[cap2587]

I have a Dell PC that is not booting into windows and you can't even see the Bios screen. It is just a black screen on boot. I tried another hard drive in the computer, but the same result happened. Tried the H.D from the faulty computer in another PC and it wouldn't boot up either. Unsure of what to do or what could be the problem. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Mumbodog]

Swapping hard drives around and trying to boot them can trash the installation of the Operating System on the hard drive, a bad idea that usually makes things worse. So now if you fix the original problem, you may have another one that is worse.

What model of Dell is it?

[cap2587]

I never knew that. Thanks for the headsup. It is a Dell Precision 470.

[Mumbodog]

Here are some basic troubleshooting guides from Dell, try these first
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1057473


If no Joy, Try the following to rule out a bad memory module, NOTE:be sure to unplug the power cord and hold the power button in for 15 seconds before you open the case, do this each time you open the case.



Remove and reinsert the memory modules, see if it will post (bios screen)

If no joy, and if there is more than 1 memory module, remove all but 1 memory module, does it post?

If not, try the other memory modules one at a time, see if it will post.

Be sure to note the position of the memory modules. If there are only 2 modules and they are located in memory slots 3 and 4, then you would need to test the modules one at a time, but use slot 1 to do this. Be sure to return them back to 3 and 4 when done.

If they are in other slots, note the positions, test single modules in slot 1 also.



Removing and replacing parts
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1107075

all Your Dell docs
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...g_en/index.htm


.

[cap2587]

Mumbodog, Thanks for the good tips. I will try and follow your advice and read through the links you sent me. When I turn on the computer I get 7 consecutive beeps. The screen is completely black with no Motherboard screen options. Then after 5 sec the screen shows me a message to check the analogue signal. Could the Graphics card slot have become corrupted. It looks like the monitor is not connecting with the graphics card. I tried another graphics card in the same lost, but the same result occurred. Any other ideas would be appreciated.

[Mumbodog]

Beep codes are not exactly consecutive, there should be a slight pause between beeps, see this

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1058075

[cap2587]

I tried the memory in different slots, individually and even a different module altogether, but there was no change. I wasn't aware that the beeps could give me an indication of the problem.

There is 6 beeps in total.

1 long, pause, 3 quick beeps, pause, 2 more quick beeps.

When I shut down the computer via the power button it takes 15 sec to turn off. What do you think it is? Appreciate any other ideas?

[Mumbodog]

Did you look up the beep code at the link I provided in my last post?

1-3-1 through 2-4-4
Memory not being properly identified or used

.

[cap2587]

I had a major breakthrough! Scary when your calling a BSOD and hard drive not detected a breakthrough. This is what happened. I fiddled around with the memory modules some more. I had success with one of the 512 MB RAM sticks in the 1st bay. I am assuming the closest to the outside case is the 1st bay. It only worked with this particular module and only in this bay. This is what came up. Your operating in debug mode, please put memory in pairs for normal operation, press f1, f2 for set up. I pressed F1 and it took me to another screen, normal boot, safe mode, last known config. I pressed any of these options and it took me directly to a BSOD. The error code is 0X0000007B. I was able to get the Boot option screen to start by pressing F12. Then I used an XP CD to boot from. I got part of the way into this and it says hard drive not recognized. I also ran a hard drive diagnostics test and the hard drive passed. I hoping this all means the computer is not dead, but I know there is alot of work to be done. Stay with me on this please. Awaiting your advice.

[Mumbodog]

I think you have a bad memory module.

[cap2587]

I agree! Why wouldn't the system still boot up with the one 512 MB RAM module in Bay # 1. Is there some systems that require two sticks of RAM. Where should the matching RAM Module go, which Bay. Does it have to go right next to the other module. What does Debug mode mean? Thanks for quick reply.

[Mumbodog]

Where should the matching RAM Module go

Where were the original pair installed?, same place.

Yes some systems require a pair.

[cap2587]

I a pretty sure the modules were in slot 1 & 2. I even used a different 512 MB module from another machine in slot 2 and it didn't work. The only time the PC doesn't beep is when slot 1 has the functioning 512 MB RAM Module. Why wouldn't the hard drive be recognized via UBCD 4 WIN and my XP CD?

[cap2587]

Thanks for all of your help! I am tired, my fingers are killing, but it was all worth it as I learnt alot of new things. This is where I am at. Am I right to conclude that it is definitely my systems RAM that is at fault. I have one 512 MB RAM Stick that works and that is only in the 1st slot. In any other slot this doesn't work. All the other RAM I tried from other systems doesn't work despite it matching the specs of the other RAM stick. Why would perfectly good RAM from another system not work. I can't believe DEll would make you have two matching RAM pairs in order for your PC to boot. One time when I booted just before I got the BSOD i saw the windows screen for 1 sec flash up. I really don't want to buy another stick of RAM, because what about if that doesn't work. I guess it's hard to know exactly if it is going to work. I tried another Graphics card in the PC and that made no difference. Any other suggestions?

[cap2587]

I think I am going to go ahead and buy another 512 MB RAM Module. This is the specifics I found on my system (Dell Precision 470) for RAM. DDR PC2 5300, CL=5, 240 Pins, DDR2 667, 1.8 V, Registered ECC. Can someone tell me if this seems right and if this Kingston RAM module on Newegg is going to work.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-341-_-Product

Why is the RAM on server machine's so much more expensive? Is it because it needs Registered ECC. If I was to buy a 1GB RAM module and have that with the 512 MB module would that also work. it said matching pairs, does that mean the same size RAM. Should I run memtest on the one RAM module that takes me to the Bios and start windows normally screen. Or should I assume that this module is working as it doesn't beep and show me a black screen. Thanks so much.