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. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) 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.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1. Write down the beep code on the Diagnostics Checklist.
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see Dell Diagnostics).
3. Contact Dell for technical assistance (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected, but a
memory configuration or compatibility error
exists.
l Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements
exist (see Memory).
l Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your
computer (see Memory).
l If the problem persists, (see Contacting Dell).
A failure has occurred.
This pattern also displays when you enter
system setup and may not indicate a
problem (see System Setup).
l Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard
drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
l Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.
l If the problem persists, (see Contacting Dell).
After POST is complete, all four diagnostic
lights turn green briefly before turning off
to indicate normal operating condition.
Microprocessor register failure
ROM BIOS checksum failure
Programmable interval timer failure
DMA initialization failure
DMA page register read/write failure
Video Memory test failure
Memory not being properly identified or used
Slave DMA register failure
Master DMA register failure
Master interrupt mask register failure
Slave interrupt mask register failure
Interrupt vector loading failure
Keyboard Controller test failure
Invalid NVRAM configuration
Video Memory test failure
Screen initialization failure
Search for video ROM failure
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
Timer-chip counter 2 failure
Time-of-day clock stopped
Serial or parallel port test failure
Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
Math-coprocessor test failure
