Dell Dimension L Series, Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

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support.dell.com Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System Messages C-5
POST Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during POST the computer may emit
a series of beeps, or
beep code , that identifies the problem.
If your computer beeps 1, 2, or 3 times, reseat the DIMMs as described in “Reseat- MMs as described in “Reseat-
ing DIMMs” in Chapter 6. If your computer beeps four times or more, refer to
Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
System Messages
The first column in Table C-2 lists system messages that may appear on the screen
during the start-up routine or during normal system operation. The second column in
the table lists probable causes of the messages, and the third column either provides
a corrective action or refers you to a source for resolving the problem.
Table C-2. System Messages
Message Possible Cause Corrective Action
8042 Gate-A20
Error
The keyboard controller
failed its test. If you receive this message after
making changes in the system
setup program, enter the pro-
gram and restore the original
value(s).
If the problem persists, you may
have to replace the keyboard or
system board. Refer to Chapter 7,
“Getting Help,” for instructions
Getting Help,” for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
Address Line
Short!
Error in the address
decoding circuitry in the
memory. Reseat the DIMMs as described
in “Reseating DIMMs” in
Chapter 6. Make sure that there
ke sure that there
is no contamination in the DIMM
socket.
If the problem persists, refer to
Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
C: Drive
Error
C: Drive
Failure
The hard-disk drive is not
working or is not config-
ured correctly. Refer to “Drives” in Chapter 6. If
the problem persists, refer to
Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” for
Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
NOTE: The Glossary in the system Help defines abbreviations and acronyms.