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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.
Reseating the memory modules may fix the beep code errors in the following table. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
If you hear one of the following beep codes, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
configuration or compatibility
error exists.
l If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
A possible expansion card
failure has occurred.
1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card and then restarting the computer.
2. If the problem persists, reinstall the cards that you removed, remove a different card, and then
restart the computer.
3. Repeat this process for each card. 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, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Other failure has occurred.
l Ensure that the cables are properly connected from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive to the
system board.
l If there is an error message on your 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 The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive);
check system setup to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your
computer.
l If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
The computer is in a normal
operating condition after
POST.
None.
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
3-1-3
Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4
Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2
Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4
Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1
NVRAM power loss
3-3-2
NVRAM configuration
3-3-4
Video Memory Test failure