Beep Codes for a Satellite A70

I own a Toshiba Satellite A70 and have encountered a problem where the notebook will not boot. I press the power button, hear the fans start up and then hear 4 short beeps after which the notebook just goes dead. Does anyone know the code for these 4 beeps and also where I can find a complete list of beep codes for this model of Toshiba notebook.

Thanks

 

Take a look at this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=34772

Those people too seem to have this beeping problem,although they could boot. Yours sounds a bit systematic,unlike those posted in the thread. All of them resorted to calling the tech support. I suggest you do the same and see what luck you have.

I know beeps can be real annoying,so I hope you sort it out. And don't forget to tell us what you did

 

.zoXan.

Thank you for your reply.

I have contacted Toshiba tech support. The rep said that the 4 beeps could refer either to a memory problem or to a system board problem and recommended that I take it to a authorized dealer for troubleshooting. As the notebook is about 1 and 1/2 years old, I would rather not have to pay just to have the problem diagnosed. Has anyone experienced this same problem before (ie. not booting with 4 beeps) and, if so, what was the cause?

Thanks

 

If it's memory problems, try removing one stick of RAM and boot with just one in(this is only when if you have two sticks of RAM). If you only have one stick of RAM,you could try swapping the slots. If nothing worked, try borrowing a stick or two from a friend. If your system boots up, then something's wrong with your RAM. Buying new RAM should sort that out. If it's a motherboard problem you have no choice but to get it fixed by Toshiba. Buying additional warranty might you help out in the future.

 

I ended up taking the Satellite A70 notebook to a Toshiba authorized dealer. They determined that it was the system board and it had to be replaced. They indicated that there was a great deal of dust and debris inside the case around the copper heat sink. This may have led to the failure. Apparently, there is no way to clear out dust and debris from the air flow path around the system board and heat sink for this Toshiba model without opening up the case and removing the system board. They recommended a yearly service on the notebook by an authorized Toshiba dealer (ie. them) to do this cleaning. Buyer beware! The big problem which I see with this model is the use of a desktop Pentium 4 processor which leads to great dfficulty for the cooling design.

P.S. They also had to replace the top cover which apparently was related to a recall notice for the Satellite A70.

 

That's too bad - I hope your notebook was repaired/fixed and is now useable!