M17xR3 won't boot... 4 beeps

I have always used my M17x R3 more like a desktop than a laptop and have had it plugged in to my two 24" monitors. It is connected to one monitor via VGA and the other via HDMI.

Today when I was starting VMware Workstation, the computer suddenly turned off. When I tried to turn it back on, I saw the picture of the Alien which is when the user is asked to hit the key which sends them to the BIOS configuration. While the picture was showing, the computer turned off again. When I tried to turn it on again, all of the lights on the laptop would turn on, but the screen would stay off and the computer would beep 4 times. It beeps 4 times, pause, 4 beeps, pause, 4 beeps, etc...

I have reseated my RAM and plan on taking out the CMOS battery to see if it helps.

I am not sure what could be causing the problem. I find it weird that it happened when I had just started VMware.

Has anyone else here experienced this?

Specs:
ATI 6970M
Intel 2820QM

 

are there any flash codes showing?

Alienware? M17x and M15x System LEDs - Hot Topic - 358462 | Dell

InsydeH2O BIOS Beep Codes

 

No there aren't any. Thanks for the quick response.

Update:
I started removing the memory modules and it seems that it may be that one of my ram sticks is bad. I am swapping them around to see if that is the problem. I am able to boot the computer with just two stick in. The ones that go under the computer.

 

Are they aftermarket? Or did you get the ram through Dell? Either way you are on the right path find the defective stick(s) and RMA them through aftermarket retailer/dell.

Hope you get it solved!

 

So the problem turned out to be a bad memory ram stick. I tried placing the one that seemed problematic in the other slots and it continued to prevent the computer from booting. The same 4 beeps, pause, etc...

I also tried one of the other sticks in the slot where the bad one was at to make sure the slot wasn't bad and the others ones worked fine.

Thanks for the help.

BTW...

In case anyone is wondering what ram I am using:
Crucial 4GB DDR3-1333 (PC3 10600)
Model # CT51264BC1339.16FR

 

Thanks! I have only had the ram for about 3 months. I have to check the warranty from Crucial to make sure that I am good.

 

Run Memtest on the second stick to be 100% sure it's not a bad one also

 

Usually the memory sticks come with lifetime warranty...

 

^ this,

you shouln't have any problem on getting the ram replaced.

 

I Have The Same Problem With My Alienware M17x R3, I72630qm, 8gb Ram, Amd Hd6970..

It Sometimes Boots With 4 Beeps, I Think It Has Something With The Charger Too,

It Just Happened To Me Today For The Third Or Fourth Time,

Today When It Happened

-I Removed The Battery ,
-Mount It Again , Nothing Happened , Same Problem..
-After That I Removed The Battery
-I Plugged In The Cable And It Started,

As I'm Writing These Words I'm On A/c Power Without Battery..

Any Ideas To What's Happening, Should I Worry ?!

Thanks

 

Is there a red X on the icon in system tray or is simply not charging.
What message you get when with the mouse cursor over?
"plugged in not charging" or something else?

 

well in this case, if i power it without battery an x appears , if i power it with battery the battery icon appears with or without the charger near.

edit : daca esti ro , poate facem schimb de adrese de mess sa vb mai pe larg