Resolved Intermittent problems when rebooting or starting computer

The problem started a few months ago when I rebooted my computer and instead of coming back on, the tower would start beeping (3 beeps in a row). The only way I could get it to work was to hold the power button in until it shut off, remove the power cord for a few minutes plug it back in and start it up again. It happened a few times so I stopped restarting the computer and would just turn it off if something prompted me to reboot.
More recently, I've been having issues when turning the computer on. First what would happen is the power light and hard drive light are on but the keyboard and monitor aren't on. I'd turn the computer off and when it started again, one (or all) of the fan(s) inside would be very loud and the computer would still not start. I'd pull out the power cord and after trying to start yet again, I'd get an error about the CMOS. I went and checked the date and time and everything was fine and the computer started fine from there. From then on I would just put the computer in sleep when when not in use. I've had to either reboot or turn off my computer from time to time and it doesn't always happen. I don't like not turning the computer off or at least rebooting it occasionally.

 

Nope, didn't do anything internally. The only time I ever open up the case is to check for accumulation of dust. I'll check around and see about a replacement power supply. This new Dell isn't as user friendly as my hold one; everything was held in with clips and such - I could go in and change the video card, power supply, sound card, etc with minimal fuss. I may just take this one somewhere to get it put in so I don't mess it up.

 

Will do. Both my wife's car and mine need work so it's nothing I can do right now anyway. Thanks.

 

Its a hardware problem & since The WobMob's computer experience is selected as Beginner, I would advise him to take the system to a Dell or other hardware shop where they can have a look at it.

 

State exactly the sequence of error beeps, example:- one long beep and two short beeps etc.

 

Three short beeps in sequence; beep beep beep, beep beep beep, beep beep beep, etc.

 

See here:
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pe650/en/sm/beep.htm#1044211

mickzer.

 

I agree with mickzer. You have a faulty system board which is not detecting the keyboard controller.

See ? That's the benefit of stating the most important part of the problem in one simple step(the sequence of beeps here). It helps us to answer the questions quickly.

 

Thanks for the help. I guess until I can save up some money to get the repair I'll just leave the computer on.