Question

Difficulty: MediumMotherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

A technician is troubleshooting a corporate desktop computer that fails to complete the Power-On Self-Test (POST). When the power button is pressed, the system power LED turns on and cooling fans spin at full speed, but the monitor remains dark and the motherboard emits a continuous series of short beeps. Which of the following initial actions should the technician perform to isolate the issue? (Select TWO.)

  1. Reseat the existing system memory modules into their respective motherboard slots.Answer
  2. B
    Reinstall the operating system graphics driver using recovery software.
  3. Test the system boot using a single known-good RAM module inserted into one slot at a time.Answer
  4. D
    Replace the installed memory sticks with standard SO-DIMM modules.

Answer

The technician should reseat the existing memory modules into their motherboard slots and test the system using a single known-good RAM module inserted into one slot at a time.
A continuous beep pattern prior to video initialization signifies a POST memory detection failure. Correct troubleshooting requires physically checking memory module contact by reseating them and testing with a single known-good memory module to isolate defective hardware components.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Interpret the POST diagnostic symptoms.
Identify that a continuous short beep code during early boot with fans running indicates a failure during memory initialization.
Motherboards use specific audio beep codes during POST to signal hardware failures before display initialization.
2
Formulate logical hardware isolation steps for RAM issues.
Determine that reseating current modules and testing single known-good modules sequentially are standard diagnostic steps for memory issues.
Reseating restores pin contact, while single-module swapping isolates faulty RAM sticks or damaged motherboard slots.

Key Concept

RAM POST Beep Code Troubleshooting & Physical Isolation
Rate this question