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trouble with starting my computer
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rab48124
Member
_ 		5. July 2006 @ 21:55 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Hello, I can't start my computer all I get when I turn it on is a series of beeps. It's old and still has 98 on it. If I cant get it going is there anyway to get some items off there? I got some files, pictures , and some items in my documents and desktop. any help is welcome, and thanks!
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Morph416
Senior Member
_ 		5. July 2006 @ 22:19 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
The series of beeps tell you what hardware is no longer working. It's usually your video card or memory, but can also be your systems BIOS battery. Chances are you don't have the manual for the system which would tell you what the beeps mean...though if you are looking it may be found by Googling the motherboard's model number.

If you cannot use a backup video card or memory stick, you can always remove the hard drive, place as a secondary (slave) in another system and backup your files from there.

You can also try removing your video card and memory sticks, and reseating them in their slots. If you have more than one memory stick, try seating it in the other slot. Be sure to unplug the main power and let the system sit for at least 30 seconds before removing any parts and keep yourself grounded by touching the metal frame of the computer before handling any parts.

Should the system be using onboard video (video cable attachs to the motherboard), you have the option to purchase an AGP or PCI video card to replace it. AGP card slot will be brown and slightly off-centered (closest to the CPU), the PCI slots are white. Good inexpensive ones can be found at your local stores such as Walmart, Best Buy...etc. Choosing that route, means you will have to disable the onboard video in the system BIOS as you first start the machine.
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This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 5. July 2006 @ 22:31
rab48124
Member
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 06:17 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
thanks for the responce, I tried moving my memory to diffrent slots, no luck and I also removed the video card. I might go buy a cheap on to see if thats the problem. I looked in the manual to see if it said anything about the sounds, but I could find nothing. Where would I get a battery? and if this dont work I might just install the HD into this computer, but I'm sure I will have many questions. Thanks again
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Morph416
Senior Member
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 11:35 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Keep postin', we'll keep answering!

The BIOS battery can be found anywhere they sell watch or vehicle key remote batteries. Radio Shack, Walmart...you name it. It's the CR2032 model. ..standard across almost every motherboard.
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rab48124
Member
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 18:29 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
thanks Morph416
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ddp
Moderator
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 19:52 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
moved.
who makes the bios as in award, ami or phoenix so can find what the number of beeps stand for? how many beeps are there?
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rab48124
Member
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 20:20 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Award Bios, the MB is Iwill vd 133pl as far as the beeps go they are about 2 seconds long, and just keep going I counted to 30 and they went after that. could the ide cable have anything to do with this? thanks everybody.
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ddp
Moderator
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 20:28 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
check this link to see which sequence of beeps it is. disconnect all drive cables from drives. remove all cards & ram except for videocard & 1 stick of ram. reseat the videocard & memory. reseat the power connectors to the motherboard. use a pencil eraser on the gold contacts of the memory stick to remove oxidation. http://bioscentral.com/beepcodes/awardbeep.htm
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rab48124
Member
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 20:37 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
hey thanks, I will give it a try in the morning I realy thank you for the help
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rab48124
Member
_ 		6. July 2006 @ 22:12 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
Hey gang, with your help I got the old bird flying, thanks so much!!!!, now name your drink...it's on me Again thanks
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ddp
Moderator
_ 		7. July 2006 @ 10:54 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
so what did it?
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rab48124
Member
_ 		7. July 2006 @ 14:48 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
I did everything you said , It was movng the memory to a diffrent slot, again thank for your expert, fast help!
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lecsiy
Senior Member

5 product reviews
_ 		7. July 2006 @ 14:55 _ Link to this message    Send private message to this user   
In the words of ddp:

Teach and learn

Good to hear your up and running. Anymore problems you know where to go!
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