4 beep code

[Recycler66]

Hi i have a HP 8200 Elite CMT desktop and it recently stopped working. I disconnected everything but power supply and i get 4 beeps and no matter what i do i can't get anywhere else. The power supply spins up once in awhile then back to the 4 beeps. I tested the power supply using the paperclip method with green wire and black and it spins fine. Could this power supply still be gone or could it be a possible motherboard issue?  Tks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

See the troubleshooting guide at the link below, Appendix A, page 58 for how to troubleshoot the 4 beep code error.

c01516072.pdf (hp.com)

If you have done all of those things, then #4 probably applies (bad motherboard that needs to be replaced).

[Recycler66]

Tks Paul for you reply..I'm trying to narrow down the problem and i did exactly as the troubleshooting said and now computer sometimes starts up and stops and then 2 beeps or just starts and stops...I tried re-seated the heat sink and realized that there is hardly and paste on the heat sink so that's why i thought is why I'm getting 2 beeps. i tried connecting the cd-rom sata cable and doing things in steps but it immediately goes back to 4 beeps.. the computer even gave one beep and ran for 2 or 3 seconds then shutdown so I'm thinking as it stated in the troubleshooting that the mother board may be gone..

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

You may want to consider buying a used but testing and working motherboard on eBay. 

I bought one for my 8200 Elite CMT around 3 years ago for around  $25. 

[Recycler66]

Tks i may have to do that..have you heard anything about if the heat sink doesn't seat properly on processor? when i removed my heat sink there was hardly any paste on the heat sink itself so i was thinking how can the processor be over heating if it's not even running long enough to heat up. i just tried it again with the processor fan hooked up and ram installed...the computer starts and stops 2 or 3 times then just sits there and sometimes it runs for 2 or 3 seconds and then i get 2 beeps and it starts and then stops. the next time i tried it i t started ran for 2 or 3 seconds and spun down sped up like it was taking off then slowed down ...totally got me stumped but really thinking it may be shorting out?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Did you clean the heatsink and processor surfaces with alcohol, and reapply the thermal paste?

If so, the motherboard is probably shot.

[Recycler66]

Yes i did and re-applied it using an old credit card to get a smooth coat but still get the same results. Going to wait and see if i can get a cheap second-hand MB on ebay or amazon and go from there..I hope the MB fixes the problem...