Dell 200, 4100, 180 service manual Post Beep Codes

Chapter 3

Beep Codes and Error Messages

This chapter describes beep codes and system error messages that can occur during system start-up or, in the case of some failures, during normal system operation. The tables in this chapter list faults that can cause a beep code or sys- tem error message to occur and the probable causes of the fault in each case.

If a faulty system does not emit beep codes or display system error messages to indicate a failure, you should use the CD-based diagnostics to run the appropri- ate tests to help isolate the source of the problem. See “Running the System Diagnostics” in Chapter 2.

POST Beep Codes

If the monitor cannot display error messages during the POST, the system may emit a series of beeps that identifies the problem or that can help you identify a faulty component or assembly. Table 3-1 lists the beep codes that may be gener- ated during the POST. Most beep codes indicate a fatal error that prevents the system from completing the boot routine until the indicated condition is corrected.

When the system emits a beep code, record the code and then find it in

Table 3-1. If the table does not lead to the source of the problem, run the appro- priate tests in the CD-based diagnostics to assist in troubleshooting the problem.

Table 3-1. Beep Codes

Beep Code	Error	Probable Causes
1-2	Invalid expansion-card	Improperly seated expan-
	ROM checksum	sion card, or system needs to
		be rebooted.
1-2-2-3	Invalid BIOS ROM	Corrupted BIOS firmware
	checksum	or defective system board.
1-3-1-1	DRAM refresh failure	Defective DIMMs or system
		board. Reseat DIMMs or
		replace system board.
1-3-1-3	Keyboard controller	Defective DIMMs or system
	error	board. Reseat DIMMs or
		replace system board.

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-1