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 one long beep and then two short beeps. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory
test failure.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1. Write down the beep code on the Diagnostics Checklist. The Diagnostics Checklist is located in your Owner's Manual.
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. See Dell Diagnostics.
3. Contact Dell for technical assistance. For information about contacting Dell, see your Owner's Manual.
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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 (see Memory), 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
(see Memory).
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell. For information about contacting Dell, see your
Owner's Manual.
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. For information about contacting Dell, see your
Owner's Manual.
A possible expansion card failure has
occurred.
1. Determine whether a conflict exists by removing a card and restarting the computer
(see Cards).
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.
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell. For information about contacting Dell, see your
Owner's Manual.
Routine system activity subsequent to video
initialization.
Watch your monitor for on-screen messages.
System resource configuration in progress.
None.
System board failure has occurred.
Contact Dell. For information about contacting Dell, see your Owner's Manual.
During normal operation, all of the diagnostic
lights turn on and then turn off before the
system starts.
NOTE: If all of the diagnostic lights are on
and the system does not start, there may be
a problem with the power supply or with the
processor.
If the system does not start, plug the computer into a working electrical outlet. Also see
System Lights.
If there are no power problems and the system does not start, contact Dell. For information
about contacting Dell, see your Owner's Manual.
Code
Cause
2 short, 1 long
BIOS checksum error
1 long, 2 short
Memory test failure (bad memory during memory sizing)
1 long, 3 short, 2 short
No memory
1 short
F12 key pressed