Help me figure out this Dell inspiron 1720 beep code

[Joemonkey]

Due to the asshats at the Atlanta airport, my Dell inspiron 1720 lappy ended up with a broken LCD and some chipped off plastic. Other than that it works just fine, all buttons work, etc. I was using it hooked up to my HDTV for a while and noticed that at every boot I get 6 beeps in a row, a pause, then 20 (yes, 20, I've counted over and over) beeps in a row. I searched around and cannot find any explanation of such a beep code, and I thought maybe it was due to the broken LCD, but that really made no sense at all. Anyway, I finally got the replacement LCD and put the laptop back together, everything hooked up and working fine, but I still get the beep codes. The 6 + 20 beep codes only happen when coming up from a cold boot. If the computer comes back from Hibernate it only beeps the 6 times. Any ideas on what is "wrong"? Or how to make it stop beeping? Or do I have to cut the PC speaker wires to make it stop?

 

[corkyg]

Better Google for the Dell beep codes. But - no need to cut wires - just press the mute button.

What exactly happened at the Atlanta airport? I gotta go through there next December.

 

[Joemonkey]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Better Google for the Dell beep codes. But - no need to cut wires - just press the mute button.

What exactly happened at the Atlanta airport? I gotta go through there next December.

the Mute button only works when you're in windows, this is coming through the PC speaker (I would assume)

I had my laptop in my carryon and they forced me to gate check it even though it was the correct size. Even though it was packed well and surrounded by clothes they managed to drop it hard enough to crack the screen and some plastic.

Also, in OP i stated that I searched around, probably should have said I googled

 

[corkyg]

OK - different OEMs work differently. My Lenovo hardware mute button works all the time. An alternative is to plug something into the green external spkr/headphone port. That electrically shorts the internal speakers.

Jeez! What airline was this? Gatecheck a laptop? I think I would have removed the lappy and carried it naked. I assume they will replace it or pay for the repair?

 

[drizek]

Remove the LCD, remove the palm rest by undoing all the screws in the recessed holes at the base. The subwoofer can be unplugged and so can the system speakers. Actually removing them is really tough though since they are screwed on really tight. Dell has excellent service manuals that show you how to do anything, look them up on their site.

 

[Joemonkey]

Originally posted by: corkyg
OK - different OEMs work differently. My Lenovo hardware mute button works all the time. An alternative is to plug something into the green external spkr/headphone port. That electrically shorts the internal speakers.

Jeez! What airline was this? Gatecheck a laptop? I think I would have removed the lappy and carried it naked. I assume they will replace it or pay for the repair?

yeah right, i checked with Delta and they said they wouldn't cover it, no one can "prove" how well it was packed nor that they mishandled the luggage. I saw at least 2 pieces of luggage fall from the top of the luggage conveyer down to the tarmac every time it was getting unloaded, i can only assume one of those was mine

since it is the PC speaker I don't think plugging in anything to the external speaker port will do anything

drizek, i've taken this thing apart and put it back together like 10 times over the past month, i was really hoping for a software (disable PC Speaker in the BIOS for example) solution

still, a 6 + 20 beep code... weird

maybe i'll get on Dell's Gold Chat and see if they know anything

 

[corkyg]

"since it is the PC speaker I don't think plugging in anything to the external speaker port will do anything "

Well, it normally does. It is a mechanical shunt that shorts out the PC speakers when a mini-stereo jack is plugged in to the "green" hole. If you have some head phones, a mike or anything with that plug - try it.

Well, that inspires confidence - I have to fly Delta to South America next January. I'lkl be sure and pack accordingly.

 

[Lanyap]

That's a long string of beeps. Could be a stuck or damaged key on the keyboard especially since the LCD and lid was broken. That indicates pressure that probably was applied to the keyboard also. I would remove the keyboard and check all of the keys for breakage or binding. While you have the keyboard out get the Dell part number and look on ebay for a replacement like this one for $26 http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-...p=TL090527156002r23149

Other thoughts:

While the keyboard is removed (and unplugged) boot up the system with a external USB keyboard and see if the beeps stop.

Download Dell's diagnostics disk for this model and run the keyboard check with the keyboard in place. The diags can tell if a continous signal is coming from the keyboard. http://support.dell.com/suppor...l=en&catid=-1&impid=-1