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Advanced Troubleshooting
Dell™ Dimension™ 2300
Beep Codes
System Messages
Using System Restore
Drivers
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP
Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display errors or problems during POST, the computer might emit a series of beeps (a beep code) that identifies the problem.
Reseating the memory modules may fix the POST beep code errors listed below. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Code | Cause |
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1 long beep; | Memory is not installed or is not detected. |
1 short beep |
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1 long beep; | Memory is detected, but a memory failure has occurred. |
2 short beeps |
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1 long beep; | Memory is detected, but is incompatible with the computer. |
3 short beeps |
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If you hear one of the following POST beep codes, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Code | Cause |
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2 long beeps; | CMOS checksum error |
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1 short beep |
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2 long beeps; | Video subsystem failure |
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2 short beeps |
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2 long beeps; | IDE subsystem failure |
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3 short beeps |
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3 long beeps; | USB |
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1 short beep |
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System Messages
Message | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
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CMOS Checksum Error | A defective device or power surge can cause | See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining |
| checksum errors. | technical assistance. |
CPU fan not detected | The microprocessor fan cable is not plugged in or is | Ensure that the microprocessor fan is connected to the fan connector on the |
| defective. | system board. |
Floppy Not Detected | The floppy drive cable may be disconnected or | Ensure that the cable properly connects the floppy drive to the system board. |
| damaged. |
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Keyboard not detected | The keyboard is not detected. | Ensure that the keyboard is connected correctly and is not damaged. |
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Memory Size has | A memory size change occurred. | Reseat the memory modules. |
changed |
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Memory Test failed | The memory does not pass the memory test. | Reseat the memory modules. |
No Boot Device | The BIOS does not detect a bootable device. | Verify the boot sequence in the system setup program. |
Detected |
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S.M.A.R.T Advisory | A | See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining |
Error |
| technical assistance. |
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Using System Restore
The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See Windows Help for information on using System Restore.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.