Dell 4100/200, 4100/180 manual System Beep Codes

System Beep Codes

When errors occur during a boot routine that cannot be reported on the monitor, the computer may emit a series of beeps that identify the problem. The beep code is a pat- tern 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 nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM). This information is valuable 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 Appendix A, and then look it up in Table 3-2. If you are unable to resolve the problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use the system diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, see Chap- ter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Table 3-2. System Beep Codes

Code	Cause	Action
1-2	Invalid expansion ROM checksum	An expansion card could be improperly seated
		or faulty. Ensure that all expansion cards are
		properly seated, then reboot the system. Refer to
		the documentation that came with the expansion
		card for troubleshooting information.
1-2-2-3	Invalid BIOS ROM checksum	Fatal error. This error usually requires that you
		replace the BIOS firmware. See Chapter 11,
		“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining
		technical assistance.
1-3-1-1	DRAM refresh failure	Remove and reseat the DIMMs. See “Installing
		DIMMs” and “Removing DIMMs” in Chapter 8.
		Reboot the system. If the problem persists, have
		the system board replaced. See Chapter 11,
		“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining
		technical assistance.
1-3-1-3	Keyboard controller error	Check the keyboard cable and connector for
		proper connection. If the problem persists, run
		the Keyboard Test Group in the system diagnos-
		tics to determine whether the keyboard or
		keyboard controller is faulty. See Chapter 5,
		“Running the System Diagnostics.”
1-3-3-1	No DIMM memory installed	Remove and reseat the DIMMs. See “Installing
		DIMMs” and “Removing DIMMs” in Chapter 8.
		If the problem persists, have the system board

replaced. See Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.

Messages and Codes 3-5