Top 10 Dell Dimension 5150 (DIM515MIN) PC Desktop Questions & Answers

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the only thing i can think of is your usb support in the bios settings which can be accessed by pressing del button while the comp is starting that option should be enabled if that doesnt work i think your keyboard and mouse might need replacing i can't see all usb ports being faulty it's very unlikely jim regards

Hi The SSE2 Instruction set was introduced by Intel in its Pentium 4 range of CPU's. Unfortunatly your pc has a Pentium 3 cpu. The motherboard in your pc does not support the pentium 4 processor. Your only option Im affraid is a new pc

check your cables. it may be in the way of the fan's fins. also clean your fan for dust.

Make sure the 12v power connector is securely connected to the system board. If you open up your computer look at the end of the board that the memory modules are there is a 4 pin connector thats the 12 v Make sure thats plugged in and secure, If thats ok you have already did the removal of the memory and replaced them, take out any pci express cards and use your onboard video, if that don't work try one memory module at a time see if that works you already seem to be savoy enough to do that and try that, and if that does not work you may need a new power supply. You can check it but probally will be bad I have the same desktop and thats been a problem with these 5150 along with the mother board going out after the warranty expires. I sure Hope this helps you out,, Happy Holidays to you and yours. Hey If you need me to look anything else up let me know. Thanks again bear001

If you replace with the same motherboard that's in already, that would be easiest for you.

But if you use a different one, you'll have to re-activate Windows, and download and install new device drivers.

You need to install the intel chipset drivers. You will find these under chipset in the driver section. I hope this helps.

it depends on the bios chip maker Here's some other beep codes:

for Award and Phoenix BIOS:

1 short beep: Normal
2 short beeps: CMOS error
1 long and 1 short beep: DRAM error
1 long and 2 short beeps: Video card error
1 long and 3 short beeps: Keyboard error
1 long and 9 short beeps: ROM error
Long continuous beeps: DRAM not installed correctly
Short continuous beeps: Bad power supply


AMI BIOS:

1 short beep: DRAM flash error
2 short beeps: DRAM ECC check error
3 short beeps: DRAM detect error
5 short beeps: CPU error
6 short beeps: Keyboard error
8 short beeps: Video card error
9 short beeps: ROM error
1 long and 3 short beeps: Bad DRAM
1 long and 8 short beeps: Video card error


Invoking Beep Codes

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If the computer is actually functioning and the computer beeps continuously, then there is a problem with a voltage on the power supply being incorrect or the CPU overheating. IMMEDIATELY go into the BIOS and check CPU temperature, fan speed and voltages

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BIOS Beep Codes

Annoying isn't it? You have built your computer you switch it on and then nothing happens except a few beeps from the PC speaker. Frustration sets in as you try to figure out what is wrong with it. If you didn't already know the computer has already told you the problem. It can't speak of course but it can direct you to the problem. Its all in the beeps. The BIOS can recognise when the problem occurs and sends a signal out to send a certain amount of beeps through the speaker. These beeps then tell you the location of the problem.

Unfortunately not all the BIOS' use the same codes as each other. Two of the main BIOS manufactures AMI and Award (now Phoenix) have different codes for there errors.

AMI BIOS

# of Beeps Error Description
1 Refresh Failure The memory refresh Circuitry is faulty
2 Parity Error Parity error in the Base (1st 64K) of memory
3 64K Base Memory Error Memory error in the base memory (1st 64K)
4 Timer Not Operational Timer 1 is not functioning (also caused by error in base memory)
5 Processor Error CPU error
6 8042 Gate A20 Failure Unable to switch to protected mode
7 Processor Exception Interrupt error The CPU on the CPU card generated an interrupt error
8 Display Memory Read/Write Error Video adapter is missing, incorrectly seated or has faulty memory
9 ROM checksum error The ROM checksum does not match that of the BIOS
10 Coms Shutdown Register Read/Write The shutdown register for coms RAM has failed
11 Cache Memory Bad The cache memory test has failed. Cache memory will be disabled. *** DO NOT enable it ***


With the first 3 beep codes, its well worth re-seating the memory just to make sure that it's in correctly. 8 Beeps is probably the most common in my experience. Can be caused by a badly seated Graphics card. If you have re-seated it then check with another Graphics card in the board.

Always check for loose components before sending the board back as this is the main cause of errors on the POST.



Award BIOS

Award states that they now only use one beep from there BIOS. This beep is one long beep and then two short beeps. This indicates a graphics card problem. Any other beeps should be treated as a RAM problem first and then the board sent in to be inspected.

The reason that the Award BIOS only uses the beep code for display problems is that it tries to display the error on-screen if at all possible. If the BIOS cannot initiate the display adapter then this causes the BIOS to make the beep code for a display error, which must be corrected before any other errors can be determined. Memory Test fails and hard disk failures etc will all be displayed on screen

IBM BIOS

The IBM BIOS works with Short and Long beeps as well as the Award BIOS. However the IBM one does still have codes to work from.

Beep Code Error
1 Short Beep Normal POST, System booted OK
2 Short Beeps POST Error - Code on Display
No Beep Power supply or Motherboard error
Continuous Beep Power supply or Motherboard error
Repeating short beeps Power supply or Motherboard error
1 short, 1 long beep System board error
1 long, 2 short beeps Display adapter error (MDA/CGA)
1 long, 3 short beeps Display adapter error (EGA/VGA)
3 long beeps 3270 keyboard card
Phoenix BIOS
The Phoenix BIOS works on a slightly more complicated manor than the others. It does display an error code for you and produce a series of beeps. This BIOS produces its beeps according to the hexadecimal code the error produces. The Phoenix BIOS has many different codes for its possible errors and so many different beep codes. Rather than list the entire section here, I have provided a link to the official PDF file containing the codes and how they are derived.

Phoenix BIOS Post Codes

System board errors should be looked at by a specialist, Again always try to re-seat components to ensure they are in correctly. If necessary take all components out except for the RAM CPU and graphics card, then try the system. Re-seating components is the number one fix for getting past the POST screen. One badly seated components can cause the entire system not to function. so pick out your bios and follow the steps above to diagnose .hope this helps

I have similar problem these days. After normal shutting down the PC, it can not be powered up again, the amber light blinks. A temp solution for my case is by doing these steps:

1. leave all monitor, network, keyboard and mouse etc. connected
2. disconnect the power, wait until green light and amber light dim.
3. pop up the CMOS battery, then put back in (better to check its remaining voltage, if not good, change a new one)
4. power amber light flash shorter and lighter
5. disconnect any USB connections like keyboard and mouse,
6. immediately connect keyboard and mouse back into USB ports
7. my pc powers up at this point, all green lights shining. Except it displays CMOS setup warnings, give me options to click either F1 or F2
8. I click F1, it goes into normal login XP

The only problem is I could not shutdown PC again, if I do, then I have to repeat 1-8. I have to use "Standby" instead, which I usually do.

it is probably a problem with your Ram Memory. however i would like to recomend you to check this link about your computer lights and beep codes http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5150/en/sm/tshoot1.htm

gud luck