Boot problem with 3 long beeps

[geno368]

I am trying to boot an older PC running XP and when I power it up, I immediately get 3 long beeps and then the cd drive powers up. I don't get the post beep, video or even keyboard power. I have tested the PS and it shows well within range. I have made an xp msdos boot disk and it doesn't work at all. I put in my xp cd and it spins but doesn't work either...Where should I go next for testing? Thanks

 

[umar]

please post your configuration dude .

 

[umar]

Please let me know whether your Keyboard Num lock led is on or off.it might be mobo problem.
send ur rig

 

[raybay]

Tell us the brand and model, or your mother board... or search TechSpot for the very fine Beep Codes list put together by Tipstir.
The beep codes usually tell you what the problem is. You look them up by CPU or Motherboard or system, as you will see from examining the codes.

 

[Tedster]

look at my bios beep guide in the guides forum.

and its Tedster, not tipster.

if you want a tip- look both ways before you cross the street!

 

[captaincranky]

More often than not a three beep code is a memory issue. This is so with Intel chipsets.