Dell Understanding Beep Codes and POST Codes for Dimension 4300 and 4300S

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Other failure.

See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Computer has started and turned over control to the operating system.

No action is necessary.

POST Beep Codes

If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during POST the computer might emit a series of beeps, or beep code, that identifies the problem. The POST beep codes are listed below.

Beep
Codes	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
1	A memory refresh failure occurred.	Reseat the memory modules.

2	Memory parity cannot be reset.	Reseat the memory modules.

3	A failure occurred in the first 64 KB of memory.	Reseat the memory modules.

4	The system timer is not operational.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
		assistance.
6	8042 Gate A20 cannot be toggled.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
		assistance.

7	An exception interrupt error occurred.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
		assistance.

8	A read/write error occurred in the display	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
	memory.	assistance.

10	A CMOS shutdown register test error occurred.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
		assistance.

11	An invalid BIOS is installed.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical
		assistance.

System Messages

Message	Possible Cause	Corrective Action

8042 Gate-A20 error	The keyboard controller failed its test.	If you receive this message after making changes in the system setup
		program, enter the program and restore the original value(s).

Address Line Short!	Error in the address decoding circuitry in the	Reseat the memory modules.
	memory.

C: Drive Error	The hard drive is not working or is not configured	Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined
	correctly.	correctly in the system setup program.
C: Drive Failure

Cache Memory Bad, Do	Cache memory is not operating.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
Not Enable Cache		technical assistance.

CH-2 Timer Error	An error is occurring on the timer on the system	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining
	board.	technical assistance.
CMOS Battery State	The system configuration information in the system	Enter the system setup program and verify the system configuration; then
Low	setup program is incorrect, or the battery charge	restart the computer.
	may be low.
CMOS Checksum Failure
CMOS System Options
Not Set
CMOS Display Type
Mismatch
CMOS Memory Size
Mismatch

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Contents Dell Dimension Hints, Notices, and CautionsAbbreviations and Acronyms Diagnostic Codes Diagnostic Code Definition Corrective ActionSystem Codes and Messages Message Possible Cause Corrective Action Post Beep CodesSystem Messages Beep Codes Possible Cause Corrective ActionPost Downloading the Tell Me How Help File and Associated Files DocumentationPrinted Documentation Online DocumentationAdding Parts Safety InstructionsWhen Using Your Computer When Working Inside Your ComputerReattaching the Front Door and Hinge Arms Shutting Down the ComputerReattaching the Hinge Arms Opening the Computer Cover Open the computer cover Adding CardsClose the computer cover Removing CardsAdding Memory Replacing an AGP Card Adding a Second Hard Drive Inch Devices Adding Other DrivesShut down the computer Inch Devices Replacing the Microprocessor Page Installing the Microprocessor Replacing the Power Supply Removing the Power SupplyRemoving the Front I/O Panel Replacing the Power Supply Replacing the System BoardRemoving the System Board Replacing the System Board Closing the Computer CoverPage Solving Problems Accessing Help FilesPower Problems If the screen is blank Start-Up Error MessagesVideo and Monitor Problems Adjust the Windows display settingsIf you cannot print to a USB printer Sound and Speaker ProblemsPrinter Problems If you cannot print to a parallel port printerControl Panel, double-clickPhone and Modem Options Scanner ProblemsModem Problems Verify that the modem is communicating with WindowsCheck the mouse settings Mouse ProblemsKeyboard Problems Drive ProblemsIf the CD-RW drive stops writing If you have a hard drive problemUnder Error-checking, click Check Now If you cannot play a DVD movieNetwork Problems Microsoft Windows Error MessagesGeneral Program Problems Internet Connection Problems Mail ProblemsResolving Other Technical Problems Click Properties Reinstalling DriversUsing the Windows XP Device Driver Rollback At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click NextWindows Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click SystemResolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Windows MeClick the System Restore tab Using System RestoreCreating a Restore Point Click Performance and MaintenanceRestoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Reinstalling Windows XPUndoing the Last System Restore Click Create a restore pointClick Next in the Welcome to Windows Me window Reinstalling Windows MeClick I accept the Agreement, and then click Next Reinstalling WindowsBack to Contents Specifications Technical SpecificationsControls and Lights PowerAudio3 VideoPage Overview System Setup ProgramViewing Settings System Setup Program ScreensOption Function PXE BIS Clearing Forgotten PasswordsTechnical Overview Internal View System Board Connectors and SocketsSocketed Microprocessor Power SupplyPin Number Signal name 18-AWG Wire DC Power ConnectorsDC Power Connector P2 DC Power Connectors P3, P5, P6, P8, and P9DC Power Connector P7 IDE Channel IDE Connector Location Dell Installed Drive IDE Interface Cable Connections for Dell-Installed DrivesPlacement of Dell-Installed Cards Pin Number Signal Name 22-AWG WireFront View Controls and LightsWindows Label Back ViewSerial Connector Hints, Notices, and Cautions Abbreviations and Acronyms