up vote 0 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I am having a problem installing Windows 7 on a Dell Inspiron 531 desktop. I got the setup to run and now it was trying to restart and now the computer just beeps. Two times a second, one right after the other. The beep is not like a key is being held down. And the computer isn't showing anything on the screen.
edit:
this is a computer I am trying to fix there where two blue screen errors that I know of.
the first one had something to do with a display driver
the second one was unknown

link|improve this question
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

If you get a bios post, maybe some hardware failed, download the Dell diagnostics and create a bootable CD or usb drive, then boot from it and run the hardware diagnostics.

Dell Diagnostics

EDIT:

If no joy:

If there is a battery backup or power strip being used, remove it.

You will need to strip it down, disconnect everything from the mobo except 1 memory module, processor video card (use the onboard if it has it) pull all add in cards except the video card if that is the only source of video (note their slot position) disconnect hard drives and optical, see if you get a bios post and error, if you do you have a fault memory stick or other hardware you removed. Add them back one at a time until you get a no post again.

If no post try the other memory module

If this does not get a post suspect your video is bad, try another add in video card to verify.

Last but not least, try another power supply.

If none of this works I suspect your motherboard has failed.

.

link|improve this answer
i stuck the hdd in to another computer and finished installing windows do you think that that would fix the problem? – wardedmocha Feb 19 '11 at 0:28
I don't actually know what the problem is, but give it a try. – Moab Feb 19 '11 at 1:49
i did that i let it set over night i pluged it up and it ran then i restarted it and now it doesnt work it just beeps like it did before – wardedmocha Feb 19 '11 at 16:58
it wont even post now – wardedmocha Feb 20 '11 at 14:51
i have tried an external video card still no post – wardedmocha Feb 20 '11 at 14:52
show 3 more comments
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

I would suggest just to keep trying to install it. If you've tried this multiple times, there's an FAQ on the Microsoft site that might offer some additional ideas: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Windows-7-installation-problems-frequently-asked-questions

link|improve this answer
i cant even see the bios screen – wardedmocha Feb 19 '11 at 0:02
Disconnect the hard drive, see if you get a bios post now. – Moab Feb 19 '11 at 0:14
yes i now see the bios screen – wardedmocha Feb 19 '11 at 0:19
now that i put the hdd back in the computer went back to beeping – wardedmocha Feb 19 '11 at 1:29
check my edit in my post above. – Moab Feb 19 '11 at 17:23
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.