8 beeps

I have a dell inspironM501R Dell model number 5010-5132
Recently it 1st beeped 4 times on start up and now beeps 8 times everytime it starts up. The screen stopped working however when plugged into a tv it worked and you could get it to go back to the main screen that way. I spoke to tell who had me run a load of scans. They said it wasnt a hardware fault and there software guys would fix it for a price. Fearing extortionate costs i sent it to a local man who deals with software he sent it back saying he had removed viruses but there was nothing wrong with the software. However the laptop now does not even recognise that the main lcd screen is there. Any advice? The laptop is 14 months old and out of warranty

 

Greetings, thejohnsons10...

From your described symptoms and from info at Fact Fetcher the '8 beeps' could very well indicate a display failure (despite what Dell and your local man say). To help verify this you might try reloading your chipset and graphics drivers - what's your operating system version and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit)? And, if possible, please supply your Dell Service Tag number.

 

All the drivers and things have all been updated including the bios. It now also says windows 7 build 7601 this version of windows is not genuin in the bottom right corner. Its windows 7 64bit i believe but im not possitive

 

If you can plug a TV and/or monitor into the laptop's VGA connector and get a display, yet the laptop screen is not working - then I would have to guess that there's a problem with the screen or with the associated circuitry.

As far as the Windows version being 'not genuine' - was Windows ever activated?

 

The laptop was given to me as a present for my family from my parents all set up and ready to go so i would assume it had been activated?

Im assuming the guy gave it to must of done something to it when he had it even when the screen is working the laptop just aint running right. Any advice as to where to take it for repair as i dont know any where near enough to have a go myself and i dont want to send it back to Dell as they would prob cost a fortune!! Cheers

 

Don't know where you're located. Here in the US I'd probably recommend Best Buy/Geek Squad (or any local reputable shop) - I cringe when I type that, but if your level of expertise/confidence is low, then it might be better to let an outfit like that look at the machine considering the potential complexity of the problem(s). At least they're insured/bonded so they can't rip you off too much (especially if you get a written estimate).

If you do decide to try a display replacement, the screens themselves are not terribly expensive: here's one for £39 (about $63) for the base part. There are many online/YouTube tutorials for the replacement procedure - my only caveat is that I'm not 100% sure that the screen itself is your only problem.

As far as the Windows validation, you might try going online and attempting to re-activate the system - that procedure should give you some direction to follow. Also, you could always give Microsoft a phone call - they're not monsters, they don't bite, and I've never had a problem with their phone support when it comes to activation and re-installation issues.

 

Because of the intermittent symptoms it's possible that the display cable is loose. In this video at about the 3:20 mark the technician shows the display cable connection. If you're feeling froggy () you might consider removing the bezel and checking the connection.

 

hanks for the advice. Im in the U.K. Although im a bit reserved about working on it myself my wife is a bit more adventurous she will probably want to have a go while i look the other way lol. Then no doubt after that we will have to take it somewhere to get it fixed

 

Here is the service manual for your laptop: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-prod...op/inspiron-15-m5010_service manual_en-us.pdf Save it somewhere!
Most of the time, it is the end of the LCD's cable inside the laptop and under the keyboard which comes loose; not the end on the back of the LCD itself.
8 beeps means a memory or video problem.
Your Windows CD key is underneath the battery so reactivating should be easy and it was probably the Trojan which clobbered it.

 

Thanks do u just go on the windows website to try reactivating it. Is it easy to fix the cable as i dont have a very steady hand lol

 

To reactivate, do Start -> Right-click Computer -> and choose Properties. In the lower right corner will be a link to Activate (write your CD key on a piece of paper first!)

That keyboard may have double-sticky holding it down. Follow the instructions for removing the keyboard; but, if it still seems stuck, pry up firmly and gently to unstick the tape. Just flip it over rather than undoing the connector.
Coming from the left hinge side of the laptop is the display cable. Follow it to the connector closer to the center of the laptop. Pull the tab up to unplug it, then plug it back in.
Set the keyboard back in the right place and try turning it on.

 

Went on the properties and at the bottom of the page it says windows activation and underneath says that windows is activated and gives my product ID?

 

Good morning...

Concerning the Windows validation try this Microsoft link while using the machine in question.

 

Followed the link and attempted to download what it said but half way through it said here was an error and didnt finish

 

Try again

 

Agreed. Microsoft's servers get swamped occasionally, so it's always good practice to repeat on online request - sometimes several times.

However, if that procedure eventually fails a phone call might be in order: How to activate Windows 7 by phone.

 

Re: 8 beepshttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/genuine/about

Ok probably being really stupid but just done it again and nothing really happened it just took me here.. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/genuine/about where do i go next?

 

Well, that page isn't going to help you much, is it? I strongly suggest that you use the telephone method - again: I've always had success when talking to Microsoft support. Give it a try: you might be surprised...

Meanwhile, since this is a hardware thread: did you ever get your 8 beeps/display problems resolved?

 

Not as yet. Im wary off working on it myself and cant sfford to get it repaired at the minute.

 

Ok so followed the instructions from the service manual and took it to pieces. The cable seemed to be in perfect condition so doesnt look like thats the problem :cry Gunna have to pay and take it to PC world/Comet or something i thin, cant really afford it tho

 

Ok i now believe the problem is that for some reason the laptop is not recognising its own screen only the tv ive been using to watch films and what not on. I recently had the screen running (not sure how i managed it) and it was working perfectly, i could switch between the two and extend the screen etc. However as soon as i turned it off and on again it no longer recognised the screen. Any ideas?