message..
post it here....

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"gone fishin'..."

Hi Barbara...

You might want to "Ask Dudley" about POST Beep Codes and navigate to the page with your particular system for a diagnosis. If you are getting a single beep followed by 2 more beeps, on many Dell's this can indicate the Video Card is not seated properly and may need to be re-seated.

The precise meaning of the beep sequence can vary from model to model but, you should get an indication of where to start your troubleshooting.

Good Luck...Dan


EDIT: You may also find information about the meaning of these beeps in the documentation that came with your system.

Thank you joe53 and Dan. "Ask Dudley" provided information that I need to reseat the video card. This doesn't sound too hard and I want to try it. I've never opened the computer and if I can bother you for a bit more guidance I'll be very grateful. I read about being careful about static electricity, and needing a wrist band. Now, when I get in there how will I know my video card from anything else? Do I just push it down? Dudley didn't provide that much information.
Since I'm in there I'm sure I'll find "stuff" (2 cats) and know I can clean it out with a vacuum cleaner?
I'm going to wait until morning before I try anything. Want to be well rested for my big adventure!
Thank you for your help and patience.
Barbara

Barbara,
Your video card is the one that has the cord going to the monitor. Make a note of it before disconnecting it from the computer. The best way to reseat the card is to completely remove it from its slot (after removal of the screw that holds it to the case), and then reinserting it, making sure that it is seated all the into the connector. Also, try to avoid touching the copper connections on the board where it plugs into the slot, oils and salt from your fingers will corrode the contacts. I've found the best way to clean the inside is to use a can of compressd air, which can be purchased at any computer store (CompUSA, Radio Shack, Best Buy, even most department stores), and a vacumm cleaner. While using the air to get the dirt out of the nooks and crannies, the vacuum will remove the crud and prevent it from settling. HTH

"Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror." Gregory "Pappy" Boyington

Thanks, Warren, Dan & joe53, I haven't had a chance to fix this yet but when I do I'll report back as to how it went. You guys & Dell Talk are great! Thanks for your help.
Barbara

Reseated the video card today (wasn't too hard & not too much dust either!) but I'm sorry to say I still get 2 beeps. I'll email Dell Tech support, unless someome has some further advice?
Thanks for your help.
Barbara