Shuts down shortly after startup.

I would suspect the power supply or a power connection. The only other issue might be a motherboard, which is a bit more involved. Try another power supply if you have one around.

Based on the description you provided, it seems you experienced an issue with a Dell XPS desktop, where the computer froze during a Netflix video, emitted a humming noise, and after a forced shutdown, you received 4 short beeps repeatedly during boot attempts. Eventually, the computer booted normally.

The beeps you hear during startup are part of the system's Power-On Self Test (POST). They can indicate hardware or system issues depending on their pattern.

For Dell systems, 4 short beeps usually indicate a RAM read/write failure. This could be due to a few reasons:

1. Faulty RAM Stick: One of the RAM sticks may be malfunctioning.
2. RAM Slot Issue: The slot into which the RAM is inserted might have an issue.
3. Temporary Glitch: Sometimes, minor electrical or static discharges can cause temporary glitches that can lead to POST errors. This might explain why the computer eventually booted up fine.

Here are steps to troubleshoot this:

1. Reseat the RAM: Turn off the computer, unplug it, open the case, and carefully remove the RAM sticks. Then re-insert them to ensure they are seated properly. This can sometimes resolve minor connectivity issues.
2. Test with One RAM Stick: If you have multiple RAM sticks, try booting the computer with just one stick at a time. This can help identify if a particular stick is faulty.
3. Try Different RAM Slots: If you suspect a slot might be faulty, try placing the RAM stick into a different slot.
4. Clean the RAM Slots: Sometimes, dust or debris in the RAM slots can cause connectivity issues. Clean the slots with a soft brush or compressed air.
5. Check for Overheating: Overheating can lead to system instability. Ensure your computer's fans and heatsinks are free of dust and functioning properly. Also, make sure the system is in a well-ventilated area.
6. Memory Test: Run a memory diagnostic tool to check for RAM issues. On Windows, you can use the built-in "Windows Memory Diagnostic" tool.
7. Inspect for Other Issues: Look for any obvious signs of damage or issues inside the computer, such as blown capacitors, disconnected cables, or other hardware anomalies.

If the problem reoccurs, and if you've isolated it to a faulty RAM stick or slot, you may need to replace the RAM or consider servicing the motherboard. If the computer continues to work fine without any more issues, it might have been a one-time glitch. Always, but especially now, make sure to back up important data regularly in case of unexpected hardware failures.

Here are the beep codes for the Thinkpad:" Continuous beeping System board failure One beep; Unreadable, blank or flashing LCD LCD connector problem; LCD backlight inverter failure; video adapter faulty; LCD assembly faulty; System board failure; power supply failure One beep; Message "Unable to access boot source" Boot device failure; system board failure One long, two short beeps System board failure; Video adapter problem; LCD assembly failure One long, four short beeps Low battery voltage One beep every second Low battery voltage Two short beeps with error codes POST error message Two short beeps System board failure.

Hi, you can download a manual here:

http://www.abit.com.tw/page/en/motherboard/motherboard_detail.php?pMODEL_NAME=AI7&fMTYPE=Socket 478&pPRODINFO=Manual

The fault could be the cpu, wrong type of ram, a faulty ram module
or a fault in the mainboard.
Check all the settings in the manual and the bios aswell.

Here is a list of beep codes:
Basic Beep Codes for ABIT AWARD BIOS Motherboards

1. No beep at all - this means your motherboard is dead, either due to a defective or underpowered power supply, poorly seated CPU or RAM, or a dead-on-arrival board
   
2. One beep - board is working fine
   
3. One long beep then machine shuts down - faulty, improperly installed or missing CPU
   
4. 1 short(Beep) System booting is normally
   
5. 2 short(Beep) CMOS setting error
   
6. 1 long - 1 short(Beep) DRAM ERROR
   
7. 1 long - 2 short(Beep) Display card or monitor connected error
   
8. 1 long - 3 short(Beep) Keyboard Error
   
9. 1 long - 9 short(Beep) ROM Error
   
10. Long(Beep) continuous DRAM isn't inserted correctly
    
11. Short(Beep) continuous POWER supply has a problem
    
12. A two-tone siren, generally caused by overheating or out of specification voltages
    
13. Four beeps then machine shuts down. This is because this version of the BIOS will shut down your machine if no fan tachometer signal is detected on the fan header. Make sure you attach a fan to the FAN1 or FAN4 header or clear CMOS to reset to default (no checking).

Check the the cpu, ram and video card are seated properly. If they all are, then the board is defective and will need to be replaced.

I still did not find beep code that match your problem..

Anyways here are the common beep codes for your motherboard.. it might help you too.
1. No beep - no reaction, the mother board is dead, power supply problem, processor and or ram problem.
2. 1beep - board is working fine.
3. One long beep then it shuts down - cpu problem, your processor is not working or missing.
4. 1short beep - system boots normally
5. 2short beeps - CMOS setting error.
6. 1long 1short beep - dram error
7. 1long 2 short beep - video card or monitor not connected
8. 1long 3 short beep - keyboard error.
9. 1long 9short beep - ROM error
10. Long beep - memory card is missing or not connected
11. Short beep - power supply error
12 Four beeps - there is no fan detected on Fan1 or Fan2 header. make sure to attach or reset CMOS bios to factory setting.


Hope this gave you an idea of your problem..

Much appreciated if you rate this help..thanks..

Hello my friend,
There is no way to have 15 beeps error especially short ones so
First try to count the beeps and if are long or short

Hard Drive is bad and probably needs to be replaced.
Good Luck...

check to make sure no "dust bunnies" got inside you vent hose blocking air flow.

If you have an AMI bios (you can tell when you boot and the black screen has writing on it at startup - the bios type and version is the first thing at the top of the screen)
1 long and 3 short beeps indicates that the memory is not seated properly. You should check that it is secure on your motherboard. If it is seated securely, your memory is maybe faulty.