PC won't turn on - six long buzzes

Hello all,

I have an Optiplex 755 that up until Friday was working perfectly. When I attempt to power the workstation I get six long buzzes. The monitor does not come on. Keyboard and mouse functionality are nil.

I browsed this website and found a similiar case where it turned out to be an issue with dirty RAM so I used the same remedy to no avail.

This is what I have done so far:
- I've swapped power supplies
- I've switched RAM through each port
- Using DDR (Tried between x2 256 sticks and x1 512 sticks
- Removed the blue connector that goes from the hard drive to the motherboard and swapped it from another unit
- Swapped hard drives

So far I'm still receiving the same long, ugly six tone buzz (something akin to the noise a bee makes only heavier) coming straight from the motherboard.

I would appreciate any assistance on this matter,

Very Respectfully,
Rob

 

I had already looked through that but unfortunately didn't find anything useful to describe my situation.

 

Yes they're reading 1 & 3 which, combined with the six long buzzes, are indicative of an error with RAM. The only issue that I'm having with that is that these sticks worked fine yesterday when I was testing another computer. I've swapped them out and tried again anyways but no luck.

 

Are you sure you have the computer model correct? Crucial.com says that model takes DDR2 memory.

Which memory was in and working before 2x256 or 1x512?

 

Starting out the workstation had 1 512 stick of RAM which was good. I had to dismantle it to checked a hard drive issue on another workstation. When I put it back together on Friday it was working fine. When I went to turn it on yesterday I got nothing.

I have two 256 sticks of DDR2 RAM (Sorry Sach I didn't add the 2 by mistake), known to be good on another workstation, that I also tried. I've pushed the 512 or 2x 256 into the memory slots in several different combinations.

 

What do you get with no RAM installed--the same sound?

 

Yes Sir

 

Try the 256 modules individually--so just one 256 at a time in each slot. (I don't think it is possible that both the 512 and one of the 256 suddenly went bad but just want to rule that out.)

Is the keyboard USB or Ps/2?

 

I've already tried with just one stick of 256. Keyboard is USB but right now it's not even plugged in. I just have the box and power + monitor.

 

You should keep the keyboard attached during attempting POST because that is one of the first things checked for to proceed.

I see that model has a lot of memory problems as you describe. So I doubt it is the modules themselves. Try going back the original 512 module. Unplug and remove battery for a few minutes to reset CMOS and then put it back together to see if any change. I think it may be just a matter of getting lucky to have the memory recognized.

 

I don't even think it is running post. I've had it unplugged for the better part of an hour, just plugged in the keyboard though (just to play all options out) and tried starting it up. The moment it gets power that buzz starts up. When you say memory problems could you elaborate?

 

Exactly as you describe. Memory suddenly not recognized with the same diagnostic lights. Most seem to get it to boot randomly with no configuration change but can't nail down the cause of the problem. http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19318681/19643741.aspx

 

Ok thanks. I've contacted Dell on this issue. If what I read on that forum is true then this series has indeed had a problem. Unfortunately no matter how many times I reseat the RAM and restart the computer it doesn't want to come up. We'll see what they say. I truely appreciate all your help in this.