[ddie]

I have a SONY VAIO VGC LT10 Desktop Computer (all-in-one, no tower) and it has been working fine for the past two years until recently I tried restarting it and instead of restarting like it it normally does, it just gave me blank screen with 3 beeps (1 long and 2 short). The computer still boots as l see the green light over the power button and can still here the log-in sounds. I have tried going into BIOS by pressing F2 while booting my computer and it worked so I started Windows and used the computer for a couple minutes and restarted it again. Ever since then i have been getting my initial problem of a blank screen and 3 beeps. Please help!!

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Below is a general list on beep codes, some motherboards may be different.

Beep Codes:

No Beeps: Short, No power, Bad CPU/MB, Loose Peripherals

One Beep: Everything is normal and Computer Posted fine

Two Beeps: POST/CMOS Error

One Long Beep, One Short Beep: Motherboard Problem

One Long Beep, Two Short Beeps: Video Problem

One Long Beep, Three Short Beeps: Video Problem

Three Long Beeps: Keyboard Error

Repeated Long Beeps: Memory Error

Continuous Hi-Lo Beeps: CPU Overheating

From the symptoms you are describing (still hearing the log-on sounds) and in agreement with the beep codes list I have, I would have to guess that your video card or integrated video card on the motherboard has gone bad.

It would appear after some research that if you go to THIS LINK and click on the "marketing Specifications" link that you will see that you have a mobile video card which are often harder (if not impossible) to replace (similar if not the same as laptop configuration). I'm not the greatest with laptop type configurations, but it seems it's not good news for you. I believe these are part of the motherboard. Also, I don't see anywhere in the specifications that there is a AGP, PCI, or PCI-Express slot to install a separate dedicated video card.

[Ferrari]

Below is a general list on beep codes, some motherboards may be different.

Beep Codes:

No Beeps: Short, No power, Bad CPU/MB, Loose Peripherals

One Beep: Everything is normal and Computer Posted fine

Two Beeps: POST/CMOS Error

One Long Beep, One Short Beep: Motherboard Problem

One Long Beep, Two Short Beeps: Video Problem

One Long Beep, Three Short Beeps: Video Problem

Three Long Beeps: Keyboard Error

Repeated Long Beeps: Memory Error

Continuous Hi-Lo Beeps: CPU Overheating

From the symptoms you are describing (still hearing the log-on sounds) and in agreement with the beep codes list I have, I would have to guess that your video card or integrated video card on the motherboard has gone bad.

It would appear after some research that if you go to THIS LINK and click on the "marketing Specifications" link that you will see that you have a mobile video card which are often harder (if not impossible) to replace (similar if not the same as laptop configuration). I'm not the greatest with laptop type configurations, but it seems it's not good news for you. I believe these are part of the motherboard. Also, I don't see anywhere in the specifications that there is a AGP, PCI, or PCI-Express slot to install a separate dedicated video card.

[ddie]

Thank you for your reply Ferrari.
Does this mean that it cannot be fixed even I take it to a Sony Service Centre?

[Ferrari]

Does this mean that it cannot be fixed even I take it to a Sony Service Centre?

It may be able to be fixed, as I'm not 100% familiar with how video cards in a laptop type configuration are set up. It may mean replacing it, or it may mean replacing the motherboard.

In either case, I think the next step for you (and I totally realize you came here for free tech support) is to take it to a reputable or trusted professional/company in your area. I know since it's a mobile card they don't really make universal cards for that machine/motherboard. It will have to be the exact setup and fit to the housing of the all-in-one. They will be able to assist you and I think it's always best to weigh your options of "What does this repair cost vs. What will a new computer cost".

Sorry for the bad news, I hope things work out better. You never know, it could turn out to be something simple.

EDIT: Something I didn't cover is that since you hear the log on, it simply means you are not getting video. It may mean a bad screen or display. I doubt it because of the beep code you gave me because that comes from the motherboard not recognizing the card, or noticing a problem with it, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Edited by Ferrari, 28 March 2010 - 10:57 PM.

[Sequoya]

Thank you for your posting Ferrari. I needed to make some adjustments to my VAIO All In One VGCLT10E and your link was of great help!