Lenovo ThinkCentre M51e, Quick Reference

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POST beep codes
Another way for POST to notify you of errors is through a series of audible
beeps. A beep pattern represents a numeric value and provides further
information about the location of a potential problem.
The following are the most common POST beep codes that you might hear
when starting your computer.
Beep pattern Description Action
1 long and 2 short
beeps
No on-screen message. Beeps
occur before video
initialization.
Remove and reinstall the dual
inline memory modules
(DIMMs).
If the problem persists, have the
computer serviced.
1 long beep followed
by a series of short
beeps
External ROM failure (such as
VGA)
If the problem persists, have the
computer serviced.
2 short beeps A POST error occurred. If you have changed the
hardware configuration, go into
the Setup Utility and exit to save
setting. Otherwise refer to error
code section to resolve error.
1 short - 3 short - 3
short - 1 short
No memory or no
configuration memory
Reinstall the memory.
If problem persists, replace the
memory.
Here are some general guidelines for working with POST beep codes:
v
Record any beep patterns that you hear. If you call for service, you will be
asked for the beep patterns.
v
If the beep pattern is not in this book, more in-depth troubleshooting is
required.
– If the operating system starts when you turn on your computer, use
Access IBM to learn how to run diagnostics and see the entire online
troubleshooting procedures.
– If the operating system will not start, have the computer serviced.
Chapter 5. Troubleshooting and diagnostics
29