dell diagnostic lights 1& 3

Dell dimension 5150 windows xp Disconnected screen, and the computer, accidently got turned on. Reconnected screen, and all i get now is a strange noise on starting and some green diagnostic lights coming on. 1 & 3 (and what looks like a acrtridge symbol). I'm not sure if I've caused this or if, conincidently a horrible virus has been picked up…. I'd sure appreciate some support. All the best, techcurve

This is what the manual for the 5150
says:

📎DellDiagLights.jpg

My bet would be one or more are loose or not seated properly or are defective.

Power off the computer and open the case.
Remove each memory module and reinsert it carefully. Make sure it seats firmly.
If that doesn't help then remove one module and try it.
Repeat with each module, inserting the previous and removing the next, till you find the defective one then replace it.

Thanks ztruker….I have followed your instruction, and have found the defective stick…………Hmmm, there maybe a pattern here. I replaced the sticks a short while ago, due to a similar problem………I'm surprised that another stick has gone so soon….It is quite possible that the defective stick came from the same slot, that the defective one came from before…. Any idea whay a stick has become faulty so soon? techcurve

Anything electrical is susceptible to failure. Make a note of the slot it's in and see if it happens again. No idea what you would do if another memory module fails in the same slot though. I've never heard of a specific slot causing memory failure so you would be blazing new ground

I love your positive, reframing approach……thanks ztrucker, you have been refreshing help.. I'll replace the faulty stick and make a note of the module it came out of. All the best,