WinME start up problem Beeep Bep Bep

[Timmer]

Hello, I just recently found your site and I hope it teaches me a lot in the future. I have read the question from Ladyblue. My computer does this on start up after sitting a while but lets add that it gives me a long beep with two short beeps then another two short beeps. After trying the control alt delete restart command I can ussually get the system running . Befor the desk top icons appear I get this ....
The driver file that displays items correctly on your screen isnt working... To fix this you might need to update your display driver... and so on. I did update the Nvidia Geforce2mx driver and still no help. Dell just gives me the run around. Do you thik this is a power supply problem? Should I try unplugging the video card and installing it again? Once the computer is up and running its fine I can even restart from the start menu. Your expert help is really appreciated. Thank you. Timmer

[30111987]

the beeps are comming from your motherboard so this suggests a hardware prob.
Please could you give more info on your model of computer so we can perhaps tell what the beeps mean.

[dammit]

this (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/html/tutorials/tutorial.php/id/49) might help

[Timmer]

I have the Dell Desktop 4100. It's a PIII 866 128 SDRAM soundblaster live and the Nvidia Geforce 2mx video card. I've been on the phone for 4 days a total of at least 6 hrs. I have had every piece out of the computer and the beeps are only when the computer has been off a while. How do I know what the bios version is for my computer Pheonix ? I get a total of 5 beeps - . . .. that is Long first beef followed by the 4 short beeps. accordiing to the list of beep codes on the site. it may be a bad mother board. But why does it work right now if its a mother board. This is very frustrating. Thanx for all the help.
Timmer

[dammit]

Try downloading AIDA32 from this site...It will tell you your bios version....and most anything else you need to know about your PC.....not sure if the version is current.so check for update once downloaded.....

[shadypac]

yeah i could be wrong but its probbaly the vid card. Like you said try reseating it and reinstalling it. Because your getting bios beeps that would suggest it is hardware i would think but i suppose checking your display settings for troubleshooting "right click -----> properties" wouldnt hurt although i doubt it would help..but with computers , some problems never seize to amaze.


and also board/cpu/bios problems kinda let you know it if there are the prob. I doubt youd really beable to get anywhere if they were faulty, however you said you can play around and get it working a little bit.

[Timmer]

Hello-- I still am here... dealing with Dell over the phone is not fun. Just took apart the whole computer and installed everything back in again... no help. I too was thinking what if it is the video card. I do have a voodoo video card that was given to me just recently, do you think it would be a good idea .. can't hurt I guess. The help everyone is giving me is really appreciated, I don't have alot of experience . Thanx again. ]

Timmer

[Timmer]

Hello, I'd like to thank you all for your help. I finally got Dell to give me a answer concerning the beeping. It's the NVidia video card. They are suppose to ship one soon. Again thank you for all your help.

Timmer :)

[B.S.O.D Hater]

try replacing the motherboards battery
(you then have to reconfigure your cmos/bios settings)

if that works but you have the same problem later on
like a few weeks to a month

your better off getting a new m/board or a new com

i had this prob on my old pc-chips 100 m585lmr board

eventually it got so bad it just died
kept draining battery power too fast

s*** happens when components get old

you could try a bios update, but i think there wont be much change & your board may be discontinued so there may be no bios upgrade on the official website..

try i believe the site is

driverguide.com

you have to register to get access to the site

[B.S.O.D Hater]

damn my slow 56k connection
last thread loaded after my reply :p

knowing dell if you even get the graphics card,
they probably have fine print saying that your warranty is void
if you mess with the guts or "tamper"