Computer Advice Sought (total vanity)

me ^ | 12/6/16 | lafroste

[lafroste]

I have an old 2 GHz machine running Windows XP Pro. This computer has sat unused for several years in an un air conditioned/heated space. It was working fine when I turned it off for the last time. I have recently developed a need to use this machine and it has valuable data on it. However, when I turn it on all I get is an immediate and rhythmic beep. The BIOS doesn't even start it just beeps at me. What is it telling me is wrong with it? I tested the hard drives in another computer and they work. (and I recovered the data).

Physical inspection of the machine does not show anything obvious. Any help is appreciated.

[Yo-Yo]

My guess would be a new power supply.

[discostu]

How many beeps? It is actually a not so secret code:
http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

[ConservativeMind]

The backup battery for the BIOS settings probably needs to be replaced.

Get the manuals for the computer online, if possible, to help find this (location and type).

[Hang'emAll]

A bad video card/ card connection use to cause stuff like that.

Because of some interlock thing.

[LakeEffectLad]

Sounds like the CMOS battery is kaput.....

[gundog]

In before “Are you logged in?”

[woodenickel]

Remove and reinstall the ram

[Daffynition]

[Fhios]

Keyboard, monitor, video card, memory.

Make sure somebody didn’t ‘borrow’ anything.

[RightInTheMain]

On board battery most likely.

[bamagirl1944]

Your CMOS battery probably died. That is where the system info is stored. You might pull that battery out and put in a new one. It is usually a flat 2013 battery if I remember correctly. That would be the cheapest thing and first thing I would try.

[DeFault User]

My bet is on the battery as well. Cheap fix.

[Fresh Wind]

Unplug and replace every cable connector in the computer

[Enlightened1]

Battery....

Time to get a new computer. You can get one for Christmas.

[LouieFisk]

How many beeps? It is actually a not so secret code:
http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm
==
Yup, those are diagnostic beeps. Best place to start.

[Organic Panic]

Try a new battery. But usually it will boot up regardless. Hit the F1 key when it starts beeping. Make sure all the PCI cards are in and boot it back up.

[Ingtar]

My guess is the bios battery has died.

[smokingfrog]

Make sure the keyboard is good.

[Covenantor]

You said it sat severalbyears unused. · As others mentioned, first thing to look at is Motherboard battery. · Check vents to power supply, might be a condo for vermin and dust. · Get rid of accumulated dust inside the box. · Get some of this. Get the real thing not some inferior Chinese product.