Ok heres the problem- When I turn my new (under 9 monts old) Dell computer on it doesnt really come on (sometimes..like now). The power light comes on...then Sometimes goes back off for maybe 2 seconds (not always though) then back on and i get 2 beeps at regular intervals of mabe a second apart but Nothing else happens- hard drive is not accessed, Other drives are not accessed though I belieive the fan is on.

However if I wait anywhere from 2 hours to overnight the problem seems to resolve itself and the computer is fine, starts right up. This always happens after a certain type of crash where the comper totally freezes and must be turned off via the power button. I think I have taken care of the crash problem thus thinking I also solved the " No start" problem, but alas no. This morning tried to start it up and the exact same problem again (no start repeating 2 beeps). I did however have to shut my computer down last night with my Anti virus (Trend) scan window open- I couldnt close it. When I shut the computer off it stated that the program was still running and did I want to continue shutting down. SInce I couldnt shut it off anyway (trend antivirus scan window) I went ahead and did so and today I have this no start problem again. I am guessing this is related as with the crash earlier(having the Trend program running at shutdown)? Either way what can I do to get this to stop?

Dell quad, 2.3MHZ, 8gb RAM, 1.14TB HD.

Thanks

Oh I guess I should add that I called Dell and the tech just had me do fairly standard stuff - clear the Temp files. He didnt seem to know what the beeps meant.

That shouldn't be happening with a computer that new so I recommend that you backup your files when it is working and do an RMA for a repair or replacement. Here are the dell beep codes.

Oh I guess I should add that I called Dell and the tech just had me do fairly standard stuff - clear the Temp files. He didnt seem to know what the beeps meant.

Then you need to keep calling them back until you reach someone who knows what they are doing until this is resolved as it should still be under warranty. Keep records of your calls and the Dell support ticket number(s).

When did the problem start?

Dell should know exactly what motherboard and BIOS is in that machine and therefore should also know what the 2 beeps means.

Is the computer clean of heat trapping dust? Has the problem ever occurred when the computer had completely cooled down? Or was it ONLY with a warm machine and after an improper shutdown?

On some BIOS beep codes, 2 beeps at start means RAM problems, which could indicate failing RAM, or perhaps RAM that was is securely seated in it's socket.

Thanks guys. i doubt it is a heat problem as the computer has been off since last night I tried to start it up this morning and the problem was back. I am not sure how much dust there is as I am not sure if I open the case I will have violate the warrenty. I will keep trying to contact Dell. I tried to call them back with my ticket # and the name of the Tech who helped me. I was directed to voice mail that told me to leave my name, # and the name of the tech who had been helping me and I would be called back within a half an hour. No call back even after doing this twice (leaving message on voice mail). I have been somewhat busy and havent called back in a week or so but am going to try again right after I post this. This is pretty frustrating. Oh, the first time it happened would have been about 3 weeks ago.

Thanks again