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.
A possible graphics card failure has occurred.
lIf the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it and then restart
the computer.
lIf the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart
the computer.
lIf the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell (see
your computer Owner's Manual for information about contacting Dell).
A possible floppy or hard drive failure has
occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
A possible USB failure has occurred.
Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
No memory modules are detected.
lIf you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall
one module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall
an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled
all modules without error.
lIf available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for
information about contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected, but a
memory configuration or compatibility error
exists.
lEnsure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements
exist (see "Memory").
lVerify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your
computer (see "Memory").
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for
information about contacting Dell).
A possible expansion card failure has
occurred.
1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) (see "Cards")
and restarting the computer.
2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card 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 computer Owner's Manual).
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for
information about contacting Dell).
Another failure has occurred.
lEnsure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard
drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
lIf 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.
lThe operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive
or hard drive); check system setup to ensure that the boot sequence is correct for
the devices installed on your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for
information about contacting Dell).
The computer is in a normal operating
condition after POST.
NOTE: The diagnostic lights are not lit after
the system successfully boots to the
operating system.
None.
Code
Cause
1-1-2
Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3
NVRAM read/write failure
1-1-4
ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1
Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2
DMA initialization failure
1-2-3
DMA page register read/write failure
1-3
Video Memory Test failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4
Memory not being properly identified or used
3-1-1
Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2
Master DMA register failure
3-1-3
Master interrupt mask register failure