Crash ! :(

[jonnyboy]

Hi all.
Main PC, a Sony all-in-one, appeared to die yesterday.
Used it first thing in the morning, it went to sleep, then when I pressed the mosue/keyboard it wouldnt wake up.
Tried forcing a reboot by switching it off.
Tried to switch on with f11 pressed to get into the menu (bios?), nada.
Hard drive light flickers a couple of times but then eerily silent.
Only other thing to note is that it beeps three times when its switched on - one long then two short.
I've got PCW supposedly coming on Tuesday, but then again I've been waiting 2 weeks for them to pick up my laptop that needs repairing....
Trying to pre-empt if I can.
Any ideas?

 

[wemorgan]

Only other thing to note is that it beeps three times when its switched on - one long then two short.

I think this might be the clue as to the fault. Do you have the owners manual?

Try opening the panel to access the RAM. Take them out and re-seat them. Earth yourself beforehand by touching a radiator.

 

[Druk]

Beep codes Definition from PC Magazine Encyclopedia

Do a Google search with your model number. There's a lot of stuff there.

 

[Mark300SL]

One long and 2 short beeps is normally a video error - if the Video is built in then it doesn't look good for an easy repair.

Often the one long is the video error and the 2 short are to indicate you have a POST problem - as if you didn't know!

Try reseating the ram first or even removing some chips if possible

 

[Noodle-Pulp]

Often the one long is the video error and the 2 short are to indicate you have a POST problem - as if you didn't know!

POST = Power On Self Test (for the uninitiated)