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Question

computer wouldn't boot up

Nov 20, 2012 3:27PM PST

I have a HP computer with the Vista operating system appox 3-4 years old. When I recently turned it on it did not boot up. All I hear is one short beep and then one longer beep over and over again.Could you tell me what is wrong and how to correct it?
If more info is need please let me know.

thanks for you assistance

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: beeps
Nov 20, 2012 4:48PM PST

That beeps mean something. If the meaning isn't defined in the user manual, contact HP customer service and ask.

It's something like "bad RAM" or "bad CPU" or "bad video". It's so bad the BIOS can't show the error on the screen, so it just beeps to get your attention.

Depending on what's broken you'll have to decide between repairing it or replacing it.

Kees

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beeps
Nov 21, 2012 3:09PM PST

Thanks kees.
You pointed me in the right direction. Sometimes we overlook the obvious. I went to the HP site and looked up the beep codes. They are related to a memory issue. I tried the simplest solution first. I removed the memory and cleaned out the interior of the computer case. Re-seated the memory and that corrected the problem.
Computer seems to be working fine now.

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memory?
Nov 21, 2012 4:03PM PST

You can test your memory for fatal errors with this bootable cd tool: http://www.memtest.org/

Scroll down page to find the downloads available.

MemTest will let you know, without any uncertainty, if your memory tests bad.

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Answer
can't boot up?
Nov 21, 2012 9:22AM PST

you must make sure if the monitor or the host computer made you can't boot up.
I think you'd better go to the Maintenance department