Member Avatar for MeAnDmE1976

when i turn the power on the fans spin up then it beeps from inside the case. Nothing happens at all just a few beeps then it just sits there with the fans running, on the mother board there is an amber LED which is on until i unplug the power supply and when i try and start up the computer another green LED comes on. Thats it just the fans, those LED's and the beeps, oh and the cd & dvd trays will open and close but nothing else.

Thank you in advance
MeAnDmE1976

Dell
Quad Xeon
Quadro FX
4gig ram

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Suspishio

Dani AI

Generated

This thread describes a classic POST failure: fans and drives get power, the system makes audible beeps, an amber board LED stays lit and boot never completes — and the OP later reported the problem was fixed by reseating memory modules. The replies from and correctly point toward POST/beep diagnostics and the power-indicator LED, but this header adds a concise, repeatable troubleshooting workflow and a few practical cautions that help others encountering the same silent-boot symptoms.

Quick diagnostic workflow

  • Power down, unplug, and discharge static before touching components.
  • Record the exact beep pattern (count, long vs short, repeating) and LED behavior; those map to POST codes in the service manual for the exact model.
  • Try a minimal boot: remove all but one DIMM and attempt to POST with a single module in the primary slot. Repeat each DIMM in that slot to isolate a bad stick.
  • If a single stick passes, test each stick in multiple slots to check for a bad slot versus a bad module.
  • Run a dedicated memory tester from a bootable image such as Memtest86 and let it run multiple passes.
  • Clean memory contacts and slots with compressed air; ensure latches fully engage. Test with known-compatible modules when available.
  • If memory tests are clean and the machine still fails POST, drop to minimal hardware (remove add-in cards, drives) and consider PSU or motherboard diagnostics next.

Notes and cautions

Mixing different densities, speeds, or ECC vs non-ECC RAM can prevent POST on many workstations. Static-safe handling is essential. Marking the thread SOLVED and documenting which module and slot combination worked helps future readers. As suggested, POST/beep codes are the primary diagnostic tool; LED color alone often only indicates power state, not the specific fault.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for krisfr

How old is the machine?
The yellow LED is just a indicator of power to the system.
How many beeps do you get?

Member Avatar for MeAnDmE1976

Thankyou the memory was the problem, I unseated it and put them back in a different order alls good now.

Member Avatar for Suspishio

Good news. Do please mark this thread as SOLVED.

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