Beep Codes and System Messages C-1

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Your applications, the operating system, and the computer itself can provide you with
error and status information in the form of beep codes that sound through the com-
puter’s speaker or messages that appear on the monitor screen. This appendix
documents the beep codes and system messages generated by the system basic
input/output system (BIOS). For other messages, refer to the documentation for your
application or operating system.

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If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during power-on self-test (POST) the
computer may emit a series of beeps, or
beep code
, that identifies the problem. For
example, one beep, a burst of three short beeps, and two more single beeps (beep
code 1-3-1-1) means that the system has encountered a dynamic random-access
memory (DRAM) refresh error condition.
NOTE: It is normal for the computer to emit a single beep during the boot routine. If
the boot routine completes successfully, this single beep is not considered a beep
code.
If the system emits a beep code and then fails to boot, write down the beep code,
look it up in Table C-1, and record the cause. Then refer to Chapter 8, “Getting Help,”
for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
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1-2 Video card not present Reseat the video card as
described in “Expansion Cards”
in Chapter 6.
1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum error Refer to Chapter 8, “Getting
Help,” for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
NOTE: The Glossary in the
Online Guide
defines abbreviations and acronyms.