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Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-1
Chapter 3
Beep Codes and Error Messages
T
his chapter describes 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 sys-
tem error message to occur and the probable causes of the fault in each case.
If a faulty system does not emit beep codes or display system error messages to
indicate a failure, you should use the diskette-based diagnostics to run the
appropriate tests to help isolate the source of the problem. See “Running the
Diskette-Based 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 then 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 diskette-based diagnostics to assist in troubleshooting the
problem.
Table 3-1. POST Beep Codes
Beep Code Error Probable Causes
1-3 Monitor not detected Disconnected or faulty moni-
tor
1-1-3 NVRAM write/read failure Defective system board
1-1-4 BIOS checksum failure Faulty BIOS or defective sys-
tem board
1-2-1
1-2-2
1-2-3
Programmable interval-timer
failure
DMA initialization failure
DMA page register write/
read failure
Defective system board