If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.

Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see "Memory" on page 112).

Remove and then reinstall any cards (see "Cards" on page 116).

Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see "Cards" on page 116).

If the power light is steady amber, there may be a power problem or an internal device malfunction.

Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 107).

Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see "System Board Components" on page 107).

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 consists of repetitive three short beeps. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a possible motherboard failure.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

1Write down the beep code.

2Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 84).

Code

Description

Suggested Remedy

(repetitive short

 

 

beeps)

 

 

 

 

 

3

Possible motherboard

Contact Dell.

 

failure.

 

1

BIOS checksum

Contact Dell.

 

failure. Possible

 

 

motherboard failure.

 

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Troubleshooting Tools

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Dell 531S owner manual Beep Codes, Code Description Suggested Remedy Repetitive short Beeps