compaq presario 1800-XL1 notebook

[bbmalibu_81]

I am trying to dual boot 1800 with Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0.
Spatially, I have been able to power correctly which installed Windows NT. When I powerup, the machine gives me 1 long beep and two short beeps. The video is not acting right. Any suggestions?

[YODA74]

one long - two short= Video (EGA) display circuitry error.
and most other bios are the same with that persession of beeps

Not sure how to diagnose a lap top? never had one if you can check the vid. card if it has one it may be going or knocked loose or go into CMOS by way of Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del? and see what you have going on if that is your entry code? Sorry not much help with laps. Hang on there are a Few who do though.

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Treading,Troden,Trails
HERE (http://www.davematthewsband.com)

[Whyzman]

Hello bbmalibu_81,

Welcome to PC Guide Forums!

Your Compaq might be exhibiting some "proprietary" behavior. It's possible that the Vid Card is not compatible with WinNT. Hang on there are some "Masters" here who will know!

Here's the Compaq Post Code you discribed:

402 - Monochrome 1 Long, Monochrome display Replace the
Adapter 2 Short controller. monochrome
Failure display
controller.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
501 - Display 1 Long, Video display Replace the
Adapter Failure 2 Short controller. video board.


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May all your dealings in life be win/win!

Whyzman

[This message has been edited by Whyzman (edited 11-27-2001).]

[Chroniss]

reviving this ancient thread...

I ussually get the one long two short. Every once in awhile just the one long. either way no display even when plugged in via VGA port.

When it does work it works fine. When it corrupts either the screen goes pure white or wierd color distortions.

Anyways, to my question. I've searched a bunch and theres really not much info on this laptop, would anyone happen to know where the display adapter is located on this thing (same computer). Its gotta be on the motherboard but i cant find it, I've removed almost every part but I still have a few pieces that refuse to budge. Is there a picture outlining this laptops motherboard, or anything would be helpfull.

[nyogski]

hi there. i also have the problem as yours. I also tried to plug several monitors to it..... this problem reoccured for 3x now. The first time i had this problem i dont know what to do.... i just waited for weeks, trying to turn it on and off hoping that one time it might just go...... but it happenned the monitor just pop up a display.... the first display said that the software or hardware needs an update and asked me to visit the microsoft update site... so i did, with a fear that if i dont, i may have the same problem when i turn my laptop off.... So i updated it.... it was doin ok for weeks, then it happenned again , this time for 2 days only.... so same procedure was asked. after that i was able to use it properly for 2 months without any bumps... then it turned blank again suddenly... until now i dont have any clue what to do....... i also have 2 short beeps when i tried to open it.... do you already have some things for this problem of yours maybe you can help me with this... when you find some solution for this...... ill give you updates if i also have some updates ... thanks guys....

[tonnyx]

I too have this problem. Has anyone had success in dealing with it?

This problem is fairly intermittent, and if I try enough times, it will eventually boot up correctly, after which I leave it on for as long as possible. I'm afraid, though, that it will either get worse, or, will fail at some crucial time.

[Puter Padowan]

Yes, 1 long beep and two short definitely mean that you have a display error.

When it comes to notebooks, unfortunately everything is built onto the main board. So if a device such as the Vid display fails, normally they (Compaq in this case) would just replace the mother board which would have a new working (hopefully =) ) on board display device.

The best thing to do is to contact Compaq support and see how much it would be. Any service center you would bring it to will just send it back to Compaq anyway and then charge YOU more than compaq would directly (For the service of course)

Keep us updated on what's going on... any improvements at all? Any changes?