HP Pavilion A620N - Intermittent problems during start up.
There is an HP Pavilion A620N that I am currently working on. I've upgraded the memory from 512mb to 2GB and create a second partition so that the user's data will set in that area not the C drive.
Every now and again the computer will not boot but give a series of one long beeps. The only way to stop the computer from beeping is to turn it off and on again. The computer comes up as if nothing has happened. No problems using the computer.
I think the long beep means that the computer's memory is having a problem. I've ran Memtest. After two passes there were no errors.
The one long beep may be the processor?
"Processor absent or not correctly connected: Reseat or replace processor."
http://docs.hp.com/en/AB216-90001/ch04s03.html
Any suggestions would be a great help to me.
Thanks!
Every now and again the computer will not boot but give a series of one long beeps. The only way to stop the computer from beeping is to turn it off and on again. The computer comes up as if nothing has happened. No problems using the computer.
I think the long beep means that the computer's memory is having a problem. I've ran Memtest. After two passes there were no errors.
The one long beep may be the processor?
"Processor absent or not correctly connected: Reseat or replace processor."
http://docs.hp.com/en/AB216-90001/ch04s03.html
Any suggestions would be a great help to me.
Thanks!
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ASKER
bryon4403… ,
The computer gives off one long beep every 5 seconds. I will find out what are the latest updates for the bios and compare. If there is a newer set of instructions (bios) we will update the box.
Xenix ,
Correct, there is nothing on the monitor when the problem arises.
I don't think that the computer is under warranty it has to be at least 4 years old.
Resetting the processor is an option.
Spec01,
I will try pulling out one of the sticks and see what happens and then switch the sticks. BTW, this problem does not occur very often maybe once a day. I am hoping that the bad stick will cause the computer to go crazy. I do have am image backup of everything.
Thank you everybody for your support! It is appreciated!
The computer gives off one long beep every 5 seconds. I will find out what are the latest updates for the bios and compare. If there is a newer set of instructions (bios) we will update the box.
Xenix ,
Correct, there is nothing on the monitor when the problem arises.
I don't think that the computer is under warranty it has to be at least 4 years old.
Resetting the processor is an option.
Spec01,
I will try pulling out one of the sticks and see what happens and then switch the sticks. BTW, this problem does not occur very often maybe once a day. I am hoping that the bad stick will cause the computer to go crazy. I do have am image backup of everything.
Thank you everybody for your support! It is appreciated!
I'd suggest you open up the machine, remove the CPU cooler, take out the CPU, reinsert the CPU, reattach the CPU cooler and see if that doesn't solve the problem.
Reasoning: Beep code seems to indicate the problem is CPU related, I think this includes the CPU coolers connection to the motherboard. As it only happens once in a while I think it is likely it is caused by a "loose connection", thus reconnecting the cooler and re-seating the CPU thoroughly may make this connection more stable.
Just remember to make sure there is sufficient amounts of thermal compound on the CPU/cooler when you reattach them.
Reasoning: Beep code seems to indicate the problem is CPU related, I think this includes the CPU coolers connection to the motherboard. As it only happens once in a while I think it is likely it is caused by a "loose connection", thus reconnecting the cooler and re-seating the CPU thoroughly may make this connection more stable.
Just remember to make sure there is sufficient amounts of thermal compound on the CPU/cooler when you reattach them.
ASKER
Xenix,
I've re-seating memory. The CPU looks great and appears that the initial seating is OK.
The fans are working. I've cleaned out all of the dust and hair (yes hair) out of the computer!
I continue to get that stupid one long beep very five seconds. I guess I will need to verify that the purchased memory is not defective.
Thank for your suggestion Xenix!
I've re-seating memory. The CPU looks great and appears that the initial seating is OK.
The fans are working. I've cleaned out all of the dust and hair (yes hair) out of the computer!
I continue to get that stupid one long beep very five seconds. I guess I will need to verify that the purchased memory is not defective.
Thank for your suggestion Xenix!
ASKER
It was a memory problem. Incorrect memory. The computer can only handle 1GB of memory total not 2GB!!! So I think the problem will go away once I give the computer what it needs not what I want to give it.
Like, 3 short then 2 long, etc?
Although the memory may test good, the motherboard/bios might not always like it, for no good reason. A bios update is your best bet, other than replacing the memory with something slower/older.