Computer problems
 

Hey,

I have a dell dimension 3000, When I turn it on it makes a loud beep for about 2-3 minutes, Although the PC doesn’t loud up at all and I’m not entirely sure what the problem is, Around a year ago I vacuumed it not knowing about the static problem so that may be why.
Ross

The Bleep is a warning code, all PC's have them, Check here for what they mean

http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

Hope that puts you in the right direction ;)

6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error CH000383
How would i fix that :(

Firstly try the cheapest way, Make sure your keyboard connection is OK, Failing that try another or new keyboard, if that still don't work, then is probably the Keyboard controller chip on the motherboard :(

Pull the keyboard off the PC.
- you do not need it hooked up to turn on the PC.
- you may have a short in the keyboard.

Why does it need a keyboard to start up :S

Why does a car need an engine, one of lifes unanswered questions :D

Just pulled the keyboard in and did nothing :(

Try a different Keyboard or a new one if that don't work you need to get the motherboard checked out, If the Keyboard Controller chip is a push in chip you can try and just push it further see if its loose, However make sure you turn the power off and earth yourself first.

Failing that i guess a new motherboard would be the only answer :(

How much is a new motherboard?

That depends what you want, where in the world you are, and how much you want to spend, why don't you take a look on ebay??? :rolleyes:

Will every motherboard work fine with my PC?

That depends on your pc and what you have

Dell Dimension 3000

Motherboards are cheap, but finding one that will go with your case and other chips will probably really difficult.

Most times, when a motherboard needs to be replaced, the computer is too outdated and it's more or less worth it to buy another one. Kind of like a car, you wouldn't insure a car that's only worth a couple thousand dollars, cuase in the event of an accident the damage will be more than it's worth.

If you use your PC for general browsing, you can buy parts and build one for as cheap as a few hundred dollars, and it would probably be a much higher spec than your current set up.

I think reformatting and / or purchasing a new PC is a last resort though, try everything you can to get it booting up. Google is your best friend at a time like this..

But what if i replaced it with the exact same one thats in it, Surely that would be fine.

However, when you replace your motherboard, your copy of Windows will invalidate if you have an OEM copy of Windows (which you most likely do, as you received your copy from Dell).

To be honest, I have no idea what Dell uses to build machines.. but I would assume that it's not simply a third party purchase, because then everyone could build Dells for a quarter of the price..

If you can find out who manufacturers the motherboard, you can investigate further. Depending on how old your machine is, it could easily be a discontinued product. Either way, I'm sure it will be frustrating trying to find it.. I don't say that to prevent you from trying though.

How sure are we that the motherboard is toast though? Did you read any of the links in that google search query and try any of the solutions offered?

Yeh i do have the installation disk, Its unopened lol
Erm, I did all the tips i was given and nothing has changed :(

Contact Dell. Dell uses proprietary motherboard configurations and power supplies. It will be difficult to purchase a third-party replacement. Many of their computers don't even use standard ATX, micro ATX, or BTX board formats. This is especially true of many of their slim computer lines.

Depending on how old your machine is, it could be cheaper to replace it. Dell might have a replacement board if it is under warranty but they only commission parts for 18 months maximum. After that period, they rely on overstock and a limited amount of replacement parts to affect repairs. Even a new "Dell 3000" might have a different motherboard today if your computer is more than 18 months old.

As far as reactivating Windows goes, this is not a traumatic experience. Windows will pop up and say that you need to activate. You click the activate over internet button and it activates. The only time you will have a problem is if you have to reactivate Windows more than 3 times in a 7 month period.