Filter
Top Products
Troubleshooting Your Computer 3-7
System Beep Codes
When errors occur during the boot routine that cannot be
reported on the built-in display or on an external monitor
(if attached), the computer may emit a series of beeps that
identify the problem. The beep code is a pattern of
sounds: for example, one beep, followed by a second
beep, and then a burst of three beeps (code 1-1-3) means
that the computer was unable to read the data in non-
volatile random-access memory (NVRAM). This
information is important to the Dell support staff if you
need to call for technical assistance.
When a beep code is emitted, write it down on a copy of
the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, and then
look it up in Table 3-3. If you are unable to resolve the
problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use
the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause.
(See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) If you
are still unable to resolve the problem, call Dell for tech-
nical assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
CMOS battery
is dead—
Replace and
run Setup
The CMOS battery does not
have enough charge to
power the computer.
Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chap-
ter 5, “Getting Help.”)
System cache
error—cache
disabled
The primary cache internal
to the microprocessor has
failed.
Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chap-
ter 5, “Getting Help.”)
System CMOS
checksum bad—
run Setup
The BIOS has been updated.
CMOS has been corrupted or
modified, possibly by an
application program that
changes data stored in
CMOS.
Reboot the computer and press <F2> to enter the Setup pro-
gram and reconfigure the system. If the problem persists, call
Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5,
“Getting Help.”)
System RAM
failed at off-
set:
nnnn
System RAM failed at
address nnnn in the 64-KB
block at which the error was
detected.
Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chap-
ter 5, “Getting Help.”)
System timer
error
A chip on the system board
may be malfunctioning.
Run the System Set test group and the Keyboard Controller
Test in the Dell Diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4,
“Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)
Table 3-2. System Error Messages
(continued)
Message Cause Action
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide.
55899BK1.BK : 55899c31.fm Page 7 Wednesday, February 4, 1998 1:20 PM