Dear Friends,

I got an old Dell Dimension L866R.  The BIOS seems to be Phoenix.

I upgraded the CPU to 1GHz, the Memory to 512M and repalced the hard drive.  However, it always gives me a short beep after POST.  It starts normally, no problem in identifying memory and IDE drives, and the Windows XP is loaded and started with no problem.  However, I can't find a way to get rid of the beep.  I disconnected all second drives, replaced the memory, ide cable, removed all pci cards, etc.  What else could cause the beep?

Thanks,
BrianIs the replaced PROCESSOR identified in the BIOS? Did you check the beep codes for that model on the Dell site?Thanks for your reply.

I think it can identify the faster CPU.  Its startup information shows it is 1GHz.  Besides, I can also enter the BIOS setup, which shows CPU as 1GHz.

I checked online and found beep codes.  http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dmum/codemess.htm#post_beep_codes
However, it says it is only for "the system emits a beep code and then fails to start".  My computer can start well.  According to the manual, one beep is "Memory Refresh Failure".  I rotate the memory location and it still emits beep.  The BIOS shows the memory to be 512MB.

I need to check whether my two MEMORIES modules are the same.  I am not sure whether that could cause problems.  I will also update the BIOS.

BrianCareful about updating/flashing the BIOS...many doorstops have been created this way...

2 of the 4 machines i have do the short beep and i assume it means a successful POST. If the machine is fine i wouldn't sweat it.

patio.   8-)

p.s. I just remembered another instance of this...right before the Holidays i installed a new vid card in a customers RIG and they then had a short beep on POST where there was none before. Turns out it was the vid card showing it's recognised properly.A stock Dell does not make an audible beep at startup.I know beige is BEAUTIFUL...but i've never owned a Dell.

 Thanks.  I already updated the BIOS.  Fortunately I didn't get any problems.

I found where the beep comes from.  "Silent Boot" was disabled.  If it is enabled, it doesn't beep.  Seems a trivia switch.

Thank you all for advices.