Q: I am using an NEC Powermate DL M6503 PC with a Pentium 4 processor. The computer starts beeping after being switched on, the monitor has no signal and does not work even after a few restarts.
I changed the graphics card and the problem was rectified until one month ago. I tried using an external fan as I thought it was overheating but to no avail.
Lee Shiou Ren
A: The beeping tones may be clues to the problem. The beeps are produced by the Power On Self Test when the computer is first turned on.
You have already remedied the problem by replacing the graphics card so in all likelihood, that is not the problem unless the system is exhibiting the exact same symptoms.
If you can narrow down the problem based on the beep codes, you will reduce the amount of work involved in identifying the culprit.
Without knowing what your system beep codes are, I would start by disconnecting all the individual parts.
Disconnect all power to the system and clear the cobwebs and dust that have built up inside the computer.
Remove the different cards, such as the sound card, and clean their gold contact points using a cleaning spray designed for electronic components. After you do this, re-insert them.
Do not forget to clean the RAM modules as well. Reseating the processor and heatsink fan is also important but do so only if the beep codes indicate that the problem is with the processor.
When reseating the heatsink, replace the heatsink thermal paste underneath. Otherwise, the processor may overheat.
If the problem persists, you should get professional help from NEC Service Centre.
If you are comfortable troubleshooting and have access to another computer that uses similar components, test the individual parts in that working computer.
Answers by Chester Chen, a recognised Microsoft Most Valuable Professional specialising in Windows desktop experience.
This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life.
