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Guest
Guest
Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)
This Inspiron has a Phoenix BIOS. On boot, the computer beeps several
times, then goes into a DOS screen, which asks for normal boot or
alternatives. When normal boot is chosen, the boot process is fairly
normal. Odd things then occur. Sometimes the left half of the desktop
flashes- can be stopped by hitting a key. More recently, a section of
the keyboard became inoperative. An accessory keyboard cured the
problem.
MOST recently, on boot, the computer beeped continuously as if
it was going to continue indefinitely. Finally it stopped and it
booted but very slowly.
I have most of my hard drive backed up in anticipation of a
complete system failure. I also have a new laptop ready to go if
need be.
My question is this: Is the motherboard about to fail and are all
these problems likely related? I checked the BIOS beep codes
for Phoenix, and nothing much is mentioned about continuous
un-paused beeps.
Help much appreciated!
Frank
P.S. This doesn't seem like a virus problem to me. I run Norton
periodically but haven't in awhile. Will any known viruses cause
this kind of behavior? It sure looks like BIOS or hardware to me.
This Inspiron has a Phoenix BIOS. On boot, the computer beeps several
times, then goes into a DOS screen, which asks for normal boot or
alternatives. When normal boot is chosen, the boot process is fairly
normal. Odd things then occur. Sometimes the left half of the desktop
flashes- can be stopped by hitting a key. More recently, a section of
the keyboard became inoperative. An accessory keyboard cured the
problem.
MOST recently, on boot, the computer beeped continuously as if
it was going to continue indefinitely. Finally it stopped and it
booted but very slowly.
I have most of my hard drive backed up in anticipation of a
complete system failure. I also have a new laptop ready to go if
need be.
My question is this: Is the motherboard about to fail and are all
these problems likely related? I checked the BIOS beep codes
for Phoenix, and nothing much is mentioned about continuous
un-paused beeps.
Help much appreciated!
Frank
P.S. This doesn't seem like a virus problem to me. I run Norton
periodically but haven't in awhile. Will any known viruses cause
this kind of behavior? It sure looks like BIOS or hardware to me.