Beep Codes and Error Messages
3-1
Chapter 3
Beep Codes and Error Messages
T
his chapter lists beep codes and system error messages that can occur during
system start-up or, in the case of some failures, during normal system operation.
The tables in this chapter list faults that can cause a beep code or system error
message to occur.
If a faulty system does not emit beep codes or display system error messages to
indicate a failure, you should use the CD-based diagnostics to run the appropri-
ate tests to help isolate the source of the problem. See “Running the System
Diagnostics” in Chapter 2.
P
OST Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display error messages during the POST, the system may
emit a series of beeps that identifies the problem or that can help you identify a
faulty component or assembly. Table 3-1 lists the beep codes that may be gener-
ated during the POST. Most beep codes indicate a fatal error that prevents the
system from completing the boot routine until the indicated condition is
corrected.
When the system emits a beep code, record the code and find it in
Table 3-1. If the table does not lead to the source of the problem, run the appro-
priate tests in the CD-based diagnostics to assist in troubleshooting the problem.
Table 3-1. Beep Codes
Beep Code
Error
1
Refresh failure
2
Parity cannot be reset
3
First 64 KB memory failure
4
Timer not operational
5
Microprocessor failure
6
8042 Gate A20 is off (v_mode)
7
Exception interrupt error
8
Display memory read/write error
9
ROM checksum error
