Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies
a problem. For example, beep code 1-3-1 (one possible beep code) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you
that the computer encountered a memory problem.
Reseating the memory modules may correct the following beep code errors. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
If you experience any of the following beep code errors, see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory failure has
occurred.
l
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
Removing Memory
), then
reinstall one module (see
Installing Memory
) and restart the computer. If the computer starts
normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a
faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
l
If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see
Installing Memory
).
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
).
A possible graphics card failure
has occurred.
l
Reseat any installed graphics cards (see
Cards
).
l
If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
).
A possible floppy drive or hard
drive failure has occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables.
A possible USB failure has
occurred.
Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.
No memory modules are
detected.
l
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
Removing Memory
), then
reinstall one module (see
Installing Memory
) and restart the computer. If the computer starts
normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a
faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
l
If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see
Installing Memory
).
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory configuration or
compatibility error has occurred.
l
Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see
Memory
).
l
Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see
Memory
).
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
).
A possible expansion card failure
has occurred.
1.
Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting
the computer (see
Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards
).
2.
If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove a different card and restart
the computer.
3.
Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the computer starts normally,
troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving
Software and Hardware Incompatibilities" in your
Owner's Manual
).
4.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
).
Another failure has occurred.
l
Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD drive cables are properly connected to the system board
(see
System Board Components
).
l
If there is an error message on the screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the
floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
l
If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or CD/DVD
drive); check system setup (see
System Setup
) to ensure the boot sequence is correct for the
devices installed on your computer.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual
).
Code
Cause
1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used
4-3-1
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
Code
Cause
1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3 NVRAM
1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1 Programmable interval timer
1-2-2 DMA initialization failure
1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure
3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2 Master DMA register failure
