How To Fix Dell 8 Beep Laptop

Problem:

How To Fix Dell 8 Beep Laptop ?

Solution:

OK, this seems to be a common problem that's pretty difficult to find a do-it-yourself solution to online. Luckily, if you found this link chances are the following advice will solve your problem. This solution was performed on a Dell Mini 1012 laptop but should work on any laptop model since the cause of the problem is not model-specific. 

First, the problem: For some unknown reason when you try to boot up your laptop all you get is 8 beeps at a time and your laptop won't boot up. 

This is likely the problem: 8 beeps is the BIOS code for a memory problem and or a video card problem. You can also get this problem because of residual battery charge buildup (I'll address this too). In all likelihood, the problem will usually be with your memory card so let's start there. If you have a Dell Mini 1012 like mine you'll need to open it and clean the memory chip pins then reseat the chip card nice and snug. Follow this Youtube video link for step by step instructions on how to open up your Mini 1012 safely:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAuC_22qsG0

If you have any other type of laptop be sure to find out how to remove the memory chip and or video card properly before proceeding to the next step. 

Some online tech forums will advise you to remove the chip and try reseating it to fix the problem. This is not good enough as the pins on the memory chip tend to get dirty and tarnished over time and simply reseating the chip won't clean off the tarnish from the chip's connection pins. What you should do isgently scratch the chip's pins bare with a piece of fine sandpaper or the edge of pointy knife till the pins look like bright copper. Be sure to wipe the pins clean with a napkin or compressed air when you're done to prevent stray metal dust from bridging the pins on both sides of the chip. Do the same to your video card if you have one installed in your laptop (My laptop didn't have a removable video card). Next, re-seat the memory chip (and video card if applicable) back into it's slot and hold it in with slight pressure while you lock the holding pins in place. Finally reassemble your laptop but don't put the battery pack back in just yet. Another problem that can cause the 8 beeps is residual battery power build-up. To drain this out of the system hold the power button down for 10 seconds with the battery removed. Now pop in your battery and test to see if this solution worked. If you still get the beeps you'll want to test and or replace your memory chip before sending out your laptop for service but more than likely the problem will be dirty pins on the memory chip. 

Note: You may want to try doing the power button trick first as this might solve the problem without having to go any further. Hopefully your back in business! 

Good luck, and please report back if this solution worked for you.